Tigers, Demons want annual Anzac fixtureJON RALPH,
Herald Sun
24 April 2017RICHMOND and Melbourne believe their Anzac Day eve game has developed so much momentum it is ready for a midweek fixture.
The two teams repeatedly lobbied the AFL until it granted them a game in 2015 on the night before the traditional Collingwood-Essendon clash.
It has been an immediate hit since its Friday night debut in 2015, a crowd of 58,175 in that year building to last year’s 59,968 on a Monday night.
To play it on a Tuesday or Wednesday would be more challenging for the AFL’s fixturing staff and mean the teams would then play off a five-day break.
But Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale and Melbourne counterpart Peter Jackson say their football staff would be behind a shorter break.
Jackson said the game, which pays tribute to those who sacrificed in all conflicts, was developing a special feeling.
“I think it’s jumped every hurdle so far. I know the AFL and its broadcasters had some early concerns with a Sunday night game but it came through well last year,’’ he said.
“It’s the same as the Anzac Day game where if you want to be part of that stage you have to deal with the downside.
“From time to time there will be a five-day break and it’s something you have to deal with.”
Gale said his leadership group and football department would be prepared to play off a five-day break given the nature of the game.
“The ability of the game to showcase the sacrifice of wartime conflict and also complement Anzac Day the next day, those things are strong,’’ he said.
“The other issues aren’t insurmountable. We have worked closely with the AFL and the welfare of our players it the most important thing.
“We have thought out about playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and we think it’s worth doing. It would involve talking to our players’ leadership group as to why we think it’s an important thing to do.”
The success of the Sunday night game slot last year was a massive fillip for the stand-alone contest given that time slot is usually seen as a wipe-out for spectators.
The crowds for this game have consistently been higher than normal Melbourne-Richmond fixtures in past years.
St Kilda is still keen to return to the Anzac Day stage if the New Zealand government can develop a suitable venue in Auckland.
The Saints’ deal in Wellington lapsed after moderate crowds and the expiry of the deal but it believes there is demand for AFL in New Zealand’s biggest city.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/richmond-melbourne-want-annual-anzac-day-eve-fixture/news-story/c60845a7ddcfd100fbce15bee649196f
