Sorry non-Victorian teams and supporters, but if your side happens to finish on top of the ladder, you don’t deserve the right to host the last match of the year.
This isn’t because I’m a diehard traditionalist that wants the “Granny” played at the MCG every year, no. It’s in the spirit of fairness, and a consequence of the competitions increasingly frustrating compromised draw.
I’m of the opinion that interstate teams actually have an advantage most Melbourne sides don’t. For a start, WA, SA, NSQ and QLD teams play over half their games at their true home ground, and all bar one of them are against a travelling side that’s unfamiliar with the place.
Yes, a Richmond, Collingwood, Hawthorn or Melbourne might end up with even more than half their games at the MCG, but they have to play against numerous teams who are also cohabitants of the “Home of Football”, mitigating any advantage they may have had over those sides. Richmond hosted Hawthorn and Collingwood at the G in their two finals last season. It was of no advantage to them. This can’t happen to an interstate side.
Not only that, those MCG based teams are also forced to play home matches at Marvel Stadium - turf they might grace a couple of times each year, and where they’re no more comfortable than their travelling opposition. It’s a ridiculous situation the interstate sides also don’t have to worry about.
I believe the Grand Final should move around, and each sides home ground should host it on a revolving basis. In 18 years, Melbourne should host the game nine times. Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney twice each, and Geelong once. That seems fair to me.
And the state and stadium that hosts each year is known well in advance. For example, we would’ve started this season knowing The Gabba (for example) was hosting the game. In fact, we would’ve known ten years ago. This idea isn’t anything new.
The NFL operate under a similar system. As does the UEFA Champions League. And so should the premier football code in Australia.
No ground deserves the right to host the game every year. It’s unfair. As is the idea that four Melbourne based teams have the opportunity to have the game held at their home ground, no questions asked.
I know some might argue it’s not ideal for the two teams contesting the decider to both be travelling, but I bet Liverpool and Tottenham players and supporters don’t mind venturing to Madrid in a weeks time for a shot at a trophy. I bet The St Kilda and Melbourne Football Clubs don’t care if they were to win a drought breaking flag at the Gabba, either. Ask them.
While it will be debated every year, it’s all a bit pointless anyway. The AFL in their wisdom have locked the game in at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the next 40 years.
Am I onto something here? Let me know in the comments.
