The VLSG has called on the AFL to schedule a minimum six games in Melbourne as part of the 1996 merger agreement.
Clause 7.2 h) of the 1996 merger agreement between the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Football Club (supported by an AFL document outlining AFL support for the merger) all clearly state that… “The Merged Club will play one half of the total number of home and away games per season at the Gabba and as many Melbourne based away premiership games as possible will be played at Optus Oval or the Melbourne Cricket Ground (but not less than 6) with any other away premiership games at any of Waverley, Optus Oval or the Melbourne Cricket Ground at which Melbourne based members of the Merged Club will have home ground status (in respect of which Brisbane Bears will make a contribution to gate receipts of an amount determined by AFL); ”
Due to circumstances that were not envisaged in 1996, Optus Oval (Princes Park) and Waverley Stadium is now no longer used as an AFL venue. However as this venue has been replaced by the Docklands Stadium (currently named Etihad Stadium), there should be no real reason why the AFL cannot continue to guarantee a minimum six games in Victoria.
While the VLSG does not necessarily support the staging of one of these six games at Kardinia Park (Skilled Stadium), we recognise that Fitzroy did play away games at this venue in the days of the VFL. However we oppose any mooted transfer of one of these six games to Tasmania as part of any separate North Melbourne or Hawthorn deal with the government of Tasmania to play games in Hobart and/or Launceston.
Victorian Lions Supporters Group 