The AFL have bowed to the pulling power of soccer powerhouse Manchester United, rescheduling a Greater Western Sydney match to avoid a head-to-head clash.
The English Premier League giants will visit Australia for the first time in 14 years to play an exhibition match against an A-League all-stars side at ANZ Stadium on July 20.
The Giants, wooden spooners in their first season this year, were scheduled to host Essendon at neighbouring Skoda Stadium on the same night.
But that match has now been shifted to a 2.10pm (AEST) timeslot at the Giants’ request.
A St Kilda-Port Adelaide match at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium on the same day has been changed from 2.10pm to 7.40pm.
GWS will try to piggy-back on Manchester United’s popularity, planning a special ticket offer to encourage those attending the Manchester match to come early and also watch the AFL game.
“To have a sporting club of Manchester United’s profile come to Sydney is a good outcome and we want to work with the NSW government and Destination NSW to allow sports fans to attend both if they want,” Giants chief executive David Matthews said.
The clash with the Bombers will have special significance for Giants coach Kevin Sheedy, as it will be his last time coaching against the club he led to four premierships.
The Giants have invited United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to visit their club during his trip, after Sheedy recently visited Manchester United.
AAP scl/jds