AFL Mackay grand final moved to Magpies Sporting Club

AFL Mackay was forced to move after losing access to the city’s premier grounds less than two weeks out from the grand final.

The North Mackay Saints 6.12-48 defeated Eastern Swans 3.2-20 in the 2020 AFL Mackay Allied Pickfords Cup grand final at Harrup Park. Photo: Callum Dick

AFL Mackay has confirmed the new venue for the season’s big dance after a last-minute change with the city securing three One Day Internationals.

Great Barrier Reef Arena was the initial home of grand final day but the Australia v India women’s cricket series has forced AFL Mackay to move just 12 days out.

Magpies Sporting Club general manager Darren Smith said he was proud the club had been chosen to host the sports calendar’s pinnacle event.

“Magpies Sporting Club is proud to be offered the opportunity to host such a prestigious local sporting event,” he said.

“Grand final day is the pinnacle of AFL in the region and we are excited to be able to share our pristine Magpies AFL facilities across the day.”

Hamish Gurry in the North Mackay Saints and Mackay Magpies clash at Zeolla Park, August 28, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

AFL Mackay discussed multiple potential venues before settling on Magpies Sporting Club, with Bakers Creek also a potential option.

Operations manager Joshua Rhodes said the facilities at Magpies were most suitable to hosting the grand finals.

“We looked at other alternative grounds, but match-standard lighting was one major factor in the discussion,” he said.

“If there were any drawn games and extra time, the timeslots for games would be pushed back.”