Footy fans were robbed of enjoying the unique AFL finals spectacle on Friday evening, and the MCG’s speakers were to blame.
The Geelong Cats have booked their spot in next weekend’s AFL grand final, comprehensively defeating the Brisbane Lions by 71 points at the MCG on Friday evening.
More than 77,000 spectators roared with delight after each of Geelong’s 18 goals, but their cheers were repeatedly drowned out by the thrashing guitars and thudding drums of AC/DC and The Killers.
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One of the most thrilling aspects of finals footy is the unique atmosphere — the screams of tens of thousands of fans after watching the Sherrin fly through the sticks is electrifying.
But fans were once again robbed of that spectacle on Friday evening, with the MCG’s speakers pumping out pub rock anthems at every waking opportunity.
It’s not only unnecessary, but ruins the match day experience for the spectators — and footy fans unanimously vented their frustration after the first preliminary final.
Sports reporter Matt Turner tweeted: “When there were no crowds during Covid, everyone missed the buzz and sounds of the fans. The noise at a game is so pure. Music between goals is so artificial, let alone unnecessary.”
The Age’s Peter Ryan posted: “Do they play footy flashbacks at music festivals?”
A poll conducted by the AFL Fans Association on Twitter found that more than 90 per cent of footy fans don’t want music between goals at games.
Nobody: Nobody at all: Nobody, not once, in the history of the game: The @AFL: "Let's play stupid music after every goal so you can't hear the crowd!" #AFLCatsLions
I never really appreciated how much the crowd noises between goals - huge roars, nervous murmur, contemplative silence - enhanced the experience. Now that it’s been drowned out, I’m really glad I got to watch the game during that era.#AFLFinals
In excess of 77,000 in the house and I reckon you could count on one hand how many would take music after goals over just a crowd cheering its team. Wake up @afl / @mcghttps://t.co/EHgD5oQLcd
Enough with the music after goals. It's simply cringe-worthy. This is a preliminary final, the moment itself is enough to create an atmosphere. #AFLFinals#AFLCatsLions
The Cats showed why they were the top team in the league this season in a bloodbath display under the bright lights at the MCG.
After a tight first quarter tussle, the Cats began to flex their muscles as they ran away to claim the decisive 18.12 (120) to 7.7 (49) victory.
The win puts them into the season decider for the 19th time next weekend where they’ll take on the winner of tomorrow’s preliminary final between Sydney and Collingwood.
Patrick Dangerfield led from the front with arguably his best game of the season, ending the contest with 28 disposals and two goals. Tom Hawkins buried some first half yips to end the contest with 4.3 in front of goal.
Unfortunately the night ended in heartbreak for supremely talented Geelong youngster Max Holmes who appeared to have done his hamstring in the third quarter.
Immediately after kicking the Cats out of defence, Holmes clutched at his right leg and instantly came from the ground.
As soon as he made it to the bench he went to the turf and buried his face in the grass looking completely distraught.
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