Fans urged to arrive early for MCG bag checks at blockbuster final

THE AFL is urging footygoers to get to tonight’s blockbuster final 20 minutes earlier than usual, with checks planned for every one of the expected 95,000-plus fans.

ALL 95,000 plus fans heading to the blockbuster Richmond-Geelong qualifying final will be scanned have their bags searched by security, prompting the AFL to urge attendees to arrive 20 minutes earlier than usual.

Victoria Police Acting Commander David Clayton said no specific terror threat has been made against AFL finals at the MCG, but fans should remain vigilant in the wake of overseas incidents.

“People need to plan, use public transport if you can, it will take additional time to get to the ground because of traffic congestion ... people need to be patient and considerate,’’ he said.

He said police would walk with fans to and from the ground, be in high numbers at train stations, tram and bus stops and patrol in and outside the stadium.

GEELONG AND RICHMOND QUALIFYING FINAL: WHO WILL WIN?

Richmond fans at yesterday’s open training session. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Security guards check bags as fans enter the MCG. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“On the final siren, police will also exit the venue with patrons and walk with them to the transport hubs and back to the CBD,’’ he said.

As Victoria Police and MCG security ramp up surveillance at the home of football for the AFL finals, MCC venue and event services general manager Gerard Griffin revealed stricter checks at entry gates this year had uncovered a raft of dangerous items.

Knuckle dusters, knives and box cutters are among dangerous items confiscated from footy fans amid increased security checks at the MCG this AFL season.

Fans queue up before the start of a match. Picture: Ian Currie

Fans travelling to the MCG have been urged to allow extra time for security. Picture: Tim Carrafa

“We will be very diligent and strict in applying our 100 per cent bag check and 100 per cent wanding, this will take a fair bit of time and I’m sure fans are already used to this,’’ he said.

“Already this year we’ve confiscated box cutters, some knives and even the odd set of knuckle dusters.

“But with all this taken into consideration it’s very important that patrons give themselves plenty of time to arrive early.”

Griffin confirmed a clear bag rule, which would mean only clear plastic bags can be brought inside the MCG, was ``definitely on the table’’.

“Clear bags is certainly an option we will consider down the track, it is an option that we are exploring,’’ he said.

He said the MCC would extend its use of temporary bollards outside the MCG for the upcoming cricket season and would eventually convert them into permanent barriers.

But there were no immediate plans to bring the “ring of steel’’ security fence surrounding the MCG.

“There are no plans for the fence in the short term,’’ he said.

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