** Matthew Pavlich is a Nine sports presenter and co-founder of Pickstar
The thrill of running onto the ground to a packed MCG on the last Saturday in September is indescribable. It’s the moment any AFL player strives for in their football career and an experience I was fortunate to have in the 2013 grand final.
Entering the roaring MCG is unquestionably an iconic moment that has seen the venue consistently be the backdrop of the VFL/AFL’s 120-plus years grand final history.
Tonight, history will be made when the AFL grand final is for the second year running, played away from the MCG. Instead, the scene will be set at Optus Stadium in Perth – a first for Western Australia.
Let me acknowledge that the emotional and financial implications with moving the big dance away from the MCG are unquestionably huge. I feel for the businesses and fans in Victoria who not only look forward to this event every year, but given the challenges of 2021, probably needed this to look forward to more than ever.
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The reasons for the grand final moving are unfortunate. However, this could be one of the most exciting and auspicious moments, not just for the AFL community in Western Australia, but for the broader Perth city and Western Australia as a state.
The multitude of opportunities that this year’s event will provide to the Western Australia community are countless and huge. For me, being based in Western Australia, I’m certainly feeling the buzz as we get closer to this historic and incredibly exciting moment.
Considering Western Australia has over a century of rich footballing history, some argue it should have already seen an AFL grand final. And given local teams – West Coast and Fremantle – have been part of the national game since 1987 and 1995 respectively – when it was still the VFL and renamed to AFL in 1990 – it’s certainly a big moment for lovers of Western Australia footy.
It’s astonishing when you reflect on the fact that the MCG has hosted 112 VFL/AFL grand finals. Since 1902, only seven grand finals have ever been played away from the MCG. Most recently as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 grand final was played at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The relocation marked the first year since 1991 that the MCG did not host the AFL grand final, and the first time it had been played outside of Victoria.
Back in 2018, the AFL agreed to a long-term three-way agreement between the MCG, AFL and the Victorian Government for the grand final to be held at the MCG until at least 2059. While this is great for Melbourne and its people – with a $225 million investment into Etihad Stadium and the Docklands precinct and an upgrade to the MCG’s Great Southern Stand – it does come at a cost for the national game.
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This long-term move disincentives other state governments from spending money on large infrastructure projects and stadium upgrades. Imagine the AFL using it as further motivation for Tasmania in order to get a team into the league. By upgrading stadium facilities and capacities, the marquee sporting event of the year and a 19th AFL licence may result.
I know these things aren’t binary and as easy as that, but there are a number of unintended consequences of having the grand final remain in Melbourne for another 38 years. The perception alone, that it remains the VFL not the AFL, will long continue without change.
The all important entertainment on grand final day will have a distinct Western Australia flavour with all-Australian tickets locked in. The half-time show will be led by Perth band Birds of Tokyo, together with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra – providing an incredible opportunity to showcase Western Australia’s diverse musical talent.
This is Western Australia’s moment to shine on the national and international stage and certainly a huge celebration that the community has been waiting decades for. Best of luck to both teams and to the many people who are rallying behind the curtains to ensure this record-making show is remembered and celebrated for decades to come.
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