First Round of finals decided - only locations up for grabs? - SCG possibly an option

[alison.z]

I have a feeling the only way this would happen would be if Swans were to play fri night (highly, extremely unlikely) as this is when the NRL is scheduled ... So it's a very, very unlikely possibility. Happy to be proven wrong though!

[Triple B]

The fact that Adrian Anderson is conceding that ANZ has problems with the surface, rather than the usual 'everything's rosey' line the AFL takes on all lines of criticism, means they may be seriously thinking of telling ANZ to shove it.

It is just not feasible to expect a good surface when 24hrs previous the stands are pulled in over the ground and a game of league/union/soccer is played on it. If the AFL can be the first game of the weekend, it means the ground can be prepared for a week leading up to the game and gives them some chance to get an acceptable surface.

It would be great if it happens though. Should be a chance for 40K+ at the SCG if promoted heavily and would be a sensational atmosphere...

[Go Swannies]

A Friday night final at the SCG. Here we go again . . .

I won't plan anything for Saturday in case I'm still out partying like last time.

[Damien]

I hope the AFL make the SCG happen. I'm sure they can buy off ANZ anyway by promising an extra game sometime.

[Triple B]

A Friday night final at the SCG. Here we go again . . .

It's hard to imagine it being on Fri night though.

Which of the other games will they move to Etihad? Even given the Pies are playing an interstate side, you wouldn't fit the whole Collingwood member base in Etihad, let alone any casual observers. The AFL will surely maximise attendances by playing all 3 games at the MCG on Fri, Sat and Sun.

I feel sure that the Swans game will be on Sat night, regardless of whether in Melb or Sydney. TV will make sure of that so they can beam it live across the country, including into Sydney which would be the only time they would get an audience.

[Damien]

It's hard to imagine it being on Fri night though.

Which of the other games will they move to Etihad? Even given the Pies are playing an interstate side, you wouldn't fit the whole Collingwood member base in Etihad, let alone any casual observers. The AFL will surely maximise attendances by playing all 3 games at the MCG on Fri, Sat and Sun.

I feel sure that the Swans game will be on Sat night, regardless of whether in Melb or Sydney. TV will make sure of that so they can beam it live across the country, including into Sydney which would be the only time they would get an audience.

Yeah it will be Saturday for certain either way, basically will come down to what Channel 10 wants then.

[CJK]

Can we beat Brisbane first?

[cruiser]

Can we beat Brisbane first?

Contingency planning - nothing wrong with that.

[Triple B]

Contingency planning - nothing wrong with that.

Absolutely. It adds to the excitement as well.

I'm now eagerly awaiting the mailman to deliver our barcodes for the GF ticket pay the non-refundable $7 ripoff for a chance at the lottery...

[top40]

I know people like Beaussie will hate me, but I hope St Blunda gets up next weekend. 3 trips to Sydney in 4 weeks for me is just too much to handle (and it is ALWAYS about ME you know! ).

The Aints at Etihad would actually be more advantageous than playing at ANZ would, in terms of the playing surface and field configurations. But we just beat them at ANZ.

JF

The Home and Away record in recent years particularly favours the home team. Witness:

In Sydney since the Qualifying Final 1998- 12 games 9 wins 3 losses. The 3 losses were all close and controversial: 2006 2 points in the rain; 2009 1 point being near major upset; 2010 8 points where Riewiodt got too many soft or not there free kicks.

In Melbourne since May 2001, Sydney have won just 1 game out of 10: 2005 Preliminary Final. 8 losses and I very disappointing draw in 2002.

[Norris Lurker]

"In what could prove a fillip for rookie coach John Longmire, the league confirmed last night that there was a question mark over the availability of the much-maligned Homebush ground due to NRL commitments."

Unless Manly are planning to play their home final at ANZ instead of Brookvale, there's no way there can be a clash with the NRL.

[mcs]

Please please please let it end up at the SCG. 30K+ packed in the SCG vs 30K+ spread sparsely across the dump that is ANZ - no contest at all!

I'd reckon its bolted on to be a Saturday game, whether it's in Melbourne or Sydney -for the reasons others have said about the other 3 games being at the MCG. Geelong-Hawthorn to kick things off on Friday night, Collingwood - Wet Toast on Saturday arvo, us St Kilda on Saturday night and Carlton - Essendon on Sunday afternoon would be my guess - although if we play in Melbourne I wouldn't be suprised to see ours be the Saturday afternoon final either.

[ugg]

Unless Manly are planning to play their home final at ANZ instead of Brookvale, there's no way there can be a clash with the NRL.

Wests Tigers are currently 4th, the NRL still uses the McIntyre system 1v8, 2v7, 3v6, 4v5

[mcs]

Unless Manly are planning to play their home final at ANZ instead of Brookvale, there's no way there can be a clash with the NRL.

NRL has changed its policy - no home ground finals for Sydney teams this year.... i.e. any Sydney based finals (Manly and possibly the Tigers/Dragons) will have to play their home final at the SFS or ANZ. I'd expect if possible both will be at the SFS on Friday and Saturday night -but Manly have said they may choose to play their game at ANZ rather than the SFS. I wouldn't be suprised if it turns out to be Tigers vs Dragons in week 1 of the finals that the NRL directs the game to be played at ANZ. There is a definite chance of a clash in my opinion - or at very least a even more damaged surface at ANZ.

[Cheer Squad]

It is just not feasible to expect a good surface when 24hrs previous the stands are pulled in over the ground and a game of league/union/soccer is played on it. If the AFL can be the first game of the weekend, it means the ground can be prepared for a week leading up to the game and gives them some chance to get an acceptable surface...

You can bet the NRL will do everything it can to make life difficult for the AFL when it comes to these sort of scheduling clashes.