Greater Shepparton throws hat in the ring to help with AFL scheduling conundrum

By Tyler Maher

Jul 1, 2021

The once-again worsening coronavirus outbreak across the country has forced all 18 AFL teams into Victoria.

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As the powers that be look to keep the season rolling though, the juggling act of squeezing nine matches per weekend into just four regular venues - the MCG, Marvel Stadium, Geelong's GMHBA Stadium and Ballarat's Mars Stadium - will quickly become untenable.

But if AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan is looking for a regional centre to save the day, he needs to look no further than the Goulburn Valley.

Deakin Reserve most recently hosted a pre-season clash between Melbourne and Richmond in 2019, and Greater Shepparton City Council has "reached out" to the AFL to offer assistance with the scheduling conundrum.

"Greater Shepparton and the AFL has had a wonderful relationship over many years with Deakin Reserve being a proud host to a plethora of pre-season games and club community camps over the last decade," City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O'Keeffe said.

"Greater Shepparton City Council understands that with an evolving COVID-19 situation the AFL are looking at various options for hosting games in Victoria including regional Victoria and as such council has reached out to the AFL to let them know that our team is ready and available to assist in any way should the need arise to have games in the regions.

"This would be a wonderful opportunity for our community in many ways.

"Council would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the AFL on continuing to navigate COVID-19 to continue to bring footy to our community."

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By Tyler Maher

Shepparton News editor