afl.com.au
Sydney may host 2011 Grand Final
by Jennifer Witham
IF the AFL is unable to reach an agreement with Cricket Victoria in regards to the MCG’s availability in October, the AFL may be moved to Sydney’s ANZ Stadium. AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou claims that because of the extension to the AFL season, due to the incorporation of Gold Coast Sun, the Grand Final will need to be held on October 1. From this date, Cricket Victoria holds rights to the ground. The AFL and Cricket Victoria are in negotiations in regards to the rights to the MCG for an extra day.
Herald Sun (Melbourne)
It’s do or die: Brett Ratten
By Jon Anderson
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten has come under fire due to Carlton’s poor performance over the last few weeks and are sitting ninth, just one game clear of North Melbourne. They have a tough run home (Essendon tonight, Richmond, Geelong and Fremantle at home), but Ratten expects the team to still play finals football as long as they commit themselves to the contest. Essendon coach, Matthew Knights having recently experienced the same scrutiny Ratten is under, expects the Blue to come out firing.
Magpies ready for Cats: Heath Shaw
By Rebecca Williams
COLLINGWOOD defender Heath Shaw, who returns from injury, says the Magpies recent form and healthy list has given them the self-assurance to overcome the dominant force that is the Geelong Cats. Shaw feels that the top of the ladder confidence they have recently gained will give them the winning edge over the Cats for tomorrow night’s match.
The Advertiser
Fans to get better deal, says AFL boss
By Michelangelo Rucci
CHIEF executive of the AFL, Andrew Demetriou has promised SA football fans that he will deliver a better fixture next year for both the Crows and Port. With figures showing both SA teams as having falling numbers in their crowds and memberships, Demetriou vows to have better time slots and match ups in hope of attracting more fans to the game. Demetriou blames some of the attendance falls on the grounds facilities compared with interstate venues such as Etihad Stadium, but dismiss’ claims that falling numbers are due to the increase in live telecasts of AAMI Stadium matches. Demetriou plans to move AFL games in Adelaide to the new Adelaide Oval in 2014.
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)
No free rides for kid flops at Swans
By Todd Balym
SYDNEY coach, Paul Roos has announced that he will not be handing out games to underperforming young players who refuse to listen and offer excuses for their poor form. The comment comes after fans had emailed the club, frustrated with some of the younger players being kept in the reserves. Only one change has been made to the team for this weekend, Trent Dennis-Lane comes in for Brett Meredith.
AAP
Dons may be gone from Windy Hill
ESSENDON is likely to announce that they will have to move from their Windy Hill base to a new venue in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs because there is no room to develop their training facilities. A $6-million grant from the Federal Government was announced on Friday to fund a new centre, but development will not go ahead at Windy Hill unless the local bowls club is moved. Sites such as the Essendon Airport or Melbourne showgrounds are being considered.
