Community footy clubs furious at AFL’s scheduling of Saturday afternoon blockbuster

The Geelong v Collingwood blockbuster has been blasted for “dimming the lights” on dozens of community footy finals — this is why.

The MCG will host a blockbuster final on a Saturday afternoon, prompting a furious response from community football leagues.

Local footy chiefs have blasted the AFL for holding a blockbuster finals match on a Saturday, saying the schedule has “dimmed the lights” on suburban and regional leagues.

The criticism follows the AFL scheduling the blockbuster Geelong v Collingwood clash on Saturday September 3.

It also comes as local footy leagues work to rebuild after several years of interrupted operations due to Covid.

Ovens and Murray Football Netball League chair David Sinclair slammed the Geelong v Collingwood scheduling decision, saying Saturday afternoons should be reserved for community football matches during finals.

“It’s a massive distraction – Geelong and Collingwood playing at 4.30pm is going to take spectators, participants and volunteers away from community footy,” Mr Sinclair told the Herald Sun.

“Between two and five (o’clock) on a Saturday afternoon, the spotlight should be shown on community sport. In two weeks time it’s going to be well and truly dimmed by a massive final that is going to be played in Melbourne.”

Mr Sinclair said local footy leagues had been hard hit by the pandemic and needed “everyone on-board to have a successful final series”.

“Particularly given we have not had a final series for three years now, it’s their first opportunity for leagues to get some revenue in,” he said.

The Geelong-Collingwood blockbuster has been labelled a distraction from community football matches.

Heathcote District Football Netball League chair Peter Cole hit back at the AFL and said the major league should be “worried” about competing with community sport.

“They don’t give a s--- about us,” he said.

“I think the AFL should be more worried. We’ll have a bumper crowd (for the grand final).

“They (AFL) should look at rescheduling. It won’t affect us one bit, (our) crowds have been enormous this year.”

Ringwood Football and Netball Club president Jake Keogh said “in an ideal world” the AFL would host final games on a Sunday to ensure local clubs are not competing with it.

“Local clubs have done it tough the last few years – anything the AFL does to help us get back on our feet (is appreciated),” Mr Keogh said.

“Local footy is always Saturday afternoon and it’s not hard to think ahead and block out that spot.”

Ringwood is set to host the Eastern Football Netball League’s men’s grand finals at Jubilee Park on September 3.

Bendigo Football Netball League general manager Cameron Tomlins said he would encourage the AFL to return to night games for the finals to protect local footy.

“In 2019 we had few scenarios where the community game would be scheduled during the day in the second or third week of final and the AFL finals (were played) at night time,” he said.

“That was a great format to really give an opportunity from a community space to come out and enjoy the community game during the day.”