Swans want stand-alone Good Friday fixture

**ScottH** · 18th June 2012, 09:09 AM

Given the sensitive nature of Good Friday in the AFL heartland, Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland would not confirm any specific dates regarding possible future scheduling.

"The AFL have asked all the clubs to come back to them with suggestions about finding slots in the draw to have games that would attract blockbuster status," Ireland said. "At the moment we're looking at a range of games in the Sydney market."

Ireland claimed Friday night matches had great appeal because of the SCG's proximity to the city.

"The SCG is actually closer to the CBD than the MCG is in Melbourne," Ireland said.

**erica** · 18th June 2012, 09:48 AM

Friday night games may have great appeal to Ireland, but not to me. If it's a public holiday anyway, I'd always vote for an afternoon game (not that the AFL takes any notice of me).

**Doctor** · 18th June 2012, 09:55 AM

I agree Erica. The Anzac Day NRL game works in Sydney because it's an afternoon game. A Friday night AFL standalone would clash with the NRL Good Friday games and (IMO) attract fewer people than a 2.10 start. At that time of the year you could start a little later, maybe 3.10, because the weather is still warmer.

**wolftone57** · 18th June 2012, 11:25 AM

I agree with both Doctor & Erica that Good Friday games should be played in the arvo. Nobody has much to do on Good Friday as everything is closed. Clashing with NRL's Games of the Week would be stupid thinking.

**top40** · 18th June 2012, 11:26 AM

I am in favour of the idea generally of playing on Good Friday. (By way of a declaration I am mildly religious, but always attend Mass at Easter time). The resistance by the AFL to change appears to reflect a typically conservative Victorian mindset. Bit like the resistance to change the Grand Final from Saturday afternoon.

However, with all due respect to Doctor, 3 o'clock would be the worst possible time from a religious point of view. My view is a 4.40pm start would represent the best fit.

**Cheer Squad** · 18th June 2012, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by top40

I am in favour of the idea generally of playing on Good Friday. (By way of a declaration I am mildly religious, but always attend Mass at Easter time). The resistance by the AFL to change appears to reflect a typically conservative Victorian mindset. Bit like the resistance to change the Grand Final from Saturday afternoon.

However, with all due respect to Doctor, 3 o'clock would be the worst possible time from a religious point of view. My view is a 4.40pm start would represent the best fit.

What do you mean by "mildly" religious? I thought you either believed or you didn't?

**GongSwan** · 18th June 2012, 12:27 PM

Mostly on Friday nights the NRL plays 2 games, one is usually interstate or in NZ, so we 'd more often than not be clashing with one game. The problem would be more one of logistics with it being a PH, people want to get paid penalty rates etc and public transport would have to be arranged. When teh SCG is up to spec again and 48,000 are attending, the absurd parking at and around the SCG wouldn't be nearly enough. I can't speak to the religious aspect of Good Friday other than to agree that there isn't much to do so a good crowd would be all but guaranteed. Even if teh game is played earlier, the TV can be delayed broadcast, and who doesn't have a DVR these days?

**Plugger46** · 18th June 2012, 12:41 PM

I'm not religious at all but I have no issue with there being no footy on Good Friday. It's only one day of the year and I don't see why there's a fuss every year when it's not on.

**jono2707** · 18th June 2012, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by Cheer Squad

What do you mean by "mildly" religious? I thought you either believed or you didn't?

I kind of believe we will win the premiership this year..... Is that what having 'mild' beliefs means???

BTW the SCG is closer to the CBD? Really???? Wouldn't have thought so. Transportation to the SCG is appalling - I'm fortunate that I can walk, but in terms of accessibility, the MCG ( and Docklands for that matter) wins hands down...

***goswannie14*** · 18th June 2012, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by Plugger46

I'm not religious at all but I have no issue with there being no footy on Good Friday. It's only one day of the year and I don't see why there's a fuss every year when it's not on.

I'm sure you meant "so you have no issues...."

There isn't a fuss every year when it isn't on, it is more likely to be the other wau around.

For those on here who don't know, I am a Minister of Religion, so you would expect me to object to there being an AFL game on Good Friday. But in the end, what I want or not won't be taken into account.

**top40** · 18th June 2012, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Cheer Squad

What do you mean by "mildly" religious? I thought you either believed or you didn't?

There is a big difference between having faith as well as belief, and being religious. When I say I am mildly religious, I mean that I am a semi regular attendee of church. My faith and belief are an entirely different matters.