AFL Grand Final Parade 2017: Anti-terror bollards to be installed in bid to thwart attacks

BOLLARDS will be installed along the route of Friday’s Grand Final parade and along thoroughfares to the MCG in a bid to thwart rogue vehicular attacks like those seen in Europe this year.

Up to 20,000 Tigers fans are expected at Sunday’s family fun day. Picture: Jason Edwards

BOLLARDS will be installed along the route of Friday’s Grand Final parade and along thoroughfares to the MCG in a bid to thwart rogue vehicular attacks like those seen in Europe this year.

Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police will be out in force as part of an all-out effort to protect footy fans over the weekend.

More than 1000 uniformed and plainclothes police will be on the streets. And analysts will be studying footage from new CCTV cameras.

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Bollards on Princes Bridge. Picture: Nicole Garmston

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Police will also have high-level tactical response officers on standby, ready to respond to any terrorist attack.

A Victoria Police counter-terrorism expert, who has recently returned from intelligence talks with overseas counterparts who were involved in investigating the recent London, Barcelona and Manchester terrorist attacks, is assisting with this year’s Grand Final precautions.

No specific or elevated terrorist risk has been identified.

Every footy fan entering the MCG on Saturday will be scanned by handheld metal detectors and their bags will be searched.

Every footy fan entering the MCG on Saturday will be scanned by handheld metal detectors and their bags will be searched. Picture: Jason Edwards

There will be no public car parking at Yarra Park. Gas cylinders used in traditional grand final barbecues will also be kept away from the venue.

Superintendent David Clayton, who is leading the police operation, told the Herald Sun: “The police and security resources that are going to be in place would be some of the highest numbers that we’ve ever seen.

“It’s going to be huge this year because of Richmond.

“We’re working really strongly on the high-visibility police presence — that is one of the key signals that reassures people. Further back, we will have specialist resources available, should something unfortunate occur.

“We hope we don’t have to use those skills in the event of an incident but I’m confident they’ve got the skills to mitigate or minimise the impact of any event and provide the safest environment for people.”

Temporary bollards will line the Grand Final parade route and also pedestrian corridors leading to the MCG — including Brunton Ave, which will be closed — so as to separate fans from vehicles.

“It’s commonplace now,’’ Supt Clayton said.

“The focus of policing is not just inside the venue.”

There will be a strong police and security presence at the Yarra Park Grand Final live site and another at Richmond’s sold-out Punt Road Oval event where 16,000 supporters will watch the game on big screens.

Extra CCTV has been installed in areas where crowds are expected, in addition to the 200 cameras at the MCG and at transport hubs.

Packed-out pubs in the Richmond area and city will be a focus of attention.

Up to 20,000 Tigers fans are also expected at Sunday’s family fun day.

A Federation Square live site for the NRL Storm v Cowboys grand final will also be closely monitored.

Counter Terrorism Command’s Detective Supt John O’Connor — who travelled to the US as part of Australia’s “Five Eyes” global alliance with the US, Canada, UK and New Zealand — assured footy fans authorities were skilled in keeping major events safe.

“We encourage people to come and enjoy themselves,’’ Det. Supt O’Connor said.

“We really plan for this — the police and security agencies are really across this to ensure the public is safe attending such an iconic day.”

Footy fans are being urged to take public transport and be patient getting into the MCG.

“Express lanes for patrons without bags will be in operation, and fans are strongly encouraged to avoid bringing a bag, in order to streamline entry,’’ Melbourne Cricket Club spokesman Shane Brown said.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said police would also patrol roads statewide, “ensuring that everyone can enjoy the AFL Grand final with their friends and families.”

To report any suspicious behaviour, phone the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

NEWEST CUB ARRIVES EARLY

THE newest member of the Tiger army is nothing if not dedicated.

Baby Ellie arrived three weeks ahead of schedule to the delight of her mother, long-time Richmond supporter Shannon Hardy.

“I was getting very nervous last Saturday … Ellie is going to be a Richmond fan until she can tell me otherwise,” she said.

“My heart was racing dur­ing the pre­liminary final and I just thought it’s going to be tough on my blood pressure to do this again for the Grand Final.”

Shannon Hardy with her new born Ellie, at Monash Hospital. Picture: Jason Edwards

Ms Hardy said she was on track to be at home with the newborn and watching Richmond run on to the MCG.

“I’m a bit of a loner when it comes to supporting Richmond in my family,” she said.

“My parents and brothers are Bulldogs supporters, so it’s my turn after they saw their dreams come true last year.

“It’s been incredible to watch them do so well. As a shift worker I haven’t been able to go to as many games but it’s always an important part of my week.

“I’m 31 so I haven’t seen Richmond in a Grand Final before.

“Let’s hope Ellie’s birth date is a sign that she won’t have to do the same.”

DICKY TICKER NOW ‘STRONG AND BOLD’

IT IS fair to say diehard Richmond fan Arthur Reid wholeheartedly loves the Tigers.

The 76-year-old underwent heart surgery a week ago at the Monash Medical Centre, but remains determined to watch the Grand Final this weekend.

“I will definitely be watching the game,” he said.

“I used to go to all the Tigers’ games in Melbourne.”

Arthur has been supporting his beloved Tigers for over 50 years and even went to the last Grand Final back in 1982.

Arthur Reid, 76, underwent heart surgery a week ago at the Monash Medical Centre. Picture: Jason Edwards

While he won’t be at the MCG this year, he is looking forward to cheering on the yellow and black from home.

“I’ve been going to the games since 1960, but I am still excited to watch from home,” he said.

“I think they’ve got it in the bag.”

The medical staff joke that this time around, Arthur won’t be able to roar too loudly in excitement.

Last year, MonashHeart performed over 500 heart surgeries and is expected to perform four times the amount when the Victorian Heart Hospital opens in 2022.

Arthur hopes to go home “strong and bold” today, set with a new ticker just in time for the heart-stopping game

— Chanel Zagon

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