NFL's Melbourne game creates finals headache for the AFL at the MCG
A groundbreaking NFL game at the MCG next September could force the AFL to make an unprecedented change to its finals schedule.
The AFL could be forced to move an MCG semi-final to a Sunday next year to accommodate an NFL game at the home of footy in September.
The MCG is committed to a blockbuster NFL game on either the Thursday or Friday morning (September 10-11) leading into the semi-finals, creating a schedule squeeze.
The NFL contract means the MCG would be potentially unavailable until Saturday night as the stadium would require time to change configuration.
It would create a headache for the AFL finals schedule if two powerhouse Victorian teams were set to host MCG games in the semi-finals.
One match would almost certainly have to be shifted to a Sunday slot if the league did not want to host the other match featuring a big-drawing Victorian club at Marvel Stadium.
While a Marvel Stadium tenant club could potentially host an interstate team at the indoor venue, the league’s preference would likely be to play at the MCG on Sunday to fit in the most fans.
But a Sunday game would require one team to have a short break heading into the preliminary final, although the league will assess it pending the finals line-up next year.
Semi-finals are typically played on Friday and Saturday nights, and both were hosted by interstate teams this year, Adelaide and Brisbane Lions.
The NFL is yet to lock-in the specific date of its Melbourne match but it is expected to be played on either a Thursday or Friday morning Melbourne time in the third week of finals.
The NFL has committed to a multi-year contract with the MCG. The games are expected to attract a capacity crowd.
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