Home

Petition to get AFL grand final to WA hits 5000 signatures

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanThe West Australian
VideoChristian Porter and Mathias Cormann have thrown their support behind holding the AFL grand final in Perth

Momentum for moving the AFL grand final to Perth is building with The West Australian’s petition calling for the marquee fixture to be played at Optus Stadium this year passing 5000 signatures.

Every Victorian AFL team has fled the traditional home of football as Melbourne finds itself overwhelmed by a growing second wave of coronavirus infections.

It is becoming increasingly likely that the MCG will be unable to welcome a capacity crowd — or any crowd at all — come October.

SIGN OUR PETITION: BRING THE GRAND FINAL TO OPTUS STADIUM

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
The Game AFL 2024

By contrast, WA is poised to host a sell-out western derby on July 19 after moving to phase five restrictions the day before.

Leading WA businessman John Poynton has urged the Government to “seriously consider” making a financial pitch to host the premiership decider, and the Tourism Council of WA, WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Australian Hotels Association (WA) all back bringing the fixture west.

An exclusive People’s Voice Poll from Painted Dog Research found 80 per cent of Sandgropers supported hosting the grand final at Optus Stadium.

Among them are a healthy contingent of State politicians from all parties who have already added their names to The West Australian’s petition, including Labor MPs John Carey, Pierre Yang, Tony Buti and Margaret Quirk.

Liberal shadow ministers Peter Katsambanis, Libby Mettam, Zak Kirkup and Dean Nalder have also leant the push their support, as have WA Nationals Vince Catania, Peter Rundle and Ian Blayney.

Greens Leader Alison Xamon supported hosting both the AFL Grand Final and a Big Bash League hub in Perth and said a fresh petition to Federal Parliament should also be launched.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails