GRAND FINAL CLASH LOOMS

THE Bellarine and GDFL grand finals look set to clash next year in a scenario both league bosses admit is not ideal.

The BFL started a week early this year to take advantage of the Easter weekend in late March, but both leagues look set to kick off on April 6 next year.

The GDFL will take Easter and interleague weekends off next year, while the Bellarine will play Easter, have interleague weekend off and have another bye later in the season, meaning both leagues’ grand finals will fall on September 14.

“I know in the past that Bellarine have played (a grand final) on a Sunday, but it’s unlikely we’ll do it (next) year,” AFL Barwon region general manager Will McGregor said.

“I agree that I don’t think it is ideal. But, in saying that, they are two different population demographics, and hopefully they draw differing crowds.”

GDFL president Neville Whitley said the idea of playing his league’s decider on the AFL Grand Final Friday public holiday “hadn’t gained a lot of support”.

Whitley said draft fixtures had the two local grand finals colliding.

“It’s disappointing from our point of view because they normally finish a week earlier than us,” he said. “We’re hoping the Bellarine will change. (A Sunday GDFL grand final) could be the alternative, or they could go Sunday. They’re the ones clashing with us.”