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If this was five years ago, the old-school halogen lights would have taken at least 15 minutes to warm up and make an impact on the field, but the MCG recently installed LED lights, which switch on instantly.
The lights did seem to do the trick on TV, but it didn’t go down too well with a couple of the MCC regulars.
“These big lights will give me a migraine!” one was heard exclaiming.
The lights were not on at the MCG when the Sunday afternoon game started.Credit: AFL Photos
The good news is, it only impacted 44,000 people. The bad news? Demons fans clearly didn’t listen to their president’s call to arms that we reported last week.
Celeb F1 fans in a good paddock
One of Australia’s greatest Hollywood exports, Eric Bana, will headline the guest list at the Australian Grand Prix’s new-look Paddock Club this weekend.
Reserved for the rich and famous, with many of the suites “invite only”, the Australian GP’s suite above pit lane has had a significant facelift since new chairman, former Victorian sports minister Martin Pakula and his new CEO, former AFL executive Travis Auld, took the reins.
Referred to last year as the Australian Grand Prix Corporation suite, the exclusive venue will be known as the “Chairman’s Suite”, and organisers have told The Scoop about some of the things to expect once you’re inside.
New chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Travis Auld, at the Albert Park track.Credit: Joe Armao
Much of the furniture has been removed this year and floor space has instead been reserved for a dance floor, with the suite to have its own private DJ.
The food offerings will be provided by popular Bourke Street seafood restaurant Pinchy’s, while Italian dessert specialist Cannoleria will provide a small slice of Sicily.
Also in attendance over the weekend will be Collingwood premiership captain Darcy Moore, Logie-winning actress Asher Keddie and radio and TV personality Andy Lee.
The Devils in the election details
You couldn’t wipe the smiles of Tasmanian football people this week, even if you wanted to.
It was a historic moment on Monday, when one of their greatest players Matthew Richardson helped unveil the team name, colours and jumper ahead of an expected first season in the AFL in 2028.
Not even the threat of Saturday’s state election, which poses a major threat to the future of the team’s new stadium, can dampen the mood of Devils chairman Grant O’Brien.
“No, [I’m not concerned],” he told The Scoop.
Richmond Tigers great and Devonport product Matthew Richardson at the launch of the Tasmanian AFL club’s colours, name and logo.Credit: AFL Photos
“I think the election is up to the people of Tasmania and that’s their right to cast their vote. We’ll know some time after the 23rd who the new government is, and the football club will be no different to individuals and businesses in the state. We’ll work with the government.
“There isn’t any political party or individual politician that I know of that isn’t in support of the club.
“We’ll wait and see what happens on the 23rd and [opposition leader] Rebecca [White] has said that, but what does renegotiation mean, and that’s the question.”
O’Brien all but confirmed Caroline Wilson’s story last week that Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale remained the hot favourite to become the club’s first CEO.
“CEO is next cab off the rank – we are looking to have that in place this year and to start in the first quarter of 2025,” O’Brien said.
“We’ve got a number of people who are under consideration. We’ve said really clearly that what we’ve wanted is someone who has great experience in success in the AFL, certainly Brendon is someone who qualifies for that. But we’re not at a stage where we’ve got a name or got a contract or anything like that.”
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