‘Galling’ call in Shield final venue battle
Premier Peter Malinauskas has revealed a request for compensation from an AFL entity in negotiations for Adelaide Oval to host cricket’s Sheffield Shield final.
A “galling” request from an AFL entity for compensation should Adelaide Oval host cricket’s Sheffield Shield final has been rejected by South Australia’s government.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has revealed an AFL “entity”, believed to be the Adelaide Crows, asked the government for financial compensation if the shield final is played at Adelaide Oval.
SA’s cricketers have earned hosting rights for the final and cricket hierarchy and Malinauskas want the decider played at Adelaide Oval on March 24-28.
But the AFL season would then be underway with Port Adelaide playing at the city stadium on March 22 and the Crows also there on March 30.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon previously told reporters he was not against the idea of the Sheffield Shield final being played at the Adelaide Oval. Image: Matt Turner/AAP
Malinauskas on Wednesday declined to name the AFL “entity” which had requested compensation.
You might like
“Yes, we have received a request,” he told Adelaide radio station FiveAA.
“It’s not from cricket. I won’t say what entity it is within footy.”
The Crows are declining to comment until after the matter is resolved.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the request wasn’t from league headquarters.
“The key focus is the risk mitigation and that’s the thing we’re talking about with the government at the moment,” Dillon told reporters in Melbourne.
“There’s no discussion now about compensation or anything like that.”
Stay informed, daily
Dillon said the AFL’s “key priority” was ensuring the oval was safe for Adelaide and North Melbourne players for their March 30 game.
“We play in multi-purpose stadia all around the country and we have a track record of accommodating and working in with other sports,” he said.
“However one thing we won’t compromise on is the safety of the ground.”
The AFL is leading negotiations with cricket officials, stadium management and the government.
“What I would say is we’re asking for people to act rationally and pragmatically in the interests of fans,” Malinauskas said.
“The South Australian government has already shown an awful lot of support to both footy clubs locally, particularly the Adelaide footy club.
” … It’s a little bit galling that people are trying to use an opportunity to look after fans as an opportunity to slug the taxpayer and I won’t be having it.
“I hope this doesn’t get in the way of it (the final at Adelaide Oval).
“I’m not naming any names. I’m just saying my government is not going to be giving cash so they get out of the way of something everybody thinks should happen.”
