Sport
• The stadium ’ s wider multi-purpose focus represents a new and significant asset to the AFL competition ;
• The timing of the sale worked well for all parties in advance of the changes in arrangements in nine years ’ time .
• The AFL is now well placed to work with the Victorian Government on its Stadia strategy and its objectives for the Docklands precinct . It was the clear view of the Commission that the benefits of undertaking an early purchase of Etihad Stadium far exceeded any perceived advantage in waiting until 2025 when the rights fell to us automatically ,” he said .
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Another contentious issue facing McLachlan was the constant criticism each season of the home and away fixture draw . With an 18 club competition , getting a fair and balanced approach has been a constant topic of conversation , especially when travel issues and appearances at major venues come into the mix . In 2016 Collingwood played 16 games at the MCG and reigning premiers Hawthorn 10 ! Some interstate based clubs are fortunate to even play at the MCG , the venue for the Grand Final !
For years many have argued that each club should play the other 17 clubs once with the home ground advantage changed on a bi annual basis . That has gone over like a lead balloon with the former VFL clubs !
Out of the blue McLachlan announced the revival of a previously poo pooed idea which would indeed revive the debate . After playing each club once , McLachlan suggested , the competition would be divided into three distinct groups – a top six , middle six and bottom six . The top six would play each other once at venues to be decided in order to decide the minor Premiership and playoff order . The middle six would play each other to determine the two clubs to also qualify for the finals whilst the bottom six would be battling to avoid the ignominy of taking home the wooden spoon !
It ’ s a proposal which has a great deal of merit although McLachlan was the first to admit the proposal would require some fine tuning to iron out the creases .
His latest contribution to reform is to change the rules concerning players changing clubs , delisting , free agency and drafting . It is extremely complex the way things stand at present and McLachlan wants to get support from all clubs to modernise the process . Let ’ s hope he gets his wish .
The reforming CEO also stared down the opposition from the mainly VFL clubs over the mandatory week of recovery prior to the finals series commencing – a situation that was extremely beneficial to the Western Bulldogs revival .
McLachlan won the argument and the week off is retained for the 2017 season . He also added grist to the mill by suggesting that the week be used for the Brownlow Medal count . A very astute and worthwhile change in my view .
And then there is the change in rules issue – particularly deliberate out of bounds decisions . Will he go down in AFL history as one of the truly great reformers ? I , for one , certainly hope so !
* * * * * The 2016 Melbourne Cup has been run and won and yet again the race that stops a nation thoroughly deserved the plaudits for being one of the most famous thoroughbred horse races on Earth . As expected contenders came from all points of the globe and the majority of the 24 runners to qualify for a start came from overseas .
There is no doubt that inviting owners , trainers and jockeys from other countries to compete in the two mile ( 3200m ) staying classic has done much for the Victorian economy . It certainly has not diminished the betting interest .
However , the focus post-race was on the lack of home bred stayers to even get a run in our premier staying test . What makes it even more fascinating is the fact that the race is a Handicap with many qualifying opportunities for horses to win their way into the final field . Despite that , few Australian bred horses made the grade .
So is that an indictment on our breeding industry or more an indication that the majority of Australian owners demand a much faster return on their not inconsiderable investments at the annual yearling sales ? Perhaps there is wisdom in that strategy as there are numerous Group sprint races in every state and winning a Golden Slipper or Magic Millions ( for 2 year olds ) can make lucky owners instant millionaires .
By contrast , patiently training a stayer can take a number of seasons . Rogan Josh , the WA bred 2001 Melbourne Cup winner trained by Bart Cummings , had its first start in a race as a late 4yo . It was a 7yo when it won the Cup !
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The Western Australian Turf Club has determined that the Perth Cup , traditionally run over 3200m until a few years ago , is no longer WA ’ s premier race . Instead they introduced Super Saturday in mid-November and upgraded the Railway Stakes ( 1600m ) to Group 1 instant riches status .
The Group 3 Perth Cup is still decided on New Year ’ s Day , but is now run over 2400m . The decision to alter the summer carnival was not made lightly . The WATC was keen to encourage horses from interstate to participate in the West ’ s annual summer Carnival and thus far it has worked ! A number of entrants flagged their intention to head west at the conclusion of the current Melbourne round .
The MAG Vung Tau 23