After another pathetic crowd and even worse atmosphere, it's time AFL Victoria admit the Friday night experiment has failed and return the VFL's biggest game to a Sunday afternoon.
The TAC Cup game was played in front of about 4,000 people, it looks horrible in a 52,000 seat stadium. The VFL was played in front of about 11,000 - no doubt a number of people left after the TAC Cup match.
Was the weather an excuse? Maybe. Was the fact North Ballarat played in the game a reason for a smaller crowd? Maybe.
VFL Grand Finals have failed to draw attendances of much more than 12,000 over the past decade. Taking the game to Docklands has not led to any improvement to what were deemed poor crowds at Princes Park on a Sunday afternoon. Yet the expense to AFL Victoria is considerably larger.
It looks SHIT on the TV. VFL footy is not about light beer in plastic cups, nor is it about sitting on padded seats. It's about standing on the hill, with a VB can, barracking as hard and as loud as you can.
Peter Schwab and co at AFL Victoria need to admit the Friday night doesn't work. No excuses. I know they are good at making them in there, but I don't want to hear them. Credit to them for trying something new, but it hasn't worked. And it won't work. Ever.
I'd like to see them try a Sunday triple header at Docklands - play the TAC, the VFL reserves and VFL seniors on the same day. Roof open if its a sunny day. It's worth a shot.
