12/09/2020
The scene is set for Perth to host this year's 2020 grand final when the AFL Commission meets next Tuesday after hearing bids from WA, Queensland, NSW and South Australia.
Recent developments have Optus Stadium as the clear frontrunner, with even WA Premier Mark McGowan describing the situation as "encouraging".
The first decision that favours WA was the AFL's move to schedule its traditional pre-finals bye, paving the way for the grand final to be held on Saturday, October 24.
That date is significant as Mr McGowan has signalled WA could relax COVID-19 restrictions to phase 5 from then, which would see a 60,000-capacity crowd at Optus Stadium, further boosting the game-day atmosphere – as well as AFL coffers – which have taken a massive financial hit this year.
Despite a strong presentation and a possible capacity crowd of 60,000 at Optus Stadium, Western Australia's hard border and quarantine restrictions was what stood in the way of the state hosting this year's AFL grand final.
AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan confirmed from the Gold Coast on Wednesday that the Gabba would host the season decider on Saturday October 24, with bouncedown likely at 6.10pm local time (4.10pm WA time).
He said the proposals from the NSW, Queensland, SA and WA governments were outstanding and the decision was extraordinarily difficult. The AFL Executive had based its recommendation on the following key criteria:
Start date: October 24, 2020,
Location: Channel 9 Perth, Perth, Australia
