Stakeholders prepare to let go of AFL showpiece — for a price
THE AFL’s negotiations to shift the grand final interstate could include moves to extend the MCG’s grand final contract for another season or hand the ground an improved fixture in coming seasons.
The AFL, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Victorian government will soon enter negotiations, as the inevitable decision to move the game — most likely to Queensland — draws nearer.
The Victorian government and MCC paid a significant sum in 2018 to extend the contract for the MCG to host the grand final until 2057.
So while the MCC would be expected to eventually relent to allow the game to be moved, all parties will need to broker a sensible agreement.
But the league’s imminent decision to shift the decider — likely to the Gabba — will only solidify its future at the MCG in coming decades.
The league could offer the MCC an extension on the deal through to 2058 or could hand it several more blockbuster games in coming seasons as part of the negotiation. Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula will in coming weeks begin negotiations that would allow the game to be shifted.
Queensland is desperate to secure the grand final and, while Western Australia has expressed interest, no official submission has been lodged for a game at Optus Stadium.
The only factor to drag the game away from Queensland would be increased COVID case numbers, which might keep crowd numbers at the Gabba low and restrict lucrative ticket revenue. If Perth’s
Optus Stadium could offer a full house of nearly 60,000 while only a few thousand were to be allowed into a Gabba contest, it would be a tough decision for the AFL.
The AFL makes around $12 million in ticket sales from the grand final and also puts on the lucrative September Club functions. The league would want to recoup much of that money in a bidding war between state governments.
The league could also offer Queensland a package that included the Brownlow Medal, and potentially even December’s
St Kilda players celebrate after a goal against Port Adelaide in the ”third Test”. Picture: SARAH REED
national draft. But, amid strong lobbying by interstate football fans to share the grand final between states, the lost money would have to be recouped by the MCC, which has obligations to MCC and AFL members.
The lost 2020 grand final will only make it more intent on keeping a watertight contract to host the decider through to 2057. That contract was extended in 2018 as part of a state government deal that poured $225 million dollars into Victorian venues including Marvel Stadium. *Limit one redemption per eligible member. Limited to first 5,000 each month. Offer of books featured ends 31 July 2020 or while stocks last. Provided you remain a member. Member must register with Kobo to take up this offer.