Time for progress in AFL, on the double
Scheduling two games back to back would give the sport in Cairns a healthy kick along
IT is double-header time for AFL Cairns.
Earlier this year, league headquarters unveiled a progressive draw for 2017, shifting away from the traditional 3pm Saturday timeslot, with more Sunday fixtures, Saturday twilight games and Friday evening contests this season.
The hierarchy of AFL Cairns have shown they are keen to try new things to help promote the game in the Far North.
Let’s make the next step double-headers. Let’s play two senior games back to back. Or maybe three, why not?
In Darwin, they will often play triple-headers at the marquee venue TIO stadium in the NTFL.
Usually the Tiwi Bombers, who need to get back to the islands that night, start with the 2pm game, followed by a 4.30pm game and then finishing with a 7pm contest under lights.
The stands at TIO Stadium, which holds 14,000, are rarely full but a steady stream of six different clubs at the ground throughout the day makes it feel and sound full at times.
The Anzac Day crowd at Fretwell Park was strong with both elevated viewing areas as well as the hill on the far wing fairly full for the stand-alone game. But, across the board through the first month or so of the season, crowds have been a bit light on. Grounds have not been empty but they What do you think of this? @jgerrans Tell us what you think could have been fuller, which is always more noticeable at Cazalys Stadium.
There are several coaches and players who have floated the idea of double-headers in the early stages of 2017.
Cazalys Stadium would be the obvious home for any double-headers but with Watsons Oval’s lights, there is always the option to play games at North Cairns’ home ground.
A double or triple-header, while it would be a great spectacle of Far North footy, does create a few queries.
What do you do with the reserves?
How do you even out the bar and canteen takings so Manunda, or whoever is the host club, does not take the monopoly and leave the other clubs out of pocket?
AFL Cairns Junior Youth Girls under-17.5’s play doubleheaders on Wednesday night at Cazalys Stadium and from what I saw last Wednesday, there was a healthy crowd cheering on the next generation of AFLW players. And, guess what? If it is tried in the AFL Cairns Seniors and it does not work, we can always go back to Saturday 3pm.
But, let’s give it a go first.