Bombers in talks with Tigers over India gameJon Pierik
June 12, 2011ESSENDON chief executive Ian Robson says the Bombers are interested in playing an exhibition match in India but only if it is held as a post-season event.
The Bombers and Richmond are in discussions about staging a game in one of the world's biggest markets but differ on when the game should be held. Robson says the Tigers are in favour of a pre-season game. The Bombers, however, want it as a post-season friendly, in much the same manner Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions clashed in Shanghai last October.
Austrade's senior trade commissioner in New Delhi, Peter Linford, has been working on a detailed bid to stage a match next year, possibly in Mumbai, which will not only promote the AFL but also trade links between the countries.
''There are some conversations that are on-going. Part of that discussion is to whether or not any game out there could be played as a post-season, rather than a pre-season, game,'' Robson said.
''We are leaning towards a post-season scenario, in October, similar to the game Melbourne and Brisbane played up in China last year. There is a question mark to whether or not grounds could be available in October because of cricket commitments.
''That's what we are continuing to have an open conversation with both Richmond and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about. I know Richmond and some other clubs might have a more open-minded view about a February game and that might be the game that gets up.''
Read more:
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/bombers-in-talks-with-tigers-over-india-game-20110611-1fyb0.html#ixzz1Oz4MFR4W
