Night grand final push is for all the wrong reasons: Cameron Mooney
Not even Beyonce is a good enough reason for a night grand final, according to footy champion and commentator Cameron Mooney, who says “we’re not America” as the AFL prepares for a historic decider in 2020.
Confidential
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Footy champion Cameron Mooney says halftime entertainment is not a good enough reason to stage a night grand final — even if the AFL lands Beyonce.
The former Geelong premiership player turned Fox Footy commentator, said: “We have been trying to get night a grand final for the wrong reasons — because of entertainment.
“Who cares about entertainment? The game is the entertainment. We’re not America, we don’t have to have Beyonce dancing around for 25 minutes for it to be a really good day.
“I love the Super Bowl and I love the NFL but our game is enough and I think during the day has been perfect. So hopefully it’s only a one-off.”
Former All Australian Mooney, who was a part of the Cats’ 2007 premiership side, said that the “hardened, experienced” Richmond was still his favourite for the COVID-disrupted season finale at the Gabba on October 24, but said his former club was still as good as anyone when playing its best football.
Mooney’s comments follow Hollywood star and diehard St Kilda supporter Eric Bana’s criticism of a night grand final and Brisbane stadium hosting it.
“Night Grand Final. It’s a big no from me. Aways hated the idea,” Bana tweeted.
“For those whose night time rating for 1 game a year is all that matters, I think it makes our game look weak. Day time traditions and spectacle far outweigh.
He added: “As for the Gabba, it looks far superior on a sunny QLD day. At night, it looks flat and 2 dimensional, add to that highly predictable tropical rain, all diminish the quality of our showcase.”
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