“Confident” Tex out to silence Tiger Army
Adelaide captain Taylor Walker expects “close to 30,000” Crows fans will flood into the MCG on Saturday, to provide a vocal counterpoint to the much-vaunted Tiger Army.
Taylor Walker expects plenty of support in enemy territory for Adelaide's big day. Photo: Tracey Nearmy / AAP
Walker says the AFL grand final ticketing system will weaken Richmond’s home crowd advantage at the ground, by “breaking up” the Tiger fans.
“I reckon you’ll get 40,000 corporate and then it will be split… I’m confident that we will get close to 30,000 (Adelaide fans) if not more,” Walker said today.
The AFL offers up to 35,000 tickets to members of competing clubs. But the Crows are already expecting around 16,000 tickets for members who registered in a ballot – some 25,000 members entered for that.
Up to 50,000 grand final tickets are available to MCC and AFL members, with between 5,000 to 30,000 listed under AFL entitlements/contractual obligation.
“It will break it up,” Walker said of the spread in the stands for Richmond’s passionate supporter base.
“And our fans are so loyal and passionate, I’m sure that they will jump on buses and cars – and probably not the planes because they’re too expensive at the moment [but] we will get great support.”
One-way flights from Adelaide to Melbourne have near-doubled in price to about $450.
Both Adelaide and Richmond enter the season finale after consecutive wins, with Walker forecasting a fierce grand final.
“We’re confident,” he said.
“But Richmond are in great form, you can’t take anything away from them.
“We are going to have to start well, be really tough through the midfield and put a lot of pressure on them.
“It’s going to be pressure versus pressure. Who can do it for the longest.”
-AAP
