One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on June 08, 2012, 02:39:00 AM
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AFL players are increasingly optimistic of winning a second bye next season, bringing into question the use of the MCG for the opening round.
AFL Players' Association executive Ian Prendergast said there were "some positive noises coming out of the AFL", after a meeting with league officials yesterday at which a two-bye season was discussed.
The AFL does not want the season to extend into October and Prendergast said that would mean starting the season a week earlier, when the MCG is still in the custody of Cricket Victoria.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/afl-admits-fixtures-a-worry-for-players/story-e6frf9jf-1226388074767
I can't see the AFL giving up a opening round 'blockbuster' now that we're on the march.
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FFS play 22 rounds and get over it. Pack of girls. :lol
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Move the blockbuster to fRIDAY NIGHT round 2, it will still be the first game on the G for the year and we get to keep the higher revenue which is the purpose of this opening blockbuster anyway.
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Docklands may host opener :o
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/138112/default.aspx
30,000 fans plan to watch the game at Hungry Jacks in Southern Cross Station
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Why can't they make the season go one week longer? The start of the cricket season being moved to other grounds is far easier than moving the final game of the cricket season. I'm not even sure that the cricket starts that close to the end of the AFL season. Politics at its best.
If no games can be played at the MCG then they should change the opening round opponents for us to another smaller drawing crowd and (as Rodger suggested) play our next game against the Baggers at the 'G. Next years game will probably draw an even larger crowd than this year so why lock out 35+ thousand supporters. Makes no sense. >:(
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Its Carlton's president being quoted in the article but it effects us. I hope they can keep it at the MCG.
CARLTON president Stephen Kernahan says he plans to meet with the AFL next week to voice his opposition at the idea of moving the Blues' traditional round one clash with Richmond away from the MCG.
Kernahan was responding to earlier comments from AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou that the season-opener may need to move to Etihad Stadium because of player demands for two mid-season byes.
The only way to accommodate an extra bye in the 2013 fixture would be to bring the start of the season forward, meaning the MCG would be unavailable for round one.
"It's been an institution playing Carlton versus Richmond in the opening game of the season, and if they give them two byes, it means we can't get onto the MCG in the first round of the year," Kernahan said at the Blues' pre-game function at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
"Well, the chief (Carlton CEO Greg Swann) and I will be fighting that vigorously.
"I'll be seeing them (the AFL) this week, and we'll be playing at the MCG in the season opener."
Earlier on Friday, MCC chief executive Stephen Gough said he would respect the League's decision if it decided to start the season a week earlier, away from the MCG.
"I have no control over that, there are parties that have contracts over that which I must respect," Gough said.
"For many, many years, maybe as far back as time goes, the contracts for playing of sport at the MCG have been six months cricket, six months football."
Cricket Victoria wants to keep the ground available in case the Bushrangers reach the final of the Sheffield Shield.
Etihad Stadium has welcomed the idea of hosting the marquee match of the opening round.
"We're a venue for hire and there are contractual obligations that both us and the AFL attempt to facilitate," spokesman Bill Lane told AFL.com.au.
"In this instance, of course we'd be happy to accommodate any request that came our way."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/138163/default.aspx
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Lol sticks
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Blues-Tigers 2013 opener could move to Etihad Stadium
Michael Warner
From: Herald Sun
June 09, 2012
CARLTON and Richmond have slammed AFL threats to switch their season-opening blockbuster from the MCG to Etihad Stadium.
League chief Andrew Demetriou said yesterday he was prepared to make the move to cater for two mid-season breaks.
AFL players are pushing for a second bye in 2013, a move the league supports.
But the MCG is not available for footy until the end of March because of cricket contracts.
The AFL does not want to extend the season into October, preferring an earlier start in March at the end of the cricket season.
It would leave Etihad as the only available venue for the Blues-Tigers showdown.
But Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said it would be totally unacceptable.
"The Round 1 fixture between Carlton and Richmond has attracted an average attendance of almost 75,000 over the past six seasons," Gale said yesterday.
"It's a game both clubs have worked hard to develop and a game that supporters of both clubs embrace and the MCG is where it should be played.
"To switch one of the largest drawing fixtures of the season to Etihad would mean an enormous number of Richmond and Carlton fans would not be able to attend ... and that would be totally unacceptable to the club and our members and fans."
Carlton CEO Greg Swann said: "It's simply not an option.
"We worked closely with Richmond to build up the season-opener and with crowds averaging in excess of 74,000, it must be played at the MCG."
Etihad Stadium spokesman Bill Lane said the venue was open for business.
"We are a venue for hire and if it turns out that Round 1 commences earlier than usual, we would be available to host whichever matches the AFL sees fit," Lane said.
Cricket chiefs have advised the Melbourne Cricket Club that they plan to exercise their right to use the MCG until the end of March next year.
The summer code has exclusive use of the ground between October 1 and March 31 under the terms of a longstanding deal with the MCC, the ground's controller.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/blues-tigers-2013-opener-could-move-to-etihad-stadium/story-e6frepf6-1226389499044
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Dockland move not on: rivals
Jared Lynch
The Age
June 9, 2012
RICHMOND and Carlton have flatly rejected an offer from the AFL to host their traditional season-opener at Etihad Stadium next year - a move that would be necessary if the season was to start a week early to accommodate the players' request for two byes.
The AFL hopes to shift the clash from the MCG to the Docklands to cater for an earlier start to the season and with the MCG still required for cricket.
But both clubs said thousands of their fans would be left out in the cold.
The regular start to the 2013 season falls at Easter and AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said yesterday opening on that weekend was far from desirable and the league preferred to split the first round over two weekends.
''We don't play on Good Friday, so what we might do is start a week earlier next year, which would allow us the opportunity to go to two byes,'' he said.
''We are looking at a scenario where you could probably start the season with our three main games at Etihad Stadium, because the MCG is unavailable, so that's in the thinking at the moment.''
The league has tried and failed to strike a deal with Cricket Australia to use the MCG a week earlier, as that clashes with the Sheffield Shield final, Demetriou said.
''We could have some cracking games on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights at Etihad Stadium, some traditional games, maybe even the Richmond-Carlton game,'' he said.
But the Blues and Tigers were far from impressed yesterday. Etihad's crowd capacity of just over 53,000 is about half that of the MCG, meaning thousands of Richmond and Carlton fans would be unable to attend.
''The round one fixture between Carlton and Richmond has attracted an average attendance of almost 75,000 over the past six seasons,'' Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said.
''To switch one of the largest-drawing fixtures of the season to Etihad would mean an enormous number of Richmond and Carlton fans would not be able to attend the match, and that would be totally unacceptable to the club and our members and fans.
''It's a game both clubs have worked hard to develop and a game that supporters of both club's embrace, and the MCG is where it should be played."
Carlton chief executive Greg Swann agrees, saying Etihad is simply ''not an option''.
The MCC refused to weigh into the debate. Chief executive Stephen Gough said he would not intervene should the AFL schedule a season-opening game at Etihad.
Conceding that Richmond and Carlton would probably be ''disappointed'' at being forced to shut out fans, Gough said: ''We've got no say in the fixture. We have a contract with the AFL that we get 10 of the 12 best games, and at the moment we get something like the best 25, so we have no issue.
''It's up to them if they want to play Carlton-Richmond or Collingwood-Essendon at Etihad. We can't complain, but obviously those clubs would suffer a shortfall in revenue as a result unless the AFL had some plan for compensation.''
Gough reiterated that the current agreement was cricket and football shared the MCG on the basis of six months each, with cricket allowing the AFL to start its season one week earlier than contracted. To bring the season forward even earlier, cricket would have to agree.
''It's not our decision,'' he said. ''We often don't know until early March whether or not we need the ground to host the shield final.''
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dockland-move-not-on-rivals-20120608-201qo.html#ixzz1xDynVOJ3
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Strike!
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This would be a absolute disgrace if the AFL did this. It would not only be a slap to Rich and Carl but all football followers. Just goes to show they dont care about the average supporter who could be locked out of this game. Every Club should be up in arms about this.
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At first I was peeed off then I thought about it
Who cares where we play them as long as we beat them
If you get your ticket early then you will get a seat
Another thing I like its Carlton's home game so stuff em
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i think if this does happen rfc and cfc fans should all protest by not showing up at all, have them play infront of no crowd at all!!!
the clubs will still make there money from members, so stuff etihad and stuff the afl
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the solution is quite simple.
give the players their two byes for the season.
All teams get their first bye round 1 ;D
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i think if this does happen rfc and cfc fans should all protest by not showing up at all, have them play infront of no crowd at all!!!
the clubs will still make there money from members, so stuff etihad and stuff the afl
It's Carltanks home game WGAF if 2 or 80,000 rock up
Stuff em
Why can't they do a floating Rd 1 in case Bush Rangers don't make the final
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the solution is quite simple.
give the players their two byes for the season.
All teams get their first bye round 1 ;D
:lol
It would be great to finish round 1 on a positive note for a change!
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At first I was peeed off then I thought about it
Who cares where we play them as long as we beat them
If you get your ticket early then you will get a seat
Another thing I like its Carlton's home game so stuff em
Rd 1 2013 maybe a Carlton home game but we share the gate daniel. So on top of the fact the majority of supporters wont be able to get in we lose some very important coin as well
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Vic really needs an alternative state cricket ground to the G
Apart from BBL, there is always 95,000 empty seats
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Vic really needs an alternative state cricket ground to the G
Apart from BBL, there is always 95,000 empty seats
Dopey Damien Barrett on triple M asked Vlad would the AFL consider offering Vic cricket Etihad so they could get the MCG?
Vlad said " that's a very good idea hadn't thought of that"
Sad when Barrett is coming up with decent ideas ;D
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Vic really needs an alternative state cricket ground to the G
Apart from BBL, there is always 95,000 empty seats
How about move the game to Etihad if the Vics play the final.
I am sure the AFL and MCC would pay for it given they could have blockbusters given Round 1 falls on the Easter weekend.
Carlton v Richmond Thursday night
Geelong v Hawthorn Easter Monday
Two 80000 crowds will pay for the cost of the drop in pitch at Etihad to appease the 50 Sheffield Shield fans who'll rock up daily to the final and you get two of Etihad's other tenants to play at the G on Sunday lets say Collingwood v St Kilda
AFL have an Easter Thursday deal with the Gabba maybe have Brisbane v Western Bulldogs
Easter Saturday twilight
Gold Coast v Nought
GWS v Melbourne Sat night
Sunday
Sydney v Essendon SCG
Adelaide v Port Sunday arvo
West Coast v Freo Sunday twilight
Just maximise revenue anticipation and crowds for round 1 and let things settle from there.
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Honestly, who goes to the Shieis final, 3 men ,a dog & 2 sets of support staff
I loves me cricket ! But play the final @ a suburban ground,
Final next 5 years will be @ Bellerive anyway :)
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Sorry WP didn't read your ratboy post before I ranted. :thumbsup
Didn't know ratboy spoke with Vlad.
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Vic really needs an alternative state cricket ground to the G
Apart from BBL, there is always 95,000 empty seats
Dopey Damien Barrett on triple M asked Vlad would the AFL consider offering Vic cricket Etihad so they could get the MCG?
Vlad said " that's a very good idea hadn't thought of that"
Sad when Barrett is coming up with decent ideas ;D
Hadnt thought of it?
Good to see he is earning his money ::)
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Political football over game shift
Jon Ralph
From: Herald Sun
June 12, 2012
ETIHAD Stadium chief Ian Collins says the AFL is playing politics by suggesting the Round 1 Carlton-Richmond game could be shifted from the MCG.
Collins weighed into the debate over where the game could be staged, after AFL boss Andrew Demetriou last week threatened to move it to Etihad.
The league is intent on starting a 24-week, two-bye fixture a week before Easter, but Cricket Victoria will not relent on its contractual right to the MCG.
Demetriou suggested playing the game at Etihad or moving a potential Sheffield Shield final to Etihad using drop-in wickets.
Collins felt a more likely resolution is Cricket Victoria accepting compensation to allow football at the MCG a week early, on Thursday, March 21.
"Isn't this a matter for the AFL to sort out with cricket?" he said.
"It's early days. I think football is testing the water to see if cricket will relent. The (AFL) have got until October to do the draw. (Whether) the AFL can entice (cricket) to play in a park and take some money? That would be the answer."
Etihad's contract with the AFL states the league must fixture 30 games that could be expected to draw 40,000 supporters or more.
But hosting a game which would potentially draw up to 30,000 more fans if played at the MCG could also shape as a public relations disaster for Etihad.
Collins said the stadium staged four Melbourne Renegades cricket games each summer but was not optimistic about the prospect of hosting the Sheffield Shield final there.
AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said the league was still considering its options.
"Ideally, we would like to start with the big games at the MCG but it's just not where we are at, right at the moment," he said.
Carlton and Richmond feel playing their traditional season opener at Etihad Stadium is untenable.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/political-football-over-game-shift/story-e6frf9jf-1226391655364
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Blockbuster faces axe
Jared Lynch
The Age
June 13, 2012
Fans may have to wait for the annual Richmond-Carlton clash.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has put forward the possibility of scrapping the traditional Melbourne season-opener between Richmond and Carlton in the face of the clubs' opposition to moving it to Etihad Stadium in an earlier start to the 2013 season.
Demetriou is working towards starting the 2013 season a week earlier because the regular start falls at Easter, which would mean handing the opener to the Lions given their contract with the Gabba to host the Easter Thursday game. An earlier start would also allow two byes to be accommodated in the fixture, as requested by the players.
The AFL is unable to strike a deal with Cricket Victoria to free the MCG of the Sheffield Shield final before the end of March, with Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland reaffirming that a shield final could not be held at Etihad Stadium.
''We respect agreements and we understand why that agreement [between Cricket Victoria and the MCG] is there, so we will just have to work around it,'' Demetriou said yesterday. ''A very simple solution is just not have it [the Blues and Tigers match] as an opening game. Richmond-Carlton is a better game at the MCG because more people will go, and maybe that game will be a round two or a round three game.
''I think it's a nice thing they open the season with that game. It's got a tradition of its own … but if it has to be, it has to be.''
The Tigers and the Blues rejected the initial offer, saying that thousands of their fans would be locked out, with Etihad Stadium's capacity just over 53,000.
Sutherland said yesterday that cricket was happy to work with the AFL if there was another suitable ground for a Victorian Sheffield Shield final. But he reiterated that Etihad Stadium was not a viable venue for the game or training.
''There is a preparedness to work through issues if there are viable alternatives,'' he said. ''But right now there is no viable alternative in terms of a place to host a Sheffield Shield final if Victoria were to finish on top of the ladder.
''Cricket Victoria is ultimately the body that is the hirer of the ground at the MCG, and if they were the ones to host a Sheffield Shield final would have to deliver a Sheffield Shield final, so that's their call.
''But certainly we are very supportive of Cricket Victoria and their position and we understand the need to develop a facility, a cricket training facility as well as a playing facility that creates more flexibility and more options for them.''
A Cricket Victoria spokesman said the MCG was the only suitable ground in Victoria for first-class cricket.
''We have been working with successive state governments to try to find an alternate venue outside of the MCG that would provide us with that flexibility to stage selected first-class and domestic one-day matches to be held outside the MCG, but at present we are yet to get a solution on that,'' he said.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/blockbuster-faces-axe-20120612-2088i.html#ixzz1xbPP8HR0
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/cricketers-wont-walk-away-from-mcg/story-e6frfg8o-1226393527455
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lol better for us.
GWS in round 1 at the mcg ?
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It's the "MCG" part that's the problem, Mrakov...
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It's the "MCG" part that's the problem, Mrakov...
good work
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I tend to agree with cricket we desperately need a 2nd first class cricket venue for Sheffield Shield to free up the MCG for footy ;D
Surely there is a suburban ground out there somewhere where they could add a stand that will hold say a 1000 people, that would do the trick wouldn't it? :thumbsup ;D
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why do we have to play Carlton 1st up every year, l wanna see a different draw & us playing the skunks twice next year so l will have 3 weeks in the year to torment them. ;D
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I tend to agree with cricket we desperately need a 2nd first class cricket venue for Sheffield Shield to free up the MCG for footy ;D
Surely there is a suburban ground out there somewhere where they could add a stand that will hold say a 1000 people, that would do the trick wouldn't it? :thumbsup ;D
yep look no further than Craigieburn
done deal
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I tend to agree with cricket we desperately need a 2nd first class cricket venue for Sheffield Shield to free up the MCG for footy ;D
Surely there is a suburban ground out there somewhere where they could add a stand that will hold say a 1000 people, that would do the trick wouldn't it? :thumbsup ;D
Victoria Park?
Pies don't use it. Still has one of the stands up on the Northern Part of the ground.
Eddie can stick his nose in that.
Or Arden St.
Pay Nought 5 bucks for the pleasure and they can pay 100% of their salary cap. :lol :rollin :lol
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Ballarat
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Lalor footy ground
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Ballarat
Don't laugh State Minister for Sport was on 3AW last night and said that Vic Cricket is doing a feasibility study on creating a centre of excellence at either the Junction Oval (a very good ground for Cricket BTW) or Eureka Stadium Ballarat ;D
Healy asked him if it is true that if they chose the Junction Oval the govt would need to put in %6mil to make it happen Delahunty said yes but theyhadn't asked yet
He also said that as it stands the MCG impasse between the AFL & Cricket is out of his hands and he can't do anything
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who cares - Round 2 will do - Maybe we can play our yearly game at Geelong round 1 :o ::) :banghead
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I tend to agree with cricket we desperately need a 2nd first class cricket venue for Sheffield Shield to free up the MCG for footy ;D
Surely there is a suburban ground out there somewhere where they could add a stand that will hold say a 1000 people, that would do the trick wouldn't it? :thumbsup ;D
Victoria Park?
Pies don't use it. Still has one of the stands up on the Northern Part of the ground.
Eddie can stick his nose in that.
Or Arden St.
Pay Nought 5 bucks for the pleasure and they can pay 100% of their salary cap. :lol :rollin :lol
how funny was it last night Archer defending Brayshaw by saying if it weren't for him they would be on the Gold Coast.
Instead they are gypsying around the Country in places like Ballarat and now Hobart.
Is there are more irrelevant club in the AFL? Negative
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Scrap it....and BTW AFL give us a Nth Melb-like draw next year.........and Benny G, you are a fantastic CEO....but.....zip it!
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Blues-Tigers opener in doubt as Etihad locked in
By Paul Daffey
afl.com.au
Fri 15 Jun, 2012
ETIHAD Stadium will host the 2013 season opener with or without Richmond and Carlton, the AFL has confirmed.
The Blues and Tigers had hoped to continue their agreement to play the first match of the season at the MCG.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the League would not force the two clubs to transfer their game to Etihad Stadium.
"Make no mistake, we're going to play the opening game of the season at Etihad Stadium," Demetriou said.
"If Richmond and Carlton are adamant that they'd rather wait and play at the MCG, we'd respect that."
The announcement follows a dispute with Cricket Victoria, triggered when the AFL flagged its intention to bring forward the start of the season to the second-last weekend in March.
Cricket Victoria has a contract with the Melbourne Cricket Club which states that the MCG must be available to host the Sheffield Shield on the second-last weekend in March.
Cricket Victoria has been unwilling to break that contract despite the AFL's entreaties.
By starting the AFL season a week earlier, the league can schedule 22 games and two byes for each club, supporting a move by players to include two byes in the 2013 fixture.
Demetriou said the season would consist of 18 rounds of nine games and six rounds of six games.
The announcement is likely to start a rush by Victorian clubs to host the first game of the season.
"I think it's important to start the season with three big games in Melbourne — and that's what we expect to do," Demetriou said.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/138673/default.aspx
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Not a big thing if we have to wait to play them at the G.
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I would prefer it to be honest. Starting the year off with a debilitating loss is becoming old :help If we could play the Saints first up the AFL would be happy.... :cheers
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I would prefer it to be honest. Starting the year off with a debilitating loss is becoming old :help If we could play the Saints first up the AFL would be happy.... :cheers
Bulldogs, Saints, Geelong or North at Etihad would be the go.
Then Carlton in Round 2 at the G.
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Brisbane :)
Then play them again up in QLD later in the year
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Brisbane :)
Then play them again up in QLD later in the year
I got no issues with that.
Seriously with the draw we had this year you would think that the afl would give us something better next year.
They probably won't though. lol
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Key point in this is the fact that cricket will only need the MCG if Victoria makes the final
There is a fair chance they won't :cheers I mean what happens by the end of January we know Vic won't play the final
So why can't the AFL just schedule Tiges -v- blues and when the ground isn't needed move it to the MCG
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Key point in this is the fact that cricket will only need the MCG if Victoria makes the final
There is a fair chance they won't :cheers I mean what happens by the end of January we know Vic won't play the final
So why can't the AFL just schedule Tiges -v- blues and when the ground isn't needed move it to the MCG
and then if Victoria make it we will have to go to Jihad stadium.
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Carltons home game ? Correct ?
How do we get to go then if played at Etihad ?
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Tigers reject AFL's Etihad opener
AAP
From: Herald Sun
June 15, 2012
RICHMOND has declined the AFL's offer to move the Tigers-Blues clash from round one in order to keep the early-season blockbuster at the MCG.
AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said the 2013 season would kick off at Etihad Stadium and not the MCG, putting the season-opener in doubt.
Richmond and Carlton officials had been hoping their round-one fixture could be staged at the MCG as normal next year, despite Demetriou's plan to bring the season forward one week to the second-last weekend of March.
However, this has led to a clash with Cricket Victoria which has a contractual right to stage the Sheffield Shield final at the MCG on that weekend.
The AFL is keen to schedule 22 rounds over 24 weeks, which would allow the league to give all teams two byes as requested by the players.
That meant the MCG would be a football-free zone in round one.
"Make no mistake, we're going to be opening the season at Etihad Stadium,'' Demetriou said.
"If Richmond and Carlton are adamant that they would prefer to wait to have the game here (at the MCG), then we'll respect that.
"It's important that we get the season off to a big start with three big games in Melbourne and that's what we intend to do.''
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said the Tigers were determined to retain the status quo.
"Richmond and Carlton have almost 100,000 members between them and an enormous supporter base beyond that, and we need to represent their interests,'' Gale said.
"They have voted with their feet each year. It has become a significant event on the AFL calendar and has attracted very big crowds.
"Our fans want this game as the season-opener in Melbourne and they want it played at the MCG.
"It is the only resolution that is acceptable to us.''
The fixture has attracted an average crowd of almost 75,000 over the past six seasons.
Etihad Stadium has a capacity of around 53,000 which means more than 20,000 fans could miss out if the game was moved there.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/teams/tigers-reject-afls-etihad-opener/story-e6frf9mx-1226396987501
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Maybe just move it to etihad for 2013 then Cricket Victoria can find a new venue for 2014?
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Maybe just move it to etihad for 2013 then Cricket Victoria can find a new venue for 2014?
Twas thinkin the same
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Easter is March 29th-31st next year. So waiting to play Carlton in round 2 at the 'G would make it Easter Thursday night unless the AFL allowed Good Friday football to make up for loss of the season opener.
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Blockbuster in limbo as Etihad gets first game
Jared Lynch
The Age
June 16, 2012
THE AFL will launch the 2013 season at Etihad Stadium, with the traditional Carlton-Richmond blockbuster facing the axe.
The Tigers and the Blues have rejected plans to hold their match, the season-opener for the past five seasons, at the Docklands.
League chief executive Andrew Demetriou yesterday was adamant the opening round would be a week earlier than normal, at Etihad - to permit two byes throughout the season as requested by the players - and while the Tigers-Blues game worked well launching the season, it would most likely be moved to round two or three.
''Make no mistake, we are going to be opening the season at Etihad Stadium,'' Demetriou said.
''If Richmond and Carlton are adamant that they would prefer to wait to have the game [at the MCG], we'll respect that.
''We'd all be thrilled to see a blockbuster, cracking game at the MCG - I don't think it's going to happen in the second-last week of March because the Sheffield Shield final will be here if Victoria make it.
''But I think it's important we get the season off to a good start with three big games in Melbourne.''
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale has said that thousands of fans would be locked out of the Docklands, which has a capacity of just over 53,000 and the game draws average crowds of 75,000.
The AFL has been unable to strike a deal with Cricket Victoria, which has rights to the MCG until the end of March, in case there is a Victorian Sheffield Shield final. The AFL has a similar agreement, occupying the MCG until a week after the grand final in case there is a draw in the premiership decider.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland reaffirmed this week that a shield final could not be held at Etihad Stadium, and Cricket Victoria was continuing to work with the state government to develop an alternative venue that could host first-class cricket in Melbourne.
Demetriou yesterday denied he was pressuring the state government and Premier Ted Baillieu to deliver on a second venue and free up the MCG for the Carlton-Richmond blockbuster.
''I don't see why he [Baillieu] has to [intervene]. He has got more important things to deal with,'' he said.
''This is a contractual issue, we respect contracts.''
A Cricket Victoria spokesman said this week it had long been working towards creating a second first-class cricket ground in Melbourne.
''We have been working with successive state governments to try to find an alternative venue outside of the MCG that would provide us with that flexibility to stage selected first-class and domestic one-day matches to be held outside the MCG, but we are yet to get a solution on that,'' the spokesman said.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/blockbuster-in-limbo-as-etihad-gets-stuff
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Easter is March 29th-31st next year. So waiting to play Carlton in round 2 at the 'G would make it Easter Thursday night unless the AFL allowed Good Friday football to make up for loss of the season opener.
AFL have a deal with the GABBA on Easter Thursday.
Easter Wednesday at the MCG Carlton v Richmond? :shh
Anzac Day was on a Wednesday this year.
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Caro on 3aw tonight said both Richmond and Carlton won't play at Etihad in round 1 so that's a no go. She believes the MCG will be available in round 1 next year.
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Caro on 3aw tonight said both Richmond and Carlton won't play at Etihad in round 1 so that's a no go. She believes the MCG will be available in round 1 next year.
I think she maybe right
Cannot believe that some sort of deal wont be done to get the MCG a week early. besdies I don't think Victoria will go anywhere near making the Sheffield Shield final ;D
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Caro on 3aw tonight said both Richmond and Carlton won't play at Etihad in round 1 so that's a no go. She believes the MCG will be available in round 1 next year.
I think she maybe right
Cannot believe that some sort of deal wont be done to get the MCG a week early. besdies I don't think Victoria will go anywhere near making the Sheffield Shield final ;D
Is that because you believe there will be quite a few Victorians playing for the national team throughout the summer?
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Common sense people.
Vics in circa 2009 won the Shield Final at the Junction Oval.
I can't see why this scenario should the Vics host the final can't eventuate now.
Surely cricket Vic the MCC and the AFL can come to an agreement over $$$$ where Rich v Carl will
far outweigh Barb and a few others who have nothing better to do over five days and go.
I'm sure cricket Australia or cricket Vic would never schedule a one dayer at the G on the first Saturday in October.
As I said earlier common sense.
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Is that because you believe there will be quite a few Victorians playing for the national team throughout the summer?
;D
That and I don't think Victoria's depth is that great these days.
:thumbsup
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Would love to know the official crowd for Final sheffield shield attendance if under 50k move it to the dome no washouts and we keep our block buster simple throw in a incentive to Vics % of gate receipts from us and carlscum over full capacity dome we all win
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Would love to know the official crowd for Final sheffield shield attendance if under 50k move it to the dome no washouts and we keep our block buster simple throw in a incentive to Vics % of gate receipts from us and carlscum over full capacity dome we all win
From memory under 10,000 every time.
:thumbsup
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Would love to know the official crowd for Final sheffield shield attendance if under 50k move it to the dome no washouts and we keep our block buster simple throw in a incentive to Vics % of gate receipts from us and carlscum over full capacity dome we all win
From memory under 10,000 every time.
:thumbsup
And that figure would be the final figure over the five days.
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Carlton CEO Greg Swann on SEN said the opening round issue is still unresolved. He's talked again with Benny Gale and both clubs are committed to not playing the round 1 game at Etihad.
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Let's ask to play GWS or Bulldogs round one then...
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They will play it at the G. Cricket will give in.
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Two-day gap to get MCG turf back in shape
Michael Warner
From: Herald Sun
August 03, 2012
MCG ground staff could have just 48 hours to prepare the surface for next year's traditional Richmond-Carlton season-opener.
A first-class cricket fixture to be unveiled today has scheduled the Sheffield Shield final to finish just two days before the start of the AFL season.
The final would be played at the MCG from March 22-26 if the Victorian Bushrangers finished at the top of the domestic points table. The AFL has already announced the 2013 football season will kick off on Thursday, March 28.
The Blues and Tigers have launched the AFL season at the MCG for several years in front of crowds of about 80,000. Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide said last night the clash was unavoidable.
"That is our only option. Unfortunately, the MCG is the only first-class ground we have in Victoria. If we happen to host the final and it goes the full distance, there is only a 48-hour turnaround," he said.
But an MCC spokesman said the ground could be prepared in time.
"It would involve taking out some of the portable pitches before the Shield final," the spokesman said.
Cricket and football have been squaring off over use of the MCG since AFL boss Andrew Demetriou announced the league wanted to start the season one week early next year to accommodate two mid-season breaks.
Cricket has rights to the MCG from October 1 until March 31 every year, but would agree to relinquish the stadium earlier in March in exchange for a new home at the Junction Oval.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/two-day-gap-to-get-mcg-turf-back-in-shape/story-e6frf9jf-1226441842075
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They won't make it anyway lol.
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Dimwittio has been stuffed over. Tried to bully his way through this and now Cricket Australia have scheduled the final just before round 1. Well done fuhrer :clapping
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Fixture reveals Blues and Tigers to open season
Jake Niall
The Age
August 3, 2012
THE AFL has made two major fixturing calls: Carlton and Richmond have retained their hold on the Thursday night season opener at the MCG next year ...
The AFL is planning to open the 2013 season with the Tigers and Blues on Thursday evening, March 28, on the eve of Good Friday, and will schedule the match - which has become one of the season's biggest - at the MCG, not Etihad Stadium.
The league had considered scheduling the game at a later date and also starting a week earlier in order to accommodate an additional bye. But it has chosen to stick with what has become a traditional round one. Next year, round one will stretch from Thursday, March 28, until Easter Monday, on April 1.
This year's Richmond-Carlton game, on a Thursday night, was the second rather than the first game of the season, due to the scheduling of Greater Western Sydney's historic debut against Sydney as a stand-alone fixture the previous Saturday night.
Richmond and Carlton started playing on the Thursday before the remainder of round one in 2008, when Chris Judd suited up for the Blues for the first time; the match was a sellout the following year when Ben Cousins made his debut as a Tiger. The fixture has averaged more than 70,000 fans and generates huge television ratings.
The AFL's fixturing call for the start of 2013 means the MCG will have just 48 hours to get ready for football if Victoria's cricketers host the Sheffield Shield final.
Cricket Australia will unveil its domestic fixture next week, with the shield final to start on March 22 and run for five days.
Because Cricket Victoria does not have an alternative venue for first-class games, the MCG is its only option, meaning ground staff have to remove its drop-in pitches and prepare the stadium for football in rapid time. Victoria will play its first match of the domestic cricket season in Perth - the day before the AFL grand final.
Carlton's fixture next year is likely to include two matches each against Richmond and long-time foes Collingwood and Essendon.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/fixture-reveals-blues-and-tigers-to-open-season-20120802-23igm.html#ixzz22RtIEwlS
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Great..
Another Pre season build up and loss.
We won't beat them.
80k will rock up again to see us lose. Makes me sick in the stomach.
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They won't make it anyway lol.
Bingo!
Don't know why there's been so much fuss ;D
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THE AFL Players' Association says it is unacceptable that the MCG may have just two days to prepare for the AFL's 2013 season opener.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/143587/default.aspx
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Freakin Vic's have won first two games outright to setup a good lead at the top :banghead
Still hoping they can do it, just at the junction will be fine!
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Well I hope they keep it for the same date, I will be off and we will be there!! :gotigers
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They will have it at the G. Even if the Vics make the final at home.
They've had rock concerts on the ground and had it ready for sporting events.
All smoke and mirrors between the AFL and Cricket on this issue.
BTW would have thought that the dates would have been sorted out as going back as far as I can remember last weekend in March the footy always has been at the G and the Shield Final has always been played in between 10-20th March.
Furthermore when Sydney held the Olympics in 2000 we played Melbourne at the G in Round 1 on Wednesday March 8. They have agreed before and will agree again.
We'll be playing Carlcheatscumlieembezzlebashsteal on Thursday March 29. :thumbsup
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Freakin Vic's have won first two games outright to setup a good lead at the top :banghead
Still hoping they can do it, just at the junction will be fine!
Don't panic, Tassie have them covered, final will be played at Blundstone arena just to eff up Norts beginning to the season ;D
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Freakin Vic's have won first two games outright to setup a good lead at the top :banghead
Still hoping they can do it, just at the junction will be fine!
Don't panic, Tassie have them covered, final will be played at Blundstone arena just to eff up Norts beginning to the season ;D
Vics bowlers are going to take 20 wickets regularly this season.
NSW cartel will ensure only 1 or 2 play for Australia
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Murphy and Kreuzer won't start full training until after Christmas. Will they be underdone for round 1?
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/mick-malthouse-missing-half-of-his-midfield/story-e6frf9jf-1226495012725
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Murphy and Kreuzer won't start full training until after Christmas. Will they be underdone for round 1?
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/mick-malthouse-missing-half-of-his-midfield/story-e6frf9jf-1226495012725
Yes
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:pray
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If this deal with Cricket Victoria goes through then, apart from 2015 when the Cricket World Cup is on, we won't have to worry anymore about the scheduling of our opening round game against Carlton each year at the 'G.
... plans to shift Cricket Victoria to a new centre of excellence at the Junction Oval are back on the State Government's agenda.
It means the AFL could secure access to the MCG in early March each year.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/cricket-victoria-close-to-sealing-move-to-junction-oval-to-free-up-mcg-for-start-of-afl-season/story-e6frf9jf-1226501017982