AFL finals absence in Melbourne marks rare event this weekend

This weekend marks a rare occurrence in Melbourne, as no AFL finals will take place for only the second time since 2006, excluding pandemic years. The absence of finals is attributed to the poor performance of local teams, resulting in a significant drop in attendance figures. The AFL is expected to sell around 150,000 fewer tickets compared to 2018, when finals attendance reached a record high of 700,000 fans. The last remaining Melbourne team, Hawthorn, will compete in South Australia against Port Adelaide after securing their first finals victory in nine years. However, fans have expressed concerns over the high travel costs, with flights exceeding $1,000, prompting some to organize bus trips. This situation has led to a quieter atmosphere in Richmond, where local pubs and restaurants typically thrive during finals weekends. Establishments like the London Tavern and Mount View Hotel, usually bustling with footy fans, are bracing for a slow weekend. Venue manager Elizabeth Silver of Pink Lemonade noted the unique situation, expecting significantly reduced foot traffic. Despite the lack of local finals, the NRL final between Melbourne and Cronulla at AAMI Park will still draw crowds, maintaining some footy excitement in the area. Geelong's victory over Port has secured them a home preliminary final, but the match will be relocated to the MCG due to capacity requirements. Overall, this year's finals attendance is projected to be lower than in recent years, reflecting the challenges faced by Melbourne teams and the impact on local businesses.