Dan Andrews makes enormous Matildas quarter-final call

The Victorian Premier has made an unprecedented move to boost support for the Matildas ahead of their crunch World Cup quarter-final.

Victoria traditionally knows how to host and present live sport, as evidenced by its Melbourne sporting precinct and the use of its famed Federation Square as a live site.

Fed Square has been rocking for this year’s Women’s World Cup, as it was for last year’s men’s version and countless other huge sporting spectacles, and will be again for the Matildas’ mega quarter-final clash with France on Saturday night.

Now, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews is taking that a step further, in more proof - not that any was needed - of the way this Australian team is gripping the nation.

Fans At Melbourne's Federation Square watch the Matildas’ World Cup round of 16 match against Denmark, being played in Sydney. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Rod Laver Arena, the famed indoor venue that hosts the Australian Open and many other events and sits about 700m east of Fed Square, will also be thrown open to the public to watch the match.

Entry is free to watch the Matildas on a big screen in a venue that can cater to any weather, unlike Fed Square, with 12,000 seats available.

“Fed Square went off on Monday for the Matildas (against Denmark in the round of 16),” Andrew said. “And (on Saturday), Rod Laver will too.

“We’re opening the arena and putting the game on the big screen.

“Gates 3 and 4 at Rod Laver Arena will open at 3:30pm. There are 12,000 seats which will be first come, first served.

Dan Andrews and Matildas star Caitlin Foord. Photos: NCA Newswire and AFP

“There are also Official FIFA Fan Sites at: Federation Square Fan Festival, Melbourne; Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, 32 Kay Street Traralgon; The Park, 12 Watton Street, Werribee; and Bunjil Place, Narre Warren.”

This tidal wave of support comes after some extraordinary moves announced by the AFL this week.

The Matildas’ move into the quarter-finals has shattered TV ratings records and pushed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to signal a national public holiday.

Perhaps their most unbelievable achievements, however, are arriving on Saturday night.

Channel 7 has pledged to delay its flagship news broadcast if necessary, a move only saved for the biggest live events.

Caitlin Foord, celebrating a goal against Denmark, has been one of the stars of this year’s Women's World Cup. (Photo by Amy Halpin /DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

And even more shockingly, the AFL - which infamously kicks, bites and scratches rival football codes at every conceivable opportunity - is also bowing to the power of our Tillies.

The AFL is accommodating the Matildas in not one, not two, but in FIVE different ways on Saturday.

Firstly the Swans’ clash with Gold Coast and Carlton’s blockbuster against Melbourne have both had their start times altered to avoid clashing with the World Cup monster.

On top of all that, the Matildas match will actually be broadcast on the big screens at both of the above matches - after the Swans games and prior to the Blues opening bounce - plus at Perth’s Optus Stadium ahead of the Western Derby between the Eagles and Dockers.

Matildas’ fans at the live site at Federation Square in Melbourne before the quarter-final match against Denmark. Picture: Ian Currie

You can knock us over with a proverbial feather ... or perhaps a Matildas scarf.

The news is so extraordinary that all of the AFL, Channel 7, the SCG and now the Carlton Football Club have tried to claim credit for the moves.

With all of this news public knowledge for some time, the Blues have belatedly released a statement to media outlets at 9.04am on Saturday morning.

“The Carlton Football Club can confirm the Matildas quarter-final clash against France will be streamed live for fans attending the MCG tonight,” it said in an announcement we already knew.

“Gates will now open an hour earlier, at 4.30pm, to allow fans already coming to the AFL game, the chance to take their seats prior to the Matildas’ kick off at 5pm.

“The game will be broadcast on the big screens at the ground until the end of regulation time.

“This will allow all fans to support the Matildas at the MCG, prior to the Blues’ blockbuster clash against the Demons.”

It’s on.

We’re on.

The Matildas are on.

For everybody heading to the MCG to watch our Round 22 clash with Melbourne tonight, make sure you get there early — and wear some green and gold with your Navy Blue 👀

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 11, 2023

Saturday arvo footy @scg 🙌🏾

VFL 9.45am
AFL 1.45pm

+ Matildas on the big screen after those games! pic.twitter.com/EmlY314miZ

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) August 11, 2023

COMMENT: The numbers don’t lie – Australians just can’t get enough of the Matildas. And it turns out it’s good news for the entire country.https://t.co/zMKEZAm3IK

— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) August 11, 2023

Carlton chief executive Brian Cook was then quoted in the release.

“We approached all relevant parties with the idea earlier this week and we thank them for their co-operation,” he states.

”It is terrific we have been able to get this over the line.

“Carlton members and supporters will be there in full voice as we take on the Demons at our home game tonight, so to give fans coming to the game the chance to arrive early and support the Matildas, it just makes sense and is the right thing to do.

“We look forward to what will be a special atmosphere, at an MCG that will be covered in green, gold and Navy Blue.”

Whoever actually came up with these ideas, all we know is sport in Australia is better for it.