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.”
The plan has been hatched as the competition prepares for its 19th club in Tasmania.
North Melbourne has previously played home games in Tasmania, but are now on the lookout for new opportunities, with the Tasmanian Devils expected to join the league in 2028.
“The deal (for North) will begin in 2025,” Daniels said.
“My understanding is the Roos would likely play games in Hobart also, but not four.”
North Melbourne, despite struggling for the past five years, have remarkably won three of their past five at Optus Stadium, so the ground will hold no fears for them.
The Roos currently play at least seven home games in Victoria and that won’t drop as part of this deal.