NFL headache: The finals scenario posing a logistical dilemma for AFL

The AFL’s biggest fixture headache is going nowhere, with the possibility of two Melbourne-based semi-finals posing a logistical dilemma for the league.

The history-making first NFL game in Australia between the LA Rams and the San Francisco 49ers is set for Friday morning, September 11 at the MCG.

The AFL has been quietly praying since that date was locked in that two Victorian-based clubs would not win semi-final hosting rights, but half-way through the season that remains entirely possible given Hawthorn sit third and Geelong fourth.

The Melbourne Cricket Club is supremely confident it can turn around the MCG in 24 hours for a Saturday night semi-final, but a Friday night game is clearly not possible.

There were no semi-finals in Melbourne last year.

But it would be a shock if Fremantle (first) and Sydney (second) are dislodged from the top two and they would host home qualifying finals against the Cats and Hawks, respectively, if that was the finishing order.

If Geelong and Hawthorn lost those away qualifying finals, each would be entitled to host a Friday or Saturday night semi-final at the MCG.

But the NFL game means one will have to be played elsewhere. A Sunday game is considered unlikely given a six-day break would await the winner.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon said in March that Marvel Stadium was an option, but not Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.

The Cats playing at a home final at Marvel (capacity 56,000) instead of GMHBA Stadium (capacity 40,000) would raise some eyebrows.

GWS have played home finals at Engie Stadium in each of the past two years despite that venue holding half the capacity of the SCG.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show also sees the Giants kicked off their home ground for 5-6 weeks each year, but they have not played home games at the SCG in that time. It is something the league continues to address, but Swans president Andrew Pridham has blocked the Giants from hosting games at the SCG.

Sydney has 30-year contract with the SCG Trust that says they’re the only AFL club permitted to host AFL games at the venue.

It’s understood it’s the only clause of its kind in the competition and has thus far proven unbreakable, a situation that has irritated some at AFL House.