‘Broken promise': Fans hit out at AFL over another broadcast snub
But as the season hurtles towards the finish line, the league has been accused of breaking a promise to fans as it deals with a Cyclone Alfred-altered draw.
At the heart of the troubles has been how to reschedule the postponed match between Gold Coast and Essendon – the round zero match that was called off on March 8 as the tropical cyclone made landfall.
But wearing the brunt of the fallout are Essendon and Carlton fans.
Loading
The AFL released its final round fixture this week. It would start with Essendon and Carlton on a Thursday night and finish with the cyclone match between Gold Coast and Essendon the following Wednesday.
Fans were shocked when Channel 7 announced it would be changing its broadcast approach. The network would ignore coverage of the final Thursday night match of the home-and-away season because of the poor run of form of the once mighty clubs.
'When they took away Saturday – I can tell you how fans feel about free-to-air not being on Saturday – the fans were very, very upset about it,' AFL fans association president Ron Issko told this masthead.
'And the AFL's response was, 'well you've got Thursday night, so it all balances out in the wash'. Well, actually, it doesn't. Because they are taking away Thursday night now. So fans would be very annoyed.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
7 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Star's new deal puts AFL record within reach
Collingwood superstar Scott Pendlebury has committed to a staggering 21st season, putting the AFL games record within his grasp as ruckman Darcy Cameron ended speculation over his fixture by signing a three-year contract extension. The dual signings provided some positive news for the Magpies after four losses in the past five games. Pendlebury, 37, signed a one-year contract extension and, with 421 games under his belt. will chase Brent Harvey's VFL/AFL all-time games record of 432. Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said Pendlebury's continued presence on and off the field was pivotal to Collingwood's success. 'Everyone throughout the league appreciates the influence and experience that Scott brings to our side and we are pleased to have him sign on for 2026,' Leppitsch said. 'His professionalism is second to none, always ensuring he sets himself up to get the best out of himself and his teammates. Scott Pendlebury will play on in 2026. Mark Stewart Credit: News Corp Australia 'In addition to his on-field contribution, it is the guidance he will provide his fellow teammates, setting the standards and embodying what it means to be a Collingwood person that will be influential throughout our 2026 campaign and beyond.' Pendlebury's signature follows fellow teammate Cameron ending speculation over his fixture. Cameron, 30, who was out of contract at the end of next season, will remain at the Pies until at least the end of 2029. It's an early show for faith in the club from Cameron, who was set to be the target of several other clubs given his emergence as one of the game's most consistent ruckmen. 'I'm incredibly grateful to sign on for a further three years. Collingwood is a special place and I'm proud to call it home,' Cameron said. 'With a single game under my belt when I arrived, to now playing over 100, the Pies put their faith in me and I'll be forever grateful for the growth and opportunities I've had since arriving at the club. 'Recommitting to Collingwood was an easy decision. This club means a lot to me and now feels like the right time to commit again. We have such a special group here, from the players to the coaches and all staff, and I can't wait to see what we achieve over the coming years.' A 2023 premiership player, 2024 All Australian squad member and runner-up in the Copeland Trophy last year, Cameron has established himself as an elite ruck through the competition. Leppitsch, said Cameron's was an important signature. 'Darcy has become a key pillar of our side, both on and off the field,' Leppitsch said. ''DC' has been a consistent performer and a great teammate. His versatility, contested marking and ability to cover the ground makes him a top line ruckman in our competition. 'His work ethic, leadership and team-first approach sets a great example for all around him, and we're excited to see what he can continue to deliver in the years ahead.' The Magpies have given up top spot on the ladder in recent weeks with a spate of losses, the latest being to Hawthorn.
The Australian
37 minutes ago
- The Australian
Pendlebury to chase AFL games record in 21st season at Collingwood
Collingwood superstar Scott Pendlebury has committed to a staggering 21st season, putting the AFL games record within his grasp as ruckman Darcy Cameron ended speculation over his fixture by signing a three-year contract extension. The dual signings provided some positive news for the Magpies after four losses in the past five games. Pendlebury, 37, signed a one-year contract extension and, with 421 games under his belt. will chase Brent Harvey's VFL/AFL all-time games record of 432. Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said Pendlebury's continued presence on and off the field was pivotal to Collingwood's success. 'Everyone throughout the league appreciates the influence and experience that Scott brings to our side and we are pleased to have him sign on for 2026,' Leppitsch said. 'His professionalism is second to none, always ensuring he sets himself up to get the best out of himself and his teammates. Scott Pendlebury will play on in 2026. Picture: Mark Stewart 'In addition to his on-field contribution, it is the guidance he will provide his fellow teammates, setting the standards and embodying what it means to be a Collingwood person that will be influential throughout our 2026 campaign and beyond.' Pendlebury's signature follows fellow teammate Cameron ending speculation over his fixture. Cameron, 30, who was out of contract at the end of next season, will remain at the Pies until at least the end of 2029. It's an early show for faith in the club from Cameron, who was set to be the target of several other clubs given his emergence as one of the game's most consistent ruckmen. 'I'm incredibly grateful to sign on for a further three years. Collingwood is a special place and I'm proud to call it home,' Cameron said. 'With a single game under my belt when I arrived, to now playing over 100, the Pies put their faith in me and I'll be forever grateful for the growth and opportunities I've had since arriving at the club. 'Recommitting to Collingwood was an easy decision. This club means a lot to me and now feels like the right time to commit again. We have such a special group here, from the players to the coaches and all staff, and I can't wait to see what we achieve over the coming years.' A 2023 premiership player, 2024 All Australian squad member and runner-up in the Copeland Trophy last year, Cameron has established himself as an elite ruck through the competition. Leppitsch, said Cameron's was an important signature. 'Darcy has become a key pillar of our side, both on and off the field,' Leppitsch said. ''DC' has been a consistent performer and a great teammate. His versatility, contested marking and ability to cover the ground makes him a top line ruckman in our competition. 'His work ethic, leadership and team-first approach sets a great example for all around him, and we're excited to see what he can continue to deliver in the years ahead.' The Magpies have given up top spot on the ladder in recent weeks with a spate of losses, the latest being to Hawthorn.
News.com.au
37 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Bailey Smith and Tammy Hembrow busted in secret romance
Bailey Smith and Tammy Hembrow have been spotted cuddling up with each other in a secret romance. The Geelong footballer and fitness queen have been photographed holding hands and putting their arms around each other as they left a Gold Coast watering hole on Saturday. Paparazzi photos show the couple couldn't keep their hands off each other as they left a ritzy, chef-hatted venue at Burleigh Heads — the day after the Cats' victory over Essendon in Geelong. According to The Herald Sun, it is the second time the pair have been spotted together on the Gold Coast. Hembrow announced her divorce form ex-husband Matt Zukowski in June. Photos taken on Saturday showed Smith, 24, and Hembrow, 31, dined together at Asian fusion hot spot Rick Shores, which is one venue inside the famous Burleigh Pavilion night spot. According to the report, the pair were seen kissing during their outing together. Zukowski has expressed his shock after learning of Hembrow's public appearances with Smith. 'I heard about this and it's not a nice feeling,' he told The Herald Sun. 'We only broke up eight weeks ago. I just don't understand how someone can move on so quickly. It's been 48 days and I'm still trying to work out how I feel as a person after committing in marriage to someone. I'm trying to focus on myself and heal.' Photos first published by The Daily Mail, show Hembrow and Smith knew their secret was out when they spotted cameras outside the venue. A reporter for the publication also approached Smith as he arrived back in Melbourne on Sunday. A video posted online shows Smith was asked about Hembrow and corrected a photographer who mispronounced Hembrow's name. 'F***in' hell, do your research,' he told the photographer. When asked if the pair are together, Smith replied: 'What do you want me to say?' Hembrow recently addressed her divorce with her Instagram followers in a video where she broke down in tears. 'Did I think this was going to happen? No. Did I want this? No. Obviously, when you marry someone, you do it thinking that it is going to be forever,' she said. 'I blame no one but myself.' Zukowski, 29, last month also addressed the separation on the 'Where's Your Head At?' podcast. 'There is no easy way to say this, I'm absolutely shattered to announce it, to be honest,' he said. 'But at the end of the day, we weren't right for each other and in this relationship. 'I've learnt a lot about myself, I've learnt a lot about what I need in a relationship and what's right for me.' He went on to say: 'I've been struggling a lot'. Hembrow and Zukowski tied the knot in November, 2024. Hembrow has three children: Wolf and Saskia with her ex-fiance Reece Hawkins, and her daughter Posy with her ex-fiance Matt Poole. Smith last year quietly split from former partner Gemma Dawkins. The former Western Bulldogs star will return to the field for the Cats wen they face the Swans in Sydney on Sunday. Smith is one of the most popular players in the AFL and has the biggest Instagram following in the league. He has been in red hot form for the Cats this year, proving himself one of the best players in the game. Hembrow, founder of the activewear brand Saski Collection, has 17 million Instagram followers and is a giant of the fitness industry. Her multimillion-dollar business empire is continuing to grow off the back of fashion projects and wellbeing promotions.
