by gadj1976 » Wed Oct 28, 2020 8:11 am
I'm not sure if I've posted this already and can't be bothered searching for it.
Overall, I thought the standard of the game itself was pretty good. Given the conditions going into the game were less than ideal the standard surprised me. There wasn't much fumbling despite the pressure and rain from earlier in the day. I did think Geelong were well on top but shouldn't have put Danger forward as that actually contradicts itself when he's stationed as a permanent forward. Dusty, complete freak. He has goal sense that cannot be taught.
I didn't like the night grand final for various reasons. Firstly, it felt like a normal Saturday night game - I think that might be for a few reasons, those being that I rushed from a Cox Plate function to the GF function so I didn't have time to get into the spirit of the game. Another was that it was the first one. Also, the expectation of GF's is that we go for a kick at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 time. Couldn't do that either - the streetlights and local park nearby were poorly lit so I was stuck inside.
The other aspect is that the night GF is hyped up to accommodate other audiences and allow the fireworks and bands to have a black background (?) so they contrast the night sky (?). Personally I don't get into the bands (pre game or mid game) and the fireworks I got over when I was 7.
I'm not sure we should compromise the integrity of the game for a night grand final but oh well. It looks like my fond memories of having a red Sherrin being kicked around during a day grand final may be long gone unfortunately. The ratings were apparently pretty good which doesn't surprise me at all given there were about 100k less going to the game itself or functions within Melbourne CBD just as an example.
Given the AFL is trying to target peak audience, most finals will be played at night from here in where possible (Saturday afternoon doesn't rate, nor has great attendance (blockbusters aside), enabling the SANFL to play a GF on a Saturday arvo.
Just my 2c.
