Essendon emerges as serious contender for Good Fri footy

[Bucks5]

Personally, I think it should be a Grand final rematch. Not sure why it has to be clubs from suburbs surrounding the Royal Children's Hospital, that is just the AFL's way of easing their conscious.

Besides, Essendon already have the Anzac day and Dreamtime games.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-emerges-as-serious-contender-to-play-on-good-friday/story-fni5f6kv-1226886971312

[David]

Oh thank god they're finally doing this. Not because I have any particular need to have a football game on good friday, but because it was so ridiculous not having one.

[Woods Of Ypres]

At least SOMETHING will finally happen on Good Friday (the most BORING day of the year)

[Dave The Man]

Why do the AFL love the Druggies?.

But Glad they are Finally sticking it up the Religious People and Having Good Friday Footy

[stui magpie]

If the Peptide Bombers do get it it would be a travesty. There are several clubs including Norf who have put a lot of time into pushing for this, if it's then just handed to someone else that sucks.

Other than who plays on the day, all I have to say about Good Friday Football is about $£$%^%%$ time.

[swoop42]

So let me get this straight.

The AFL fine the bummers a million dollars and strip them of draft picks just last year now they want to award them this fixture next year.

Wow what a message that sends.

[sixpoints]

[AN_Inkling]

Last year's issues aside, I don't think it should be Essendon or us. Give it to teams that don't yet have a blockbuster game.

I do understand a reluctance to give it to struggling clubs like St Kilda or the Bulldogs. You don't want poor crowds on a big day, this isn't the NRL. But it shouldn't all be about the dollar, let's make this the Charity Cup and give it to the Dogs and Roos.

[David]

Agreed, Inkling. Dogs and Roos would be a good choice.

What's the deal with proximity to the Royal Children's Hospital? I mean, I know there's a Good Friday appeal, but who cares which club is closest to a hospital? I'm pretty sure there are plenty of people in Perth and Brisbane interested in donating to cancer patients.

[Wokko]

I think you need one big draw club + one struggling club. Carlton/Richmond vs Roos/Dogs would work. Rotate those teams around. Maybe throw Melbourne in (are they still a draw?) and St Kilda.

Essenscum can **** off (Yes I'd rather Carlton than that mob get this game)

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

Jon Ralph says "Essendon ticks several boxes as a loyal Etihad Stadium tenant which pulls big crowds and is based in the inner northern suburbs near the Royal Children’s Hospital" and everyone chucks a tanty. Since when is Jon Ralph the AFL spokesperson??

Personally, I don't care who plays, just play the damn thing!

[Jezza]

I'm not fussed about whether football is played on Good Friday or not but let's hope Essendon doesn't get to play on that day though considering what has happened and unfolded in the past 12 months. They don't deserve it and they already have ANZAC Day with us anyway.

I hear North Melbourne has been pushing for Good Friday football for nearly 20 years apparently so I wouldn't mind them getting it along with the Bulldogs as well.

I think Wokko is right in the extent that I think the game has to involve one big club (in terms of popularity) vs. a struggling club.

[Brenny]

Personally, I'm hoping the Roos and WB take the game and it stays with them forever. Like us and ANZAC day.

My worry is, if they start sharing it around, then it could be a precursor to share ANZAC day.

[Big T]

Hird is just like Jesus. A human with a god complex who looks likely to rise again. It's fitting.

[yin-YANG]

Dons are not good... just not right for Good Friday!

I would suggest the Saints and the Demons due to the obvious religious connections