SA sets up task force to bid for AFL grand final

A three-way tussle has emerged to host the AFL grand final, with Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane all vying to host. But who will win?

A three-way tussle has emerged to host the AFL grand final, with Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane all vying to host the big game.

With it near inconceivable that Melbourne could host the final this year, South Australia has put together a task force to launch a bid to host the contest.

Premier Steven Marshall said the group was working on a presentation that would be given to the AFL later this week or early next.

“We’ve put together a task force now to put our best foot forward in regards to bringing finals and or the grand final to Adelaide Oval,” he said.

“Adelaide Oval is unequivocally the expert oval in terms of handling the coronavirus. We’ve seen this from day one — they’ve been able to work with SA Health to bring large crowds in and out of the facility.

“I think we’ve put ourselves in the very best position to host the grand final or let’s hope we can get a number of finals.”

He said hosting would be a great opportunity to showcase the state to the rest of the nation.

“Often we see money is attached to these things. We’ll look at it from a commercial perspective and make sure there’s a return for South Australian taxpayers but we’re not at that stage at the moment,” Mr Marshall said.

The South Australian government isn’t the only one interested in hosting the big game, which will be played on either October 17 or 24.

The Gabba in Brisbane is also keen to host the grand final. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Albert Perez

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been clear since her state was transformed into the temporary home of AFL she was pushing for the grand final to be held at the Gabba.

“As I told (AFL boss) Gil (McLachlan), if the season is based here then the grand final should be played here too,” she said.

A Queensland Government spokesman said the state was well positioned to secure the game, which would deliver a major tourism boost.

“Queensland is happy to be in a position to help the AFL season continue and to allow fans – especially those in Victoria – the chance to cheer their team,” the spokesman said.

“The possibility of a Queensland AFL grand final has been discussed but it’s premature to talk about it publicly.”

Optus Stadium in Perth is also in the running. Picture: Daniel Carson/Getty Images

There were reports in early August the WA Government had lodged a submission to host the finals, including the grand final, at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

However, with rival Telstra being one the AFL’s major sponsors, it is unclear if that would be allowed.

A WA Government spokesman said no official bid was made because there was no official process to enter.

“Our priority is not the AFL grand final and we’re not trying to lure the grand final here,” the spokesman said.

“We’ve always maintained that Optus Stadium is the best place for a grand final if that’s what the AFL decided – taking into consideration all the issues related to the pandemic.

“The health of Western Australians come first and the strict quarantine arrangements for people entering WA remains our focus.

“Discussions with the AFL are ongoing about the rest of their season.”

AFL hubs were set up in Queensland and WA. However, SA initially turned down the opportunity, saying public health was the priority.

It now has a temporary hub set up in the Barossa Valley for the Hawthorn Football Club.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said there were compelling arguments for each stadium to host the Grand Final. Picture: Sarah Matray

McLachlan said last week decisions on the finals structure would be made by the end of August.

“First things first. We’ll work through this with the Victorian Government and we have a contract with them,” he said on ABC Radio Melbourne.

“It’s at the MCG contractually until it’s not. If it’s not, and I think we’re all being pretty real about it, we’re very lucky we have four great options and we’ll run a process.

“There’s obviously arguments for all of them: whether it’s the newness and incredible stadium that Perth’s is or what Queensland’s partnership is, the size of ANZ or the history of South Australia. They all make good arguments.”

Clear as mud. So let’s compare:

CASE NUMBERS

Overall, SA has recorded the lowest total number of cases across the three states, with 462 infections. Western Australia follows with 651 while Queensland had 1091.

South Australia has seven active cases, Western Australia has nine and Queensland has six.

CAPACITY

At full capacity, Adelaide Oval can hold 53,500 people but under restrictions, the maximum is 10,000.

Optus Stadium caters for 60,000 but is designed to expand to 70,000 seats for AFL events. However, it is capped at 50 per cent capacity.

The Gabba has the smallest capacity, with 42,000 people.

AFL LADDER

One team from each of the three states is sitting in the top four.

Port Adelaide remain on top, despite a loss to Geelong last Friday. They’ll play the Hawks at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The Brisbane Lions have been strong this season and sit second, behind Port Adelaide on percentage. They’ll play St Kilda at the Gabba Sunday afternoon.

The West Coast Eagles sit fourth, below Geelong, and will play GWS Sunday afternoon at Optus Stadium.