Caroline Wilson highlights concerns over Marvel Stadium as AFL clubs in Victoria aim to shift more home games to the MCG. Eddie McGuire suggests Essendon should relinquish Marvel Stadium benefits if they pursue additional games at the larger Melbourne venue. Essendon, Carlton, and St Kilda are exploring options to increase their home games at the MCG.
The agreements between Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs, and North Melbourne are set to expire in 2024. This development suggests that larger clubs such as Carlton and Essendon, whose fan bases are expanding, may eventually need to utilize the MCG for the majority, if not all, of their home games.
McGuire emphasizes that these clubs cannot expect to enjoy the benefits of both stadiums.
“They can’t have their cake and eat it too,” McGuire remarked on Nine’s Eddie and Jimmy Podcast.
He highlights that Essendon, in particular, holds a favorable contract at Marvel Stadium as the anchor tenant.
“Did you know that if you buy a Geelong jumper at the shops in Marvel Stadium, Essendon gets a portion of the sale? The Bombers also receive a share of the revenue from food, beverages, and nearly everything else that takes place there,” McGuire added.
McGuire argues that it’s only fair for Essendon to relinquish their benefits at Marvel Stadium if they choose to play more games at the MCG.
“Just like Collingwood’s favorable deal here at the MCG, Essendon made their agreement at Marvel,” McGuire stated.
“If Essendon wants to play here – which is logical, given that all major clubs should be based here – then they need to let go of their favored status at Marvel. This would enable smaller clubs to negotiate better deals.
“You can’t have it both ways, Bombers. I know Essendon likes to benefit from both sides,” McGuire concluded.
McGuire suggests that clubs like St Kilda and North Melbourne should primarily utilize Marvel Stadium to maintain a relatively balanced usage across venues. “Your job is to play there and sustain its viability,” he emphasized.
However, McGuire believes that powerhouse clubs like Collingwood, Essendon, Carlton, and Richmond should predominantly play their home games at the MCG.
Carlton CEO Brian Cook highlighted the financial disadvantage of playing games at Marvel Stadium, especially considering Carlton’s substantial membership base, which has surpassed 95,000.
Marvel Stadium has a capacity of 53,359, while the MCG can accommodate up to 100,024 spectators.
Carlton’s Cook expressed on 3AW radio that regardless of attendance figures, the club generates higher revenue from games at the MCG.
Wilson expresses concern that the AFL has not adequately prepared for the growth of the largest Victorian clubs, leaving them with limited options to transition more, if not all, of their home games to the MCG.
Wilson highlights the stature of clubs like Essendon, Carlton, and potentially St Kilda, emphasizing their desire to play at the MCG due to its significance in hosting finals matches.
She points out the significant financial disparity between Marvel Stadium deals and the potential earnings at the MCG, particularly since the AFL’s ownership of Marvel Stadium.
Wilson underscores the importance for clubs to play at the MCG, where they have the opportunity to participate in finals, unlike at Marvel Stadium.
She raises concerns about the AFL’s obligation to address the situation and enhance Marvel Stadium to create a more lucrative and appealing football venue, allowing standalone clubs to benefit on game days instead of facing membership restrictions.
With current deals expiring at the end of the year, Wilson emphasizes the ongoing financial challenges for clubs playing at Marvel Stadium compared to other venues. She believes this poses a significant issue for the competition as a whole.