AFL confirms historic first as grand final venue announced

The AFL has announced the venue for the 2021 grand final, as one state confirmed the unfortunate news for a second year running.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has confirmed Optus Stadium in Perth will play host to the 2021 grand final.

McLachlan paid tribute to the Victorian Government for all the work they do for the competition and the sport, as the AFL’s showcase event takes place outside the MCG for the second year running.

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“Throughout the past few weeks as the pandemic continues to challenge us, we looked at all the possibilities for holding the Grand Final at the MCG,” McLachlan said.

“I want to thank Stuart Fox and the MCC for their continued support of football and of us through the process.

“It has become clear, however, as we continue to navigate through these challenges that it wouldn’t be in the best interests of the community to host a Grand Final at the MCG this year in front of a crowd.

“It has now meant that for season 2021, Toyota AFL Grand Final will be played in Perth at Optus Stadium.”

Optus Stadium in Perth will host the 2021 AFL grand final. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

It will be the first time the grand final has ever been played in Western Australia, and will also be just the third time the MCG is not hosting the landmark occasion.

Waverley Park played host to the 1991 grand final between Hawthorn and West Coast, and The Gabba in Brisbane saw Richmond defeat Geelong in last year’s grand final.

With the unfortunate news for Victorian footy fans finally confirmed, McLachlan hailed their resilience and support throughout the season.

“To all Victorians, we will be back at the MCG bigger and better in 2022,” McLachlan said.

“You have stuck by our game all year, and I know how hard it has been, especially how challenging it has been for the community of football.

“It has been a tricky season, not only for the AFL, but for all your leagues.

“I want you to know that priority of the AFL to have you back up and running for next season as you have our support.”

Despite the grand final being shifted to Perth, it wasn’t all bad news for the future the sport in Victoria.

The state’s Minister tourism and major events, Martin Pakula, revealed Victoria will play host to plenty of future events for the AFL as a way to soften the blow of losing the grand final.

The Melbourne Demons are one of six remaining sides in the AFL finals series. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I want Victorian footy fans to know that we will be compensating for the agreement,” Bacall said.

“We have been guaranteed extra premiership matches from 2022-2026.

“More football will be taken to regional Victoria.

“There will be a guarantee for WAFL matches at Victorian venues over a 3-year period starting with the 2021-2022 season, and the 2022-2023 AFL drafts being held here in Victoria, given the expectation that this year’s event may be a virtual one.”

With the news officially confirmed, West Australian Premier Mark McGowan was excited about what’s to come for the state.

“We have all the protocols in place all the rules in place, as we have for the last two years, to hold football and other sporting events, whereby we have very strict rules in place,” McGowan said.

“We’ve secured this event on our own terms. And we’ve ensured that we put in place the very strictest and strongest protocols to protect West Australia, but it’s very exciting.”

The AFL action continues this weekend, with Geelong taking on the GWS Giants in the first semi-final on Friday night at 7:50PM AEST, as GWS look to keep their finals hopes alive without star Toby Greene.

Brisbane face the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba on Saturday night in the other semi-final, with a spot in the preliminary finals awaiting for the victors.