AFL boss weighs in on Origin, grand final flights and treatment of Harley Reid
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he was aware of the potential for players to get injured in pre-season matches, but feedback from the return of State of Origin football this year had been overwhelmingly positive.
Dillon joined WA Premier Roger Cook, Sports Minister Rita Saffioti and West Coast legend Glen Jakovich on Monday to announce that the interstate competition will return to Perth next year with a match between South Australia and the local representative team.
The 2028 match will be played in Adelaide before returning to WA the following year.
Dillon said the players relished the opportunity earlier in the year, following the restart after the break when WA faced Victoria at Optus Stadium in February.
“We’ve had good feedback on game length and squad sizes,” he said.
“Actually, one of the best feedback we got was that players wanted to spend more time together as a group.
“Injuries are part of AFL football and can happen at any time.
“I think what our players love most is the ability to come together, represent their situation and perform at the highest level.”
Dillon also weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding West Coast star Harley Reid after Eagles coach Andrew McQualter indicated the club would consider applying to the AFL due to the apparent lack of protection afforded to midfielders.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday night following West Coast’s Western Derby defeat to Fremantle, McQualter said he would analyze the tape before deciding whether to take the matter further.
“I can’t talk about this privately, I’m not allowed to,” McQualter said.
“But we will certainly look at the matter closely and try to get some clarity if we feel there is an inconsistency in the treatment of Harley.”
Dillon said there was an open dialogue between the club and the AFL.
“Harley Reid is a super, super player and I love coming here, watching the game on the West Coast and one of the reasons you do it is because of Harley Reid and the way she plays,” Dillon said.
“I understand Andrew McQualter has said he will speak to our football department and there is an open dialogue between West Coast and Greg Swann and his staff and that will continue.
“But Harley is a great actress and yes, she is definitely worth the price of admission.”
Asked if he had any advice for the West Coast star, Dillon joked that he should stop giving away free kicks.
The AFL boss was also quizzed on the price of flights to Melbourne for the grand final, with Fremantle now clear top for three games.
“We will work with our partners on this,” he said.
“But ultimately, you know, it’s the airlines. It’s their pricing. We can influence it, but of course we can’t direct it.
“It’s an exciting time for Fremantle fans. The Bulldogs are here this Friday night and if they win this game then they’ll be locked into top spot, which will lead to two finals in Western Australia which will be exciting and we’ll potentially see ‘Wharfie Time’ return again.”
“One of the great things about Australian rules football is that it is accessible and affordable.
“We will work with our partners but the AFL has limited powers over airline pricing.”
