Tigers, Giants get set for MumbaiClay Lucas, Mumbai
February 27, 2012RICHMOND and Greater Western Sydney are poised to play a demonstration match in Mumbai, India, next February, with GWS also pushing to play a match there for premiership points.
A match in India was first flagged last April, with speculation the Tigers would play Essendon in 2012 to help both teams grab a presence in one of the world's biggest markets. That game, touted as a potential round of the NAB Cup, did not eventuate.
But Austrade commissioner Peter Linford, in Mumbai on Saturday for the Baillieu government's week-long trade mission to India, said any match would now feature Richmond and the Giants.
''[They] have both indicated they would like to play next February,'' he said.
The Bombers had wanted to stage a post-season game, Mr Linford said.
''That doesn't work for us in terms of the ground access and logistics.''
A match in Mumbai would be staged at the D. Y. Patil Stadium, he said.
''[Richmond chief executive] Brendon Gale was out here last year, and he went and saw the ground,'' Linford said.
Other Richmond club officials again inspected it last week.
''It's probably the best ground from a cricket level in India, and [staff there would] water it down so it's a bit softer than the normal cricket surfaces here,'' he said.
Around 25 Australian companies helped stage a similar exhibition match in Dubai in 2007.
The Tigers are pushing hard to grab the support of Melbourne's rapidly growing Indian community, last year getting Indian batsman Rahul Dravid to sign on as patron of the Indian Tigers supporter group.
Richmond's Simon Matthews, in India on the government's trade delegation, was reluctant to confirm whether GWS would play in Mumbai.
But the Giants' spokesman, Nick Johnston, yesterday confirmed the club was interested in the match.
''And if there was a possibility of playing for premiership points we'd be interested in that, too,'' he said.
The Giants are also looking to increase their links with the Indian community in western Sydney.
Premier Ted Baillieu, who had a kick on Saturday with Mumbai youngsters kitted out in Richmond jumpers, said the Tigers should be commended for trying to connect with the Indian community in Victoria.
''Hats off to Richmond who have been prepared to make this commitment,'' Baillieu said.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-giants-get-set-for-mumbai-20120226-1twue.html#ixzz1nVY1IJXL
