Collingwood set to lose another AFLW home game from Olympic Park

COLLINGWOOD will be left with just two home games out of seven if, as expected, the AFL moves Saturday’s game against Melbourne away from Olympic Park.

There was a lockout at Ikon Park for the inaugural AFLW clash between Carlton and Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

COLLINGWOOD will be left with just two home games out of seven if, as expected, the AFL moves Saturday’s game against Melbourne away from Olympic Park.

The Magpies face a crunch match against the Demons following last Friday’s heavy opening-round loss to Carlton.

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With no finals and the top two teams progressing directly to the March 25 grand final, wins are at a premium for both teams, with Melbourne also a Round 1 loser.

The Collingwood v Melbourne clash had been set for the Magpies’ home base at Olympic Park, but is almost certain to be moved to neutral ground to accommodate an expected large crowd.

Capacity is as low as 5000 at Olympic Park, versus about 24,000 at Ikon Park.

Collingwood was forced to switch its opening home game against Carlton last Friday night. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The shift would create a Saturday double-header, with the game to follow the Carlton v Greater Western Sydney clash.

Collingwood said it was not concerned about the potential shift of a second home game away from Olympic Park in as many weeks.

“We support the AFL in putting the game at a venue where as many people can watch us as that is safe,” a spokeswoman said.

“We are excited that AFLW is garnering so much interest and excitement,” the Collingwood spokeswoman said.

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Collingwood’s former home Victoria Park was considered, but lack of facilities and time to add temporary infrastructure means it is unlikely.

Carlton was due to host GWS at Ikon Park at 5.05pm on Saturday, but that would provide only a 40-minute turnaround between the games.

The capacity at Ikon Park is 24,000, compared to 5000 at Collingwood’s Olympic Park. Picture: Rob Leeson

Lethlean confirmed the Blues v Giants game could be brought forward to accommodate both clashes.

“Ikon Park is probably the most obvious (ground to move the Collingwood match to),” he said.

“There’s a bit of work to do but we’re looking at that.”

A final decision may not be made until tomorrow.

Collingwood is likely to keep its remaining home games, both against interstate clubs — GWS in Round 6 and Adelaide in Round 7.

The AFL said at the weekend that the MCG was under consideration for the AFLW grand final.

Lethlean said the league would “work out where is best” for the match closer to the scheduled date of March 25, raising Whitten Oval, Ikon Park and Punt Rd as other ­potential venues.

Originally published as Collingwood set to lose another AFLW home game from Olympic Park