Sporting spending spree: AFL the big winner in major cash splash

The redevelopment of Etihad Stadium, keeping the grand final at the MCG until 2057, money for the AFLW and upgrades to local sport are the highlights of a $500 million state government spending bonanza.

$20 million dollars will be spent at Carlton’s Ikon Park to become the home of AFLW, and $60 million dollars will be available for community sports.

The Docklands precinct revamp is expected to link Etihad Stadium, which the AFL now owns, with the CBD, while also embracing the waterfront.

Committing to MCG grand finals for nearly another four decades paves the way for the MCC Trust to further develop the Great Southern Stand.

Sports Minister John Eren says it’s an unprecedented investment across the board.

“It’s not just the elite, everyone benefits from this,” he told 3AW.

But the elite sporting body, the AFL, is certainly happy.

“I think the Andrews Government has done a great deal for Victoria,” he said.

McLachlan said the deal ends discussion about a third Melbourne stadium.

And he said the cash splash was a win for struggling and interstate clubs, no just the MCG tenants.

“I think it reaffirms our commitment to 18 teams,” he said.

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Earlier…

The sporting spending spree was first flagged on 3AW Sportsday by Caroline Wilson last night.

Caro reported the relevant AFL officials had been summoned to a phone hook-up on Thursday evening.

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