INTERSTATE rivals have made a strong mark on Ballarat with fans calling for the AFL's Battle of the Bridge to be fought on our turf amid state borders thumping shut.
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With news the Victorian government is closed to New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Mars is firming as a stronger place for Greater Western Sydney Giants to return and host Sydney.
Almost 2,600 football fans checked into Mars Stadium on Sunday to watch Gold Coast Suns defeat the Giants by one-point with a match-winning goal late in play. Both low-drawing clubs were called to Ballarat on late notice, amid AFL shuffles.
Giants list manager Jason McCartney told The Courier his club was willing to return to Ballarat with heavy match loads once again likely scheduled for Melbourne - and the Giants would much prefer to host Sydney in Ballarat then at Geelong's Kardinia Park which the Swans seem to enjoy.
Most Ballarat fans The Courier spoke with at the game had decided to make a day out and enjoy AFL in their own backyard, regardless of who was playing. The match also proved a popular day for families to spend the last day of the school holidays.
Liam Kinniburgh said any AFL in Ballarat was too good an opportunity to pass up.
"We barrack for the (Western) Bulldogs but we just love our footy," Mr Kinniburgh said. "We'll definitely want to come if Ballarat gets another game."
Mars Stadium has become the adopted home for Western Bulldogs, who are set to host Adelaide in Ballarat in a fortnight's time.
Neither the Giants nor Suns are strangers to playing on Mars. Both have faced the Bulldogs for AFL premiership points in Ballarat.
And the Suns' hardcore fans, led by cheersquad chief Gavin Riches, do not mind Ballarat's wintery welcome.
"We know for a fact Ballarat has the best surface in the AFL and it's a shame the AFL can't play more games here," said Mr Riches, who travelled from Camperdown for Sunday's clash.
"We go to all the Victorian games...The hospitality here is good, too."
Eleven-year-old William Seamons was born in Queensland and decided to follow the Suns, but could hardly believe he would be able to watch them in his hometown this year.
"It's awesome," William said. "I haven't been to this ground before."
Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said Ballarat had a $39.7 million, world-class stadium, with one of the AFL's best surfaces and the city had shown it was ready to step up when needed.
"We would really welcome the Battle of the Bridge," Ms Addison said.
"What Ballarat has shown is on short notice we can host a great event.
"Everyone had a great time. People were there with their kids and those who made the effort were rewarded with a great match.
"After COVID last year denied access to football locally and the AFL, I think people were just desperate to get to a match.
"We would welcome the chance to support the two Sydney teams with their state in lockdown."
IN OTHER NEWS
Ms Addison said Ballarat's turnout with about 2,600 fans to watch two low-drawing interstate clubs was great, particularly when compared to Melbourne-based big-puller Carlton drawing about 12,000 fans to its match with Fremantle at the MCG last week.
The AFL will likely decide its next round ground fixture early this week with Mars Stadium and Kardinia Park firming as major contender to host the Giants-Swans on Saturday afternoon.
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