Melbourne, Sunday.
Outgoing AFL Chief Executive Wayne Jackson has signalled a major change to the AFL finals fixture for 2004, with any final involving Port Adelaide now to be renamed 'the bye'.
The move has shocked some football observers, but, as Jackson explained at a packed news conference today, "it seems to be the only reasonable response to Port Adelaide's disturbing inability to remain competitive during the month of September."
Any team drawn to play Port Adelaide in a final from next season on will have the option of inflicting yet another embarrassing hiding on the "Power" or choosing instead to gain match practice under genuine finals conditions by participating in a "scratch match" against whichever side finishes sixth in the Bellarine Football League (the BFL maintains a final five despite consistent AFL pressure to just throw the finals open to anyone). Whichever option Port Adelaide's opponent selects, the AFL has mandated that tickets to the game must remain out of the reach of the ordinary football supporter, and under no circumstances will the game be able to be viewed on free-to-air TV.
Jackson also revealed that the AFL are looking into forcing Port Adelaide to change their name from "Power" to something that more realistically reflects their standing in the league. "March Premiers" has been one mooted change, but it is believed Geelong currently holds copyright on this name.
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams, when asked to comment on the amazing revelations, was observed desperately trying to loosen some imaginary necktie while uttering a serious of horid choking noises. He is expected to be able to speak and breathe freely once more when October rolls around.
Hi guys, just thought I'd stick the boot in while they're down. Here's to a successful 2004 for the mighty Tiges.
Outgoing AFL Chief Executive Wayne Jackson has signalled a major change to the AFL finals fixture for 2004, with any final involving Port Adelaide now to be renamed 'the bye'.
The move has shocked some football observers, but, as Jackson explained at a packed news conference today, "it seems to be the only reasonable response to Port Adelaide's disturbing inability to remain competitive during the month of September."
Any team drawn to play Port Adelaide in a final from next season on will have the option of inflicting yet another embarrassing hiding on the "Power" or choosing instead to gain match practice under genuine finals conditions by participating in a "scratch match" against whichever side finishes sixth in the Bellarine Football League (the BFL maintains a final five despite consistent AFL pressure to just throw the finals open to anyone). Whichever option Port Adelaide's opponent selects, the AFL has mandated that tickets to the game must remain out of the reach of the ordinary football supporter, and under no circumstances will the game be able to be viewed on free-to-air TV.
Jackson also revealed that the AFL are looking into forcing Port Adelaide to change their name from "Power" to something that more realistically reflects their standing in the league. "March Premiers" has been one mooted change, but it is believed Geelong currently holds copyright on this name.
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams, when asked to comment on the amazing revelations, was observed desperately trying to loosen some imaginary necktie while uttering a serious of horid choking noises. He is expected to be able to speak and breathe freely once more when October rolls around.
Hi guys, just thought I'd stick the boot in while they're down. Here's to a successful 2004 for the mighty Tiges.
