‘Second-rate event’: V’landys unmoved by prospect of Sydney AFL grand final – The Age

V’landys said McGuire was “just playing friendly rivalry” and that ongoing competition between the AFL and NRL would make both sports perform better.
“Him putting a couple of little jabs in… they’re only just minor jabs, we will look for the knockout punch,” V’landys told the Herald.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has welcomed the prospect of an AFL grand final in Sydney and the league’s increasing competition with the NRL in NSW and Queensland.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
“I think the AFL is very, very fortunate to have someone like Eddie McGuire. He’s a personality. He has the sport in the headlines at all times.
“I love the way he tries to get under our skin, and I wish we had someone of a similar stature in rugby league. I don’t think the AFL people appreciate him as much as he should be because he’s always prepared to go out on a limb – you don’t have to agree or disagree with him but he’s certainly good for their sport.”
The idea is gaining traction, with Giants veteran Heath Shaw – a self-declared “traditionalist” who has played in four grand finals at the MCG – admitting it would be a good option if crowds aren’t possible in Melbourne.
“I do like the MCG. It’s an amazing ground to play at … but if it means for a year it gets changed to go somewhere else then so be it, Sydney’s a great place to have it,” Shaw said.
“If it means there’s going to be a crowd at the ground for a grand final then definitely. Look at the weather, it’s beautiful up here.
“And to get a crowd of 50,000-60,000 there watching a grand final, instead of having zero people at the MCG, I think I’d know what I’d rather be doing.
“It’d be great for Sydney. I’m not sure the NRL would be too happy about it but it’s great for the brand and great for building AFL in NSW.”

Click here to view the original article.