Huge crowd flocks to MCG for sellout showdown between Geelong and Richmond

UPDATE: HUNDREDS of fans were waiting in queues outside the MCG just minutes before the first bounce in Friday night’s sellout Geelong and Richmond clash.

HUNDREDS of fans were stuck waiting in queues outside the MCG just minutes before the first bounce in Friday night’s sellout Geelong and Richmond clash.

Huge queues awaited fans arriving early at the MCG for the finals showdown, with thousands of supporters finding themselves stuck in crazy lines.

Queues eased after the early rush, but at least hundreds more were still waiting to get in as the first siren sounded.

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A tweet from an upset fan. Picture: Twitter

15 minutes to bounce. Pandemonium at Gate 3. Horrendous @KrockFootball pic.twitter.com/wPH3vsu4dO

— Heath Buck (@heath_buck) September 8, 2017

Enormous crowds line up outside gate 4 about 7pm. Picture: Mark Stewart

Crowds build outside gate 3 about 7pm. Picture: Mark Stewart

A massive crowd formed outside the MCC five hours before the 7.50pm start time, while traffic also ramped up as Geelong fans made the trek along the West Gate Freeway to the ‘G.

Glen Davies, of Narre Warren, said he was shocked by the size of the line at Gate 2, more than two hours before kick-off.

“I took one look and thought you had to be joking,” he said.

“I’ve never seen anything like it the way it snaked around.

“To be fair it does seem to be moving quickly so it’s possible everyone has come early to beat the rush.

“I wouldn’t want to be here right before kick-off just to be safe.”

Flinders St, 5.50pm. Will we make it?!?! #AFLCatsTigers pic.twitter.com/k8uZYxh4ts

— Lachie Young (@lachie_young) September 8, 2017

I have never seen the que for MCC members at @MCG so long - not even for a GF - this is massive. #AFLCatsTigers #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/Js7sO2LZfZ

— Con Sotidis (@LearnKotch) September 8, 2017

Enormous crowds line up outside gate 2 at the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

AFL 2017 Geelong Cats v Richmond Tigers. Second qualifying final premiership at the MCG. Enormous crowds line up outside gate 2. Picture: Mark Stewart

Crowds queue to enter the Geelong and Richmond blockbuster. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty

Enormous crowds line up outside gate 2 at the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

Patrons are checked by security. Picture: Mark Stewart

Melton resident Sharon Hill said she had watched lines at other gates moving much faster when they were opened.

“They started letting people in at the public gates and there didn’t seem to be any issues for the people getting in there,” she said.

“It’s a bit frustrating but you can’t put a price on safety so we’re happy to sit through it for now.

“I’m just glad we came early.”

Cats fan Aanika, 8. Picture: Mark Stewart

AFL 2017 Geelong Cats v Richmond Tigers. Second qualifying final premiership at the MCG. Enormous crowds line up outside gate 2. Picture: Mark Stewart

Born in the year of the tiger, Brenda Hilton has learnt to stay positive after more than 50 years supporting Richmond.

“I’ve been a tiger since I was four so you learn to take the good with the bad,” she said.

“I’m not cracking it if they lose because no team goes out there not wanting to win.

“My father was born in the year of the tiger too so we’ve been supporting them for a long time.

“Whatever happens tonight they’ll still be my team.”

Lifelong Tigers fan Brenda Hilton. Picture: Mark Stewart

Brenda Hilton chases some police. Picture: Mark Stewart

Here's the crowd outside with 30 minutes to go. Lines solid but dying down. @theheraldsun #AFLCatsTigers pic.twitter.com/9ygOOQqmFa

— Kieran Rooney (@KieranRooneyCM) September 8, 2017

Gate 5 at the MCG. Half an hour until the bounce. Crowd of 95k patiently shuffling in #gotiges 🐯 pic.twitter.com/9JlUmrbaoV

— Ashley Argoon (@AshArgoon) September 8, 2017