Richmond to push for Anzac Eve match on Monday night in fixture requestJON RALPH
Herald Sun
July 22, 2016 RICHMOND says it is determined to continue the tradition of its Anzac Eve clash with Melbourne next year despite the game falling on a Monday night.
The Tigers and Melbourne were initially rebuffed on their concept game but have quickly turned it into a roaring success.
This year’s game on a Sunday night drew an exceptional crowd of 59,968 given that timeslot is normally an attendance dead zone.
The league has asked for club submissions on next year’s fixture, with the Essendon-Collingwood clash to played on Tuesday April 25.
Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said both clubs believed they could work around a Monday night.
“We have spoken to Melbourne and we are committed to it and really want to build upon the game,’’ he said.
“We think a Monday night is manageable with the fixture for the next weekend and we got nearly 60,000 to a Sunday night this year.”
In its first year in 2015 the game drew 58,175 on a Friday night, with both crowds well up on recent averages between the teams.
Melbourne and Richmond believe the game only adds to the Anzac spirit rather than steals the thunder from the following day’s clash.
“It really shines a light on military sacrifice and compliments Anzac Day,’’ Gale said.
“Both clubs are really proud to pay a part in recognising those who sacrificed so much in all conflicts and Anzac Day.”
Melbourne captain Nathan Jones said this week his club’s fiercest rival had become Richmond given those Anzac eve games.
Clubs have been told to submit requests for a 2017 season that will start on March 23 and culminate in a Saturday September 30 Grand Final.
North Melbourne is adamant if the league ticks off on Good Friday they should be included, with the Western Bulldogs and Carlton also interested.
The Blues believe given their Round 1 Thursday night game and Good Friday are weeks apart for the foreseeable future they could play both games.
Gale has been publicly linked to the Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive role that will be vacated by retiring boss Stephen Gough.
But it is understood he has unfinished business at Richmond, which has big decisions to make about its list and coaches at season’s end.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-to-push-for-anzac-eve-match-on-monday-night-in-fixture-request/news-story/8271a87449ae73c069d8bd9aed4d75a4
