The annual AFL grand final parade could be moved away from the Melbourne CBD this year, due to a new state-wide public holiday on Friday, 2nd October.
The parade usually attracts huge crowds in the CBD each year, however Premier Daniel Andrews’ decision to make the eve of the grand final a public holiday this year means the parade will likely be left with a void of its usual spectators.
The lunchtime parade traditionally starts on St Kilda Road, continues along Swanston Street, up Collins Street and finishes at the Old Treasury Building. Reports Fairfax, the AFL are considering alternative parade routes, including staging it around Yarra Park or even in St Kilda.
AFL chief Gillon McLachlan reportedly pushed to retain the event in its traditional form, but the prospect of fewer onlookers than usual has persuaded him to consider an alternative plan.
Lord Mayor Rob Doyle has criticised the proposed move. “The reason the grand final parade is a success is because the city is abuzz,” Doyle said. “This is a chance for families and city workers who can’t generally get to the grand final to still be a part of it.”
It is believed the AFL will move some of its other grand final eve events to the Thursday night and make the Friday public holiday an AFL family day.
“I think we’re going to see a perhaps a different route, a different end point of the parade, and this is going to be the biggest family day the AFL has ever run,” Premier Andrews told SEN radio on Wednesday, as reported by AAP.
“Not everyone is happy about this but we made a commitment and we’re going to honour that.”
