Eddie McGuire, President of the Collingwood FC
Eddie McGuire vehemently opposed the notion proposed by Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham, who advocated for the AFL to adopt a best-of-three grand final series. Pridham argued that expanding the grand final could enhance revenue and create more significant events akin to the NRL’s State of Origin and the grand final, along with experimental events like the Vegas double header. McGuire dismissed this idea, criticizing it as lacking foresight.
McGuire referenced his experience attending a basketball final series, highlighting how the focus shifted from the excitement of the game to discussions about player fatigue and when it would end. He emphasized that elongating the grand final series might diminish the intensity and climax that define such events. He further pointed out the historical rarity of replayed grand finals, suggesting that if fans resisted those occurrences, they would likely reject the notion of having three grand finals annually.
Former premiership winner Jimmy Bartel echoed McGuire’s sentiments, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the quality of football in a three-game grand final series. He stressed the immense physical and mental toll such a series would impose on players, ultimately diminishing the spectacle and leaving participants thoroughly exhausted.
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