AFL
25 September 2021
Victorian Senator David Van, has condemned the Andrews Government for failing Victorians on one of the State’s most important days. Grand Final Day is one of the most iconic days on the Victorian calendar, along with Melbourne Cup Day but sadly, for the second year in a row, the Andrews’ Government has exported it to another state. The fact of the matter is that it didn’t need to be like this.
On this one day in September, when footy wins hands down, Victorians would normally gather at the MCG, a pub, a restaurant or at a mate’s place around a barbie to celebrate something that is uniquely Victorian. When we would normally hope to hear the crowd roar as two proud Melbourne clubs battle for flag and glory there will be a deathly silence in Melbourne as it is shut down and locked up.
“It breaks my heart that again this year, on this one day in September, businesses will be closed,” said Senator Van. “The deathly hush over Melbourne will be so loud it will hurt our football souls, the spirit of Cazaly will not fly over our magnificent city this weekend. “
“This didn’t have to happen; 46 percent of Victorians are now fully vaccinated and that many footy fans could have safely filled the MCG 30 times over,” said the Victorian Senator. “The State Government missed an opportunity to reward Victorians for their outstanding efforts in getting vaccinated, this would be worth far more to us than Albo's $300 thought bubble.”
“The Finals did not need to be exported to WA, a state that greedily let’s in our footballers but not the fans that adore them, a state that will likely not let families unite at Christmas, even if fully vaccinated.”
“Victorians have lost so much these last couple of years, Dan kicking the Grand Final out of bounds is a penalty we don’t deserve and cannot afford,” said Senator Van. “This long slow devastation of our businesses could have and should have been avoided.”
“Daniel Andrews has stolen Dees and Doggies fans the chance to see their teams play, robbing them of their birthright, said the Senator. “I feel for the Melbourne fans who have longed to see the Demons play in the Grand Final, there is a generation that have never seen them play for a flag and several generations that haven’t seen them win one”
“We can still kick goals this weekend, let’s support our local businesses and even up the score – get loud, get proud, buy local and roll up your sleeve so we can unlock our great state and bring back the footy.”
-Ends
Media enquiries:
Samantha Freestone
Office of Senator David Van
Senator for Victoria
18 Park Road, Cheltenham VIC 3912
M: 0421 735 380 | E: Samantha.Freestone@aph.gov.au
