Fresh off the NRL backing down and agreeing to move the Melbourne Storm’s Preliminary Final forward a few hours to avoid a clash with the Grand Final in Perth, the AFL has been buoyed by a newfound sense of confidence.
Looking to seize on the momentum of getting the NRL to abandon a time slot it has held for the last 20 years, the AFL has prepared a list of other events they may look to have moved as they aim to implement a full 12-month, Aussie Rules focused calendar.
The crack investigative team at Neds have used inside sources to secure the league’s hit-list of sporting events that need to be moved.
NRL Grand Final
They moved the Preliminary Final forward a few hours, could they do the same for the Grand Final?
It’s just that a replay of the 2021 decider is airing on Fox Footy that night and fans shouldn’t have to choose.
No word yet on whether the NRL will succeed where the AFL failed and get Powderfinger to reunite for their championship game.
Melbourne Cup
It clashes with the biggest non-matchday event of the year: Trade Week
Those deals that normally get announced at 2:45pm AEDT on the first Tuesday in November really should have some clear air in the media.
Especially with hard-hitting content like this.
Boxing Day Test
With all due respect to the cricketers, the AFL really needs the MCG surface in pristine condition for the first bounce of the 2022 competition.
Having the pitch and the fielders running all over it does the grass no favours.
They can borrow Docklands if it HAS to be on Boxing Day.
You can still celebrate under the roof.
Super Bowl
The major inspiration for the AFL wanting a night Grand Final, the biggest annual sporting event in the world is probably going to need to change time slots.
Having the game first up Monday morning in mid-February is not a great time for most clubs as it will distract the players during pre-season training.
A handful of them even have some intra-squad games scheduled for then.
Plus, it would not be a good thing for the players to learn how much the punters in that sport make.
Super Rugby
It has not been released to the public yet but given the rousing success of AFLX the first time around, it will be back next year.
That means those rectangular stadiums will need to be blocked out for that event.
Might even try and squeeze the Reds out of Suncorp Stadium.
Winter Games in Beijing
Do they really need ALL 16 days to complete the events?
Maybe the alpine skiing can be condensed from 11 events into six, the freestyle skiing from 13 to eight.
Just give the people who have chopped and changed the AFL fixture list in the last 18 months a quick pass at it.
They could shave off a couple of days.
2022 World Cup
It’s not that the head honchos at FIFA haven’t already done the AFL a massive favour agreeing to host it in Qatar and moving it to November & December, but it would be nice if they could make a couple more accommodations.
Make sure the Aussie games are all at 3:00am AEDT or in that vicinity, just to keep it out of the headlines and avoid fans wanting Socceroos jerseys instead of Aussie Rules merch for Christmas.
Fathers’ Day
For years they have put up with this September tradition clashing with the first weekend of the AFL Finals.
Early reports indicate the preferred option is to move it to mid-June like when the USA celebrates it.
Logies
Covid has forced the last two editions of the Logies to be cancelled and AFL HQ is doing all it can to bring Australian TV’s night of nights back.
It even will help by providing some not at all binding suggestions on potential award winners.
Most Popular New Talent: Luke Jackson (Melbourne Demons)
Most Popular Presenter: Hamish McLachlan (Channel 7)
Most Outstanding Comedy Program: The Front Bar (Channel 7)
Most Outstanding Entertainment Program: On The Couch (Fox Footy)
Most Outstanding Miniseries or Telemovie: Making Their Mark (Amazon)
Most Outstanding Reality Program: Friday Night Footy (Channel 7)
Most Outstanding Sports Coverage: 2021 AFL Season (Channel 7/Fox Footy)
Gold Logie: Mick Molloy (The Front Bar)
Just something to break up the Lisa McCune dynasty that Tom Gleeson is building now.
The New James Bond Movie
It’s been 18 months, fans, players, coaches and executives all just want the movie to come out already!
In fact, the AFL has asked for it to be released on Tuesday September 28th at 12:01am.
Absolutely nothing to do with covering up the Demons’ or Bulldogs’ wild premiership celebrations.