Government backs Adelaide Oval plan
The SACA said yesterday it will take action in the Federal Court to break an agreement between the South Australian National Football League and the AFL to have all Adelaide games played at AAMI Stadium.
The association said it believes the agreement, signed in 1999 and effective until 2016, is a breach of the Trade Practices Act.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith today backed the SACA's move and said there is no better place than Adelaide Oval to play AFL matches.
"Adelaide Oval is one of the most beautiful and picturesque grounds in the world and already has an excellent reputation for hosting world-class events," she said.
"It makes perfect sense to play AFL football at Adelaide Oval.
"It would provide SA footy fans with a greater chance to see top-class football and the opportunity to further showcase our state to the rest of the country."
The cricket association said seven Victorian-based AFL clubs - Collingwood, Carlton, Geelong, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Melbourne - have expressed interest in playing matches designated as home games at Adelaide Oval.
Chief executive Mike Deare said the aim is for some of those clubs to host either the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, which has been a venue for Australian football since 1880.
Deare said the AFL and SANFL have declined to reconsider their positions since reaching the agreement.
"The only option now available to the South Australian Cricket Association is to use our legal option and take the matter before the Federal Court," said Deare.
The cricket body has given the AFL and SANFL until July 8 to scrap the deal, or court action will be launched.
SANFL executive commissioner Leigh Whicker said his organisation will defend the legal action.
"Every agreement we have with the AFL, or any body, we are confident will stand up to any scrutiny," he said.
