There was a three-way battle for the AFL grand final, with Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane battling it out for the big game.
Since it is almost inconceivable that Melbourne could host the finals this year, South Australia has put together a task force to launch an offer to host the competition.
Premier Steven Marshall said the group was working on a presentation to be given to the AFL later this week or early next week.
“We have now put together a task force to do our best to bring the final and / or the grand final to the Adelaide Oval,” he said.
“Adelaide Oval is clearly the expert oval when it comes to dealing with the coronavirus. We saw this from day one – they were able to work with SA Health to bring large crowds into and out of the facility.
“I think we are in the best position to host the grand finale, or let’s hope we can make a number of finals.”
He said hosting would be a great opportunity to introduce the state to the rest of the nation.
“We often see that there is money associated with these things. We’re going to look at it from a commercial standpoint and make sure the South Australian taxpayers get a return, but we’re not at this stage right now, “Marshall said.
The South Australian government isn’t the only one interested in hosting the big game, which will be played on either October 17th or October 24th.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been clear since her state was turned into the AFL’s temporary home. She pushed for the grand finale at the gabba.
“As I (AFL boss) Gil (McLachlan) said, the grand final should be played here when the season takes place here,” she said.
A Queensland government spokesman said the state was well positioned to secure the game, which would bring a big boost to tourism.
“Queensland is happy to be able to continue the AFL season and give fans – especially those in Victoria – the opportunity to cheer their side,” said the spokesman.
“The possibility of a grand AFL final in Queensland has been discussed, but it is premature to speak about it publicly.”
In early August there were reports that the Washington government had filed a submission to host the finals, including the grand finals, at Optus Stadium in Perth.
With rival Telstra being one of the AFL’s main sponsors, it is unclear whether this would be permissible.
A Washington government spokesman said no official offer had been made because there was no official procedure for participating.
“Our priority is not the AFL grand final and we’re not trying to attract the grand final here,” said the spokesman.
“We have always claimed that the Optus Stadium is the best place for a grand final, if the AFL so decided – taking into account all the issues related to the pandemic.
“The health of Western Australians is paramount and the strict quarantine agreements for people entering WA remain our focus.
“Talks with the AFL about the rest of their season are ongoing.”
AFL hubs have been established in Queensland and WA. However, the SA initially turned down the opportunity, saying public health was the priority.
A temporary hub for Hawthorn Football Club has now been set up in the Barossa Valley.
McLachlan said last week that decisions about the structure of the finale will be made by the end of August.
“First things first. We’re going to work this through with the Victorian government and have a contract with them,” he said on ABC Radio Melbourne.
“It’s contractually with the MCG until it’s no more. If not, and if we are all pretty real, we are very lucky that we have four great options and that we are running a process.
“There are obviously arguments for everyone: whether it’s the novelty and the incredible stadium of Perth or what Queensland’s partnership is, the size of ANZ or the history of South Australia. They all make good arguments. “
As clear as mud. So let’s compare:
CASE NUMBERS
Overall, SA had the lowest total number of cases in the three states at 462 infections. Western Australia follows with 651 while Queensland had 1091.
South Australia has seven active cases, Western Australia has nine, and Queensland has six.
CAPACITY
At full capacity, the Adelaide Oval can accommodate 53,500 people, but with restrictions the maximum is 10,000.
The Optus Stadium offers space for 60,000 people, but is to be expanded to 70,000 seats for AFL events. However, the capacity is limited to 50 percent.
The gabba has the smallest capacity with 42,000 people.
AFL HEAD
A team from each of the three states sits in the top four.
Port Adelaide remain on top despite losing to Geelong last Friday. You will play against the Hawks at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
The Brisbane Lions have been strong this season, ranking second behind Port Adelaide percentage. You will play St. Kilda in Gabba on Sunday afternoon.
The West Coast Eagles sit fourth below Geelong and play GWS at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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