WODONGA Raiders fear the Ovens and Murray’s first night final could be a flop.
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Club president Mark Johnston said he expected a smaller crowd to attend the qualifying final after it was switched to 6pm on Saturday, September 1, at Lavington Sportsground.
The second-placed Raiders are highly likely to take on reigning premier Wangaratta in the historical clash.
“We approached the Ovens and Murray for an explanation about why they wanted to go down this path and we found it unusual that they thought they just had to try something different,” Johnston said.
“The feedback we are getting from our members is they aren’t happy about it.
“They don’t think it will be a good environment to watch football in. I just find the whole process a bit unusual.
“I’m disappointed that they considered having to make change for the sake of change instead of the betterment of football.”
The Ovens and Murray moved away from the traditional Saturday afternoon time-slot to make the most of the AFL’s pre-finals bye.
But Johnston doubted many Hume and Tallangatta and District league supporters would attend the match after being at games at Walbundrie and Sandy Creek earlier in the day.
“I can’t see them doubling up to come to the Ovens and Murray at night,” Johnston said.
“I hope we are lucky with the weather.
“If it’s mild it might help but if it’s cold it’s going to be make it difficult as there isn’t a lot of shelter at Lavington.”
Ovens and Murray general manager Sean Barrett said the league was thrilled to break new ground.
“It’s exciting,” Barrett said.
“It’s an opportunity to try something new, the prospect of showcasing the region’s best footballers and netballers under Lavington’s lights is really exciting.
“Traditionally, night games have been well supported by fans and, with no AFL games and the surrounding leagues having finals during the day, we felt the time was right to try the concept.”
The league has locked in the elimination final at Corowa’s John Foord Oval on Sunday, September 2.
“It’s unusual to be able to lock in both so early,” Barrett said.
The reserves and thirds will play at 3.45pm and 1.30pm respectively while A-grade netball gets underway at 6pm.
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