The unfurling of Richmond’s first flag since 1980 obviously gives the game an enormous boost and, regardless of whether it breaks 90,000, given reasonable weather, it is likely to surpass the previous two highest crowds for first-round games – Carlton v Collingwood in 1995 (a record 87,119) and the corresponding Richmond-Carlton game of 2009 (87,043), which had enormous interest as a result of Ben Cousins’ ill-fated debut as a Richmond player (he tore a hamstring).
The massive crowd will be a significant fiscal boost to the Blues, too, since the clubs share the gate takings for round one, with the home team alternating.
The Tigers will pick a relatively strong side, though it is unclear whether two of their better players from the grand final, Dion Prestia and Bachar Houli – who have had pre-season interruptions – will be available. The Tigers will be without Daniel Rioli and the club suspended Nathan Broad from last year’s premiership 22.
The Tigers say the flag unfurling ceremony for their 11th VFL/AFL premiership will be ‘‘simple and symbolic’’.
Carlton’s highly regarded first-draft pick, Paddy Dow, is a chance to make his debut in the game.
Carlton draftee Paddy Dow (right) could debut in front of 90,000 fans.
Photo: AAP
A huge aggregate attendance is assured for this year’s opening round given that the MCG also will host Melbourne v Geelong (Sunday) and Hawthorn v Collingwood (Saturday night), while Essendon v Adelaide could fill Etihad Stadium on the Friday night and West Coast’s first game at the newly constructed Optus Stadium is certain to sell out.
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SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
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