SEN regular Greg Denham says Richmond fans need to suck it up as fans remain up in arms about playing Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
“Geelong is entitled to have its home ground advantage and I think next year hopefully Richmond is the home team and they can play at the MCG,” he told SEN’s Hungry for Sport.
“Geelong’s capacity will be around 36,000 so they are entitled to play whoever, whenever.”
On the Saturday of the Round 21 clash the MCG will remain vacant but the Cats are committed to hosting the Tigers at Simonds Stadium given the significant financial windfall they receive from home matches.
It’s been reported legal scalpers have been cashing in on demand for the game. With only solo seats available, Ticketmaster’s controversial resale site was offering tickets for up to $228.
Denham said the AFL was adept at many things but did not major in clairvoyance.
“The fixture was done a year ago and given the Tiger’s disastrous 2016 campaign it was difficult to envisage the side being a top four contender 21 rounds into the ensuing season,” The Australian journalist said.
“I’m sure next year the game will be a Richmond home one and be played at the MCG.”
The Tigers sit half-a-game behind Geelong in a tight-race for a top four berth.
The Tigers play Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday while the Cats host Carlton at Etihad Stadium.