Where will/should the SANFL finals be?

[Dutchy]

Reckon it will be at AAMI, if it is and weather forecast is OK they should block off the Members and Northern Stand so everyone is on the lower level - then a 15k crowd there will be a much better atmosphere.

[FOURTH ESTATE]

I've always has this fascination with finals at the teams home ground, the atmosphere would be electric!

There would be a few issues but I think it's got huge potential.

As one of the people responsible for bringing the home finals in the SAAFL this is a concept that should be explored. The SAAFL clubs have been able to accommodate four clubs in finals when at netural grounds.

The home final system was first played in the SAAFL in 2004.

The first week of the finals my club had to play on a netural ground as the host clubs ground was not up to standard. A very stagnant atmosphere at this ground. The second week we played at home and had the biggest crowd at the club in 15 years. The atmosphere was great as the side came from 39pts down 1/2 way through the second qtr to win by 15pts. The following week the preliminary final was played at Prospect and the amosphere almost non existence. Home Preliminary Finals were brought in the following year I think.

The Home final system was brought in to reward clubs for making the finals. At the time the same clubs were getting finals at thier ground every year only because they had a fence around thier ground even if the surface was in good condition or not.

Many clubs surfaces were in excellent condition but could not be used due to no fencing which meant the league could not charge an entrance fee.

To host a D1 Qualifting - Semi Final is $1000 and a Prelim Final is $1500. Clubs easily can make this up in Canteen, Beer & BBQ sales.
Our club made this fee back in the first hour.

This gives all clubs a chance to host finals and reward sides for their effort during the year.

Don't believe the figure at Glenelg Oval last year for the Glenelg v Sturt game. the SANFL don't count kids in their figures and their was more than 12K there and coped okay.

The Figure for the Glenelg v Sturt Prelim was also bigger than announced. Same reason

The WAFL introduced home finals for the first week of the finals several years ago as they only play final four and with the Prelim & Grand Final still being played at Subiaco.

A Home Final at the Bay would be electric. But if the SANFL decide not to, Adelaide Oval is still the best for it as the crowds fit nicely.
Remember only 4-5 clubs have any decent pulling power in this league.

Port Adelaide
Norwood
Glenelg
Sturt
Central District

The other clubs just don't bring in the fans.

Sorry Rooster supporters you are not a big crowd puller.

Play the Qualifying, Elimination, 1st & 2nd Semi as Home Finals and Prelim at Adelaide Oval and Grand Final at AAMI.
It would be nice to play the GF at Adelaide again but that is a different topic.

If the SANFL need ideas on how to run a home final series just get hold of the SAAFL 2009 Handbook and it will tell you.

The best thing that could happen to the SANFL

[CENTURION]

A hard decision but the fact that Adelaide Oval has concrete urinals sways it for me.


plus the ease of access from buses, trams & trains too.

[Zathrus]

To me the best argument for Footy Park is it gives all finalists a chance to play there before the Grand Final. Most Centrals players know the ground pretty well and yet Glenelg last year only had a couple who had played there, either in a reserves final or an AFL game.

If Adelaide Oval is finished play a double or triple header there as its a good ground and should have a great atmosphere. If not finished, then play at footy park although the atmosphere would be terrible. (its only for one year)

Playing the first two weeks of the finals at the higher teams home ground is also an option. Not as a double header, but on two separate grounds with a reserves final played before. Then maybe play the preliminary final at footy park to give those two teams both a look at the ground.

And always, the GF at Footy Park.

[Brucetiki]

If Adelaide Oval is not available, then the only suitable location is AAMI.

If the Glenelg bandwagon rolls up again drawing 25000+, that will provide equivalent atmosphere to a Power game anyway so it won't be too bad at AAMI.

[whufc]

It may sound corny but i love the idea the journey the season takes you on. Everyone begins the minor round in the surburban trenches.

If your then good enough to make the finals you make the step up to the next stage which is Adelaide Oval. Perfect size and location to create a great atmosphere.

Then the big day, two teams are left in a one off title match winner takes all, bye bye loser, played on the biggest stage in South Australia, Football Park.

Keep it the way it is SANFL, it's all about the journey.

[Pseudo]

If Adelaide Oval is unavailable then a neutral close-in suburban ground should be the go.

Norwood Oval should qualify as both close-in and neutral this year

[Brucetiki]

Norwood Oval should qualify as both close-in and neutral this year

Would Coopers Stadium be able to cope with a crowd of 15,000 - 20,000 though (especially if the western stands are not available to the public).

[smac]

Adelaide Oval will be available, just with a reduced capacity. That will crowd people together more and create a better atmosphere, IMO.

Home finals is a concept worth exploring, would be great to see.

[Pseudo]

Norwood Oval should qualify as both close-in and neutral this year

Would Coopers Stadium be able to cope with a crowd of 15,000 - 20,000 though (especially if the western stands are not available to the public).

I wouldn't play the finals as double headers if they were going to be at a suburban ground. That ought to reduce the crowd to something manageable.

[Sojourner]

Early finals at Thebarton, the rest at Football Park.

[leftlegger]

Footy park.

if it has to be suburban, they must be neutral.

Norwood would be great for a final, as would Richmond or the Bay

[am Bays]

Footy park.

if it has to be suburban, they must be neutral.

Norwood would be great for a final, as would Richmond or the Bay

Richmond will be a neutral venue for the finals...

[Dutchy]

Adelaide Oval will be available, just with a reduced capacity. That will crowd people together more and create a better atmosphere, IMO.

Home finals is a concept worth exploring, would be great to see.

With over a third of the ground unavailable, then add in the logistical issues it cant be at the Oval this year

[MightyEagles]

Footy park.

if it has to be suburban, they must be neutral.

Norwood would be great for a final, as would Richmond or the Bay

Richmond will be a neutral venue for the finals...

Norwood, Thebby and Woodville would be the best local ovals for double/triple headers as the away rooms at Richmond and Glenelg are too small to fit all of the equipment of the clubs.

[am Bays]

I suggest you recheck your perceptions of the dimensions of the Norwood and Westies away rooms...

[MightyEagles]

I suggest you recheck your perceptions of the dimensions of the Norwood and Westies away rooms...

Norwood is fine to host finals as there is four changerooms, but the Westies and Glenelg away rooms are a little bit small for my liking.

[Pseudo]

Footy park.

if it has to be suburban, they must be neutral.

Norwood would be great for a final, as would Richmond or the Bay

Richmond will be a neutral venue for the finals...

If they fire up the barbecue.... perfection!

[smac]

Adelaide Oval will be available, just with a reduced capacity. That will crowd people together more and create a better atmosphere, IMO.

Home finals is a concept worth exploring, would be great to see.

With over a third of the ground unavailable, then add in the logistical issues it cant be at the Oval this year

What logistical issues are they?

[Wedgie]

Adelaide Oval will be available, just with a reduced capacity. That will crowd people together more and create a better atmosphere, IMO.

Home finals is a concept worth exploring, would be great to see.

With over a third of the ground unavailable, then add in the logistical issues it cant be at the Oval this year

What logistical issues are they?

Catering would be the main one IMHO but there would probably be a lot more.