THE Ovens and Murray league will put future plans for a night final to the test at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval on Saturday night.
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While the league won’t play a night final this season, it will gauge interest in the concept at the match between the Magpies and Wodonga.
The under-18s start at 1.30pm, reserves at 3.30 and the senior game from 6.10, while there will be an all-abilities game at the completion of the reserves match.
It’s going to be dependent on the weather, every game is.
- Col McClounan
O and M general manager Aaron McGlynn said a night final wouldn’t happen in the future unless games like this were well supported.
“We want to see how this round 17 game goes,” he said.
“See what impact the weather has on the crowd and canteen and bar sales.
“If it’s a positive outcome it certainly pushes the case for a night final in the future.”
The Norm Minns Oval has been awarded this year’s elimination final.
But its grand plan is to host a night preliminary final, with at least one team from outside Albury-Wodonga.
Magpies president Col McClounan hopes the night concept is supported.
”There was a night game on Friday night in the junior league and they had a pretty good crowd,” McClounan said.
“It’s going to be dependent on the weather, every game is.”
The Magpies didn’t bid for this year’s grand final, which will be hosted by Lavington for a 21st straight year.
“With the mix of teams we’ve got this year it certainly lends itself as the preferred venue,” McGlynn said.
“The support we get from Albury City Council makes it a positive decision as well.”
The qualifying final, semi-finals and preliminary final will be locked in at a later date.
Meanwhile, Magpie Daine Porter has had his report for striking withdrawn, but teammate Zack Leitch will face the tribunal on Wednesday night for charging.
