Fox Sports football expert Robbie Slater has launched a scathing attack on the AFL for allowing the Western Bulldogs to retain their fixture against the Fremantle Dockers on May 17th, the scheduled day of the A-League Grand Final.
Melbourne Victory, who finished top of the A-League competition, will now be forced to host the Grand Final at AAMI Park instead of Etihad Stadium if they win their semi-final next week.
It is a situation which has incensed many sports pundits and Slater believes common sense should have been applied by the AFL to force the Bulldogs to make a switch.
“It’s our grand final. I know they say we should book ahead in advance, but come on a bit of good will for sport, regardless of what code it is,” the former Socceroo said.
“This is sport and Melbourne Victory who have the biggest fan base in the league so I find it petty and pathetic that the AFL wouldn’t move.”
“I don’t know the actual logistics, but surely they could have allowed it to be changed.”
There has been an evident friction between FFA and the AFL ever since the A-League began a decade ago, and Slater believes the AFL is suffering from insecurity, despite the fact it is the most popular code in Australia.
“I think for some stupid reason the AFL feel threatened by football,” he said.
“If it’s not insecurity, then it’s just downright nasty on the AFL’s behalf.”
“I don’t know why, when we play in a different climate. They’re winter and we’re summer. We’ve done everything to get away from the other codes and respect the other codes to do the right thing.”
“I find it pathetic, ridiculous and embarrassing that the AFL won’t allow the Grand Final to take place at Etihad.”
AAMI Park at this point in time is where the final is likely to be hosted if Victory win their clash next weekend. The stadium holds an official capacity of 30,050, whereas Etihad’s capacity stands at 53,359.
The mere fact that 20,000 plus people will potentially miss out on attending a Grand Final is a crushing blow for the fans and the A-League.
Slater voiced his anger and discontent at the likelihood of having the A-League’s showpiece event at a small stadium.
“Not happy at all. AAMI Park is a terrific stadium, no doubt about it, but for a grand final it’s not suitable,” the ex-Blackburn Rovers striker said.
“It does create a great atmosphere, but the reality is it only holds around 29,000. For me it’s like playing the FA Cup final at St. Mary’s, so for that reason alone I find it extraordinary they can’t get Etihad and that’s so out of line from the AFL.”
Slater insists that he does not harbour any animosity towards the AFL and that he actually respects and enjoys the sport.
“I like it. I’m not a follower as such but I watch the highlights and I certainly take an interest in it,” he said.
“I appreciate the sport and the athletes they are, enjoy watching the grand final and there’s absolutely no jealousy at all.”
“There should no ill feelings; we all live together and should be supportive of each other.”
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