RogueSwan
6th June 2003, 11:17 AM
Looks like the AFL is trying to get it right.
Deal on finals venues likely
06 June 2003 Herald Sun
AAP
THE MCG's right to host a game in every week of the AFL finals looks set to end as the league discusses a compensation deal with the ground.
AFL boss Wayne Jackson said the league was "desperate" to change its contract with the MCG, particularly given the increased likelihood of two interstate sides being forced to play a final against each other at the MCG this season.
The league, the MCC and MCG Trust - which manages the ground - are holding talks on compensation for the MCC should it miss out on a finals game.
Jackson said the present arrangement was unfair, as non-Victorian clubs should not be forced to travel to Melbourne if they had earned the right to play a final at home.
"It's just not fair so we desperately need the position recognised for this year," he said.
Jackson said the MCC was now coming around to the AFL's proposal after it refused to budge on the contract last year.
"They now understand what was a possibility is now a probability," he said. "The MCC and the MCG would be very embarrassed to have Fremantle or Sydney hosting a preliminary final if that should have been played at Subiaco or in Sydney - as would the AFL.
"So this is a position where there are three key bodies all with nothing to gain - and it must be changed.
"In terms of the MCC and the MCG, they can't be financially disadvantaged and we acknowledge that, but there are many things the AFL can do to improve the lot of the MCC and the MCG Trust if we can get some understanding on this matter."
Jackson said that could mean allowing the MCG to stage other sports in winter at the expense of AFL, as it did in 2001 with the Socceroos-Manchester United game.
The AFL will issue a statement shortly outlining where the finals will be played if the ladder positions remain as they are.
Deal on finals venues likely
06 June 2003 Herald Sun
AAP
THE MCG's right to host a game in every week of the AFL finals looks set to end as the league discusses a compensation deal with the ground.
AFL boss Wayne Jackson said the league was "desperate" to change its contract with the MCG, particularly given the increased likelihood of two interstate sides being forced to play a final against each other at the MCG this season.
The league, the MCC and MCG Trust - which manages the ground - are holding talks on compensation for the MCC should it miss out on a finals game.
Jackson said the present arrangement was unfair, as non-Victorian clubs should not be forced to travel to Melbourne if they had earned the right to play a final at home.
"It's just not fair so we desperately need the position recognised for this year," he said.
Jackson said the MCC was now coming around to the AFL's proposal after it refused to budge on the contract last year.
"They now understand what was a possibility is now a probability," he said. "The MCC and the MCG would be very embarrassed to have Fremantle or Sydney hosting a preliminary final if that should have been played at Subiaco or in Sydney - as would the AFL.
"So this is a position where there are three key bodies all with nothing to gain - and it must be changed.
"In terms of the MCC and the MCG, they can't be financially disadvantaged and we acknowledge that, but there are many things the AFL can do to improve the lot of the MCC and the MCG Trust if we can get some understanding on this matter."
Jackson said that could mean allowing the MCG to stage other sports in winter at the expense of AFL, as it did in 2001 with the Socceroos-Manchester United game.
The AFL will issue a statement shortly outlining where the finals will be played if the ladder positions remain as they are.