Premier decides if Victoria will still have GF public holiday   

7 Sport
Published: 15/08/2020
Updated: 15 August 2020


Daniel Andrews has revealed that Victoria will still enjoy a public holiday on the Friday before the AFL grand final, whether or not the match goes ahead in the state.

Melbourne is all but certain to miss out on the grand final for the first time in VFL/AFL history as it continues its struggle against COVID-19.

Queensland is widely considered the favourite to host the decider after opening its arms to AFL hubs this season, while Adelaide, Perth and Sydney are also options.


Speaking at his coronavirus press conference on Saturday, the Victorian premier was asked if the day off would remain in his state if the big game was played interstate as expected.

After a brief pause, Andrews made a decision that should bring a smile to the faces of Victorians.

Daniel Andrews has revealed that Victoria will still enjoy a public holiday on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final.   

“Well it still is the Friday before the grand final, so I would say yes,” Andrews said.

“I reckon Victorians may well have earned that.

“And if there is a bunch of people who want to criticise me for that, do it, fine.

“If that (criticising me) makes them feel better, fine. This has been a really, very, very difficult year.

“What October looks like, none of us can say. But I am pretty certain that if we don’t see this (coronavirus response) through, then it will be worse in October, not better.

The AFL Grand Final
The AFL grand final is unlikely to be held at the MCG in 2020 due to COVID-19 situation in Victoria.
“That day is there (public holiday) and I’ve got no plans to change that no matter where the Grand Final is played.”   

Andrews also predicted criticism for his decision from a business community that is already reeling in Victoria due to the pandemic.

“No matter where the grand final is played we will have the public holiday, and if some in the business community want to have a crack at me today, if that makes them feel better then fine,” he said.

“But it is about working to live, not living to work. I think I have made that point a few times, it is a special day and we should try as best we can in this year of challenges to make it the most special day possible.”   

Premier seeks AFL GF guarrantee
The AFL is yet to lock in a grand final date and venue amid calls from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews for the state to be compensated if it loses the showpiece event this year.

Victoria has a contract with the AFL to host the grand final every year until 2057.

“It’s something that we’re speaking with the AFL about,” Andrews told reporters in Melbourne on Friday.

“We’ve got a contract in place so we would seek to add a year at the end of that contract if the event can’t occur here (this year).

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure that it does but it is a long way off.

It's a selfish Code of Sport that wants teams from other States to play its game, but doesn't like the idea of the Grand Final being played in city other than Melbourne.

AFL: Club Level Code. Suburb v Suburb (eg: Carlton v Collingwood)
Cricket: The State Level Code.
NRL: The International Level Code (eg: Kangaroos v British Lions)
Rugby Union: State, Provincial, International... they just can't win.