Outspoken Gold Coast Chairman Tony Cochrane believes it’s “probable” that the AFL Grand Final will be played away from the MCG for the second straight year due to the Victorian Government’s “hopeless” handling of COVID-19.
While the MCG is contracted to host the Grand Final until 2058, Cochrane said he’s in favour of the game being shared around major cities Australia wide.
“Given how hopeless your government are down there compared to every other state I’d say it’s almost probable it has to be played somewhere else," Cochrane told The Age on Sunday.
"So maybe it’s time to share it around? I’d share it around, although it’s certainly not my call."
The Gold Coast powerbroker’s comments have poured fuel on the fire of Perth’s bid to host the big game if the MCG is unable to hold crowds come finals time.
Optus Stadium chief Mike McKenna told the Herald Sun that they “will be ready” to take the event if Melbourne can’t play host, with the venue putting in a strong audition with the Richmond v Essendon Dreamtime success on Saturday night.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick backed up McKenna’s comments, saying the 55,000 strong crowd was “absolutely phenomenal” despite no Perth clubs playing.
While Perth are keen to host the decider if the AFL’s initial plans fall through, Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula said he has “absolute confidence” the game will be played at its intended venue.
"I speak to the AFL most days, the fact that the West Australian stadium or WA government would like the grand final is not news, it is pretty obvious that they would, anyone would want it," Pakula told The Age.
"But the fact is one of the reasons we are doing what we’re doing now, running this into ground and snuffing it out, is that there are a lot of incredibly important stuff happening in the second half of the year.
"We have school holidays in a few weeks away, AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup, Boxing Day Test, we want all of those things to happen in Melbourne.
"We want to be back in the situation we were, just a couple of weeks ago, where we had large crowds, full restaurants, business trading profitably and we are going to try to get back to the position as soon as we possibly can."
While Melbourne is currently under Stage 3 lockdown restrictions, the State Government has time on its side with the Grand Final still more than three months away.