World Footy News

An unlikely sequence of results in the final round of the 2008 Australian Football League season has resulted in a first round finals draw that does not feature any match in Melbourne on Saturday. This upsets the AFL's plans to stage the International Cup Grand Final as a curtain raiser to such a final at the MCG - the match was always expected to occur then, but was subject to the clause "to be confirmed".

Fortunately the Second Qualifying Final between Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs is set down for the MCG from 7.50pm on the Friday, 5th September. Preliminary confirmation from the AFL is that the International Cup match will therefore be a curtain raiser to this match. More details when available.