Grand final coaches call for football to stop around the nation on day of A-League decider

This season’s A-League grand final coaches want future deciders to be played on a day when no other football is played around Australia.

Western United coach John Aloisi has called on football around Australia to be put on hold on A-League grand final day. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Rival coaches John Aloisi and Patrick Kisnorbo have called for all future A-League grand finals to be played on a day free of all other football throughout Australia to ensure the occasion gets the attention and support it deserves.

A crowd of more than 20,000 is expected at AAMI Park for Saturday night’s decider between Western United and Melbourne City.

While it’s a fair crowd for two teams that don’t have huge supporters bases, the fact a host of NPL Victoria matches are also being played on Saturday doesn’t help the A-League decider in terms of attendance and spotlight.

“It would have been nice if the whole of football stopped for one game and not played any of their local games, the NPLs, and not only here in Melbourne but the whole of Australia,” United coach Aloisi said.

“All eyes should be on this game – it's the A-League and it’s the grand final.

“Hopefully in the future they do that and they stop or play them on a different day and everyone can watch what will be a great game.”

Rival grand final coaches John Aloisi (left) and Patrick Kisnorbo want clear space for the decider. Picture: William WEST / AFP

City coach Kisnorbo echoed the sentiments of Aloisi.

“When it comes to a grand final, I think every game should be cancelled in Australia – then the football community can watch whoever’s playing,” Kisnorbo said.

“No-one plays (Aussie rules) on the (AFL) grand final (day). Everyone’s tuned in to watch the AFL grand final.”

Aloisi hadn’t given up hope of a full house of 30,000 at AAMI Park despite the obstacles.

“To have two Melbourne teams at AAMI Park ... it’s the first time in A-League history so I’m pretty confident it will be close to being full, if not full.,” the United mentor said.

“(Grand finals) are special days. I’ve been fortunate as a player to be involved in a couple and I’ve also been involved in the cup in Spain and they’re special.”

Only in its third year of existence, United is intent on stopping the cashed-up City becoming the first club to win back-to-back A-League premiership-championship doubles.

Despite City winning the Premier’s Plate, United has had the wood on its Victorian rival this season.

United won two of the three regular season matches between the teams, with the other game finishing in a 2-2 draw.

“(The players) want to create history with this football club and we’ve got an opportunity for it,” Aloisi said.