Cameron Smith welcomes AFL’s free kick for Melbourne Storm

MELBOURNE Storm skipper Cameron Smith says his club will accept the AFL’s scheduling free kick that’ll see it have the town all to itself this week.

MELBOURNE Storm skipper Cameron Smith says his club will accept the AFL’s scheduling free kick that’ll see it have the town all to itself this week.

The AFL’s controversial decision to introduce a pre-finals bye week means Storm will be the only show in town this week as it looks to secure the NRL minor premiership.

Ladder-leading Storm will face second-placed Cronulla at AAMI Park on Saturday night in a final round blockbuster.

To emphasise the point, Storm on Monday held a media conference at the MCG in which Smith and teammate Blake Green kicked footballs — both Sherrin and Steeden — on the hallowed turf.

They were there to promote an offer in which AFL club and MCC members will receive 50 per cent off reserved seat ticket prices at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

It is part of the club’s grand strategy to maximise its reach on a rare non-AFL weekend.

“It’s going to be a big week for the Storm and it’s a huge game for us,” Smith said.

Storm stars Blake Green and Cameron Smith at the MCG.

“It’s a chance for the minor premiership and we haven’t been in this situation for a few years now; 2011 was the last opportunity we had to win one,

“Given there’s no AFL in town, it works out great for us. We’re hoping for a really good turnout at AAMI Park.”

Storm has a strong relationship with many Victorian AFL clubs and Smith said that would continue.

“We don’t see ourselves as competition; we’re just trying to fit in the Melbourne environment and Victorian environment alongside them,” he said.

“It’s a big weekend for us, so as much as I do enjoy watching the AFL, this is a really good opportunity for our club to do something special this weekend.”

Cameron Smith displays his AFL skills at the MCG.