This, unfortunately, is not a Richmond issue (I wish it was!!), but I reckon it's worth a mention because I think I've thought of a way that the AFL could work their way out of their quandary re: the "must have a final at the MCG each week" debacle.
Firstly, I'm an MCC Member. I love going into the Members Stand, and I use the facility whenever I can. And it costs me pretty big money to do so each year. But to force an interstate club like Brisbane, Port, Adelaide or whoever to play a "home" final, particularly one which wins them the right to go into the Grand Final, is just plain ridiculous.
So here's my suggestion.
The AFL introduce a third final in Preliminary Final week - what we might call a playoff for 5th and 6th. If the two higher placed teams happen to be interstate teams, as it appears may occur this year, give them a REAL home Preliminary Final, and play the "other" final for 5th and 6th place at the 'G.
The chances of ALL six top teams being from interstate are very slim, but in the very unlikely event that this happens, having to play off for 5th at the 'G would not disturb an interstate team nearly as much as being forced interstate for a Preliminary Final.
So this year maybe Essendon could play Melbourne at the 'G on the Friday night of Prelim Final week for the honor of finishing 5th and 6th ... 50,000 punters rock up for a last look at their team ... The MCC get their Melbourne final, and everbody's happy.
You heard it first here ....
Firstly, I'm an MCC Member. I love going into the Members Stand, and I use the facility whenever I can. And it costs me pretty big money to do so each year. But to force an interstate club like Brisbane, Port, Adelaide or whoever to play a "home" final, particularly one which wins them the right to go into the Grand Final, is just plain ridiculous.
So here's my suggestion.
The AFL introduce a third final in Preliminary Final week - what we might call a playoff for 5th and 6th. If the two higher placed teams happen to be interstate teams, as it appears may occur this year, give them a REAL home Preliminary Final, and play the "other" final for 5th and 6th place at the 'G.
The chances of ALL six top teams being from interstate are very slim, but in the very unlikely event that this happens, having to play off for 5th at the 'G would not disturb an interstate team nearly as much as being forced interstate for a Preliminary Final.
So this year maybe Essendon could play Melbourne at the 'G on the Friday night of Prelim Final week for the honor of finishing 5th and 6th ... 50,000 punters rock up for a last look at their team ... The MCC get their Melbourne final, and everbody's happy.
You heard it first here ....
