FOOTY FINALS FOR PERTH?
Perth’s Optus Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the 2021 AFL grand final if the MCG is unavailable because of coronavirus outbreaks and lockdowns.
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said Optus Stadium would be an “amazing venue” in the event the MCG was unavailable and that its bigger capacity put it at advantage over Adelaide Oval. He said he was not contemplating a grand final without a crowd and added that the AFL was still in talks with the Victorian government. There had also been discussion with WA Premier Mark McGowan as some clubs involved in the last three rounds of finals were likely to be based in WA ahead of the premiership decider on September 25.
“I’m optimistic that early next week we’ll be in a position with the Victorian government – they can clearly speak for themselves – but if we’re unable to play at the MCG the grand final will be at Optus Stadium,” McLachlan said.