Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield says it’s unfair for interstate clubs who are the highest ranked team to play a Grand Final at the MCG.
It comes after Cats coach Chris Scott labelled the $225 million deal to host the AFL’s showpiece until at least the end of 2057 as a “travesty”.
“It’s not fair as an interstate club that you finish top of the ladder and then you’re playing at the MCG instead of playing at Optus Stadium or at Adelaide Oval or at Metricon Stadium … I don’t think you can argue against that,” Dangerfield told SEN Mornings.
“The romance of winning a Grand Final at the MCG or playing a Grand Final at the MCG … that’s pretty special.
“But would you rather win one regardless of where it’s at? I would say yes having never won one. But if we’re talking about the fairness of the league, I think you can argue that the way it is currently is fair.”
Geelong are pushing to host a home final at GMHBA Stadium with a top-two finish a likely scenario.
When asked whether he would be comfortable playing a home final at the MCG, Dangerfield replied: “It’s not perfect.
“If you talk fairness around the competition, it’s still not fair. We understand he reasons why, but I think if we finish in that position and earn the right to play a home final then we should get that right.
“It shouldn’t be changed just because of the size of the crowd a stadium can hold. I think the fairness of the competition should override how many spectators can come and view the game.”
Geelong sit at the top of the ladder and last hosted a final at home when it was named Kardinia Park against Fremantle in 2013.