A landmark deal is set to see AFL struggler North Melbourne play two home games a year in Western Australia for the next three seasons.
7NEWS AFL reporter Ryan Daniels has revealed that the WA government, the AFL, and North Melbourne are about to sign an agreement that will see the Roos sell two of their home games to WA.
Daniels says the move will provide some “financial relief” for the Kangaroos while also providing some fixture relief for West Coast and Fremantle.
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“North Melbourne will travel to WA in the middle of next season, stay for two weeks, and play two games,” Daniels said.
“They’ll ‘host’ West Coast and Fremantle, with one game to be played at Optus Stadium, the other set to be in WA’s south-west, with Bunbury’s Hands Oval the likely destination.
“That’s the key to this deal — as it ties in with WA tourism, promoting direct flights from Melbourne to Busselton — with Kangaroos fans likely to make the trip west.
“The game at Optus will see North earn around $1.2 million (but) the state government contribution for the south-west game will take North’s purse over the $2 million mark.
“The deal will be signed for three seasons locking in six games, and more than $6 million for North.
“It will give the Eagles and Dockers an extra game in their home state (and) one less week of travel.”
More to come …