You lot are barmy , I tell ya.
For years you all bitched about Kilburn always getting finals and Grand Finals so that they can fund their chequebook recruiting.
Given that the club has kept the league on it's toes as to whether they'll even get teams up over the last couple of years, why would they reward them a final?
You can only use whats available, remembering it has to be fenced and manned by volunteers of that club
ROCS - still being used
Could't get Prospect or Richmond
Cant use Norwood cos they're sponsored by Coopers
Could've possibly used Salisbury I guess, I'm not sure what their relationship is with the league though after they got stung by the liquor licencing mob though
Mitcham was available but then everyone would bitch because it's a mudpit
Not sure what the deal is with Payneham, maybe they couldn't man it cos they're in finals.
Hope Valley, shit record this year on field, and thus we will not be rewarded with a final.
Adelaide Oval was also booked and the MCG is too far away
Whilst you call it a cop out , Id say the league is trying to avoid anymore potential news headlines. Each grade has a club playing that is on or has been on a AAA in the past. I don't think anyone will forget the 2 bloodbath grand finals over the last 10 years. I know I wont. It's all about risk management.
At the end of the day, the players probably don't give a rats where they play because they're thankful just to be there. The hard core followers will feel the same - the trouble makers will think it's too hard and not bother, with any luck.