Geelong coach Chris Scott says AFL grand final being locked in at MCG until 2057 ‘is a travesty’

The AFL grand final is locked in to the MCG until at least 2057, but Chris Scott says the long-term deal is “a travesty” and John Longmire wants action. VOTE NOW.

Dom Sheed celebrates his late goal during last year’s grand final against Collingwood. Picture: Nicole Garmston.

Chris Scott has slammed the MCG’s monopoly on the AFL Grand Final as a “travesty”.

The Geelong coach did not mince words, believing the AFL should rethink holding the showcase event at the same venue every season.

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While Scott wants a home final for the Cats if they continue in top spot, he says the national competition needs to take the Grand Final on the road.

Under a deal struck last year with the State Government the Grand Final will stay at the MCG until at least 2057.

“The grand final’s at the MCG — It’s locked in for 40 years or whatever it is, I don’t think that’s right,” Scott said on AFL360.

“Maybe that’s influenced by my playing days up in Brisbane, but we’re a truly national competition now — to have the Grand Final locked into the MCG is a travesty.”

Dom Sheed celebrates his late goal during last year’s grand final against Collingwood. Picture: Nicole Garmston.

Sydney coach John Longmire echoed Scott’s sentiments as he prepared his side for its first visit to the home of footy this season.

“You won’t get any argument from me,” Longmire said.

“It is a national competition.

“It’s wonderful being able to play at the MCG — we play (for) the first time (this season) at the MCG this week.

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“What are we, Round 15 (16)?

“It’s a wonderful venue, but we’re pretty clear what we believe.

“It’s a national competition and it’d be great to take the biggest game in the land around the place.”

Chris Scott savours Geelong’s premiership win at the MCG in 2011.

Scott said the club was working the AFL on securing a home final down in Geelong, should the first-placed Cats end the season in the top two.

“We’re really clear around the obstacles that the AFL have when it comes to the integrity of the competition and fairness — it’s not perfect, there are contracts in place, but I think we’re working as a competition toward the idea that fairness should be the priority and at least in the first week of the finals, I think it’s generally accepted that the team that earns the home final should get it,” Scott said.

“The AFL have gone out of their way to explain some of those issues to us and they’ve given us some confidence that they feel that fairness is right up there with the most important thing in the game.”

Originally published as Geelong coach Chris Scott says AFL grand final being locked in at MCG until 2057 ‘is a travesty’