All-Melbourne A-League finals battle pushed back by two hours

A-League officials are hopeful a new starting time for Sunday’s elimination final between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City will lead to a bigger crowd.

Sunday’s all-Melbourne A-League finals derby has a new starting time. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The starting time for Sunday’s A-League elimination final between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City at AAMI Park has been shifted back by two hours due to a clash with Orthodox Easter celebrations and “grassroots” football.

The do-or-die derby was scheduled to start at 3pm but will now kick off at 5pm.

“We’ve heard fan feedback and this morning have worked with clubs and our broadcast partner to confirm that the kick off time for the Melbourne derby elimination final has been moved to 5pm (AEST) on Sunday,” an Australian Professional Leagues spokesman said.

“It’s set to be a huge elimination final and we thank all partners for their co-operation in helping make this change and ensuring we can make this derby as big as possible.”

The all-Melbourne A-League elimination final has a new starting time on Sunday. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

An APL spokesman later told News Corp Australia that the kick-off time was changed because of a “clash with Greek (Orthodox) Easter and grassroots (football)”.

This weekend’s other elimination final between Sydney FC and Macarthur FC will be played on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium.

The A-League women’s grand final between Melbourne City and Sydney FC will also take place on Saturday, with the decider kicking off at 4.15pm at AAMI Park.

Originally published as All-Melbourne A-League finals battle pushed back by two hours