Tim Watson has implored the AFL to shift the Round 1 match between Essendon and Hawthorn from Marvel Stadium to the MCG.
The AFL rejected the Bombers’ request to have the game moved to maximise attendance numbers with Marvel only able to hold 28,961 patrons due to COVID-19 regulations.
Up to 50,000 people can attend the Melbourne v Fremantle match at the MCG on the same day after the Victorian Government allowed a 50 per cent crowd capacity at the ‘G and Docklands.
“C’mon AFL, you preach the game is all about the fans, you get the opportunity to allow more footy-starved fans to a game – and you baulk,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“You say it has too many flow-on effects, none of which are insurmountable.
“Agility was the buzzword in the footy world last year as COVID-19 affected the season, now, AFL, you are acting like a player standing on the mark, you’re not going to move.
“Nothing was unachievable last year. No stadium deal was non-negotiable.
“The fans are the lifeblood of this game. Nearly 22,000 extra fans could watch the Round 1 game (Essendon v Hawthorn) if you just pivot a little. That’s all you need to do to accommodate almost 22,000 that won’t be able to get in and watch that first game.
“They would be able to go to the MCG and watch that first game between Essendon and Hawthorn.
“It’s not about Essendon dollars – it is about fans going to the game – it is not one thing about money. These are members – these are paid-up members.”
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said moving the Bombers v Hawks clash would have “huge knock-on consequences” and that the Round 1 fixture will remain as is.
Watson described McLachlan’s arguments as “shallow”.
“He just doesn’t want to entertain the idea. He entertained everything last year,” the Essendon great said.
"They've just whacked it in the too-hard basket.
“This is about the fans of the game, this is about the people who love the game, and have paid their memberships last year – that saved the game what people were doing last year.
"I don't even think the AFL have given it scant regard. They’ve just closed the door on it.
“Those arguments were so shallow.”
Essendon take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night in the AAMI Community Series.