- The Carlton Blues logo was on full display at Princes Park on Tuesday
- Puzzling when rivals Richmond and Collingwood were in action
- The 2024 AFL season formally begins on March 7 in Sydney
Footy fans are demanding answers after Collingwood and Richmond played a bizarre match at Princes Park – home of rivals Carlton – in an AFL pre-season match on Tuesday night.
While the Magpies ran out 30-point winners as they prepared to defend their premiership, a major talking point online was the Blues’ logo clearly visible in the background during the match.
It triggered many fans of both the Magpies and Tigers, who took to social media to express their frustration.
‘If anyone can figure out why Collingwood and Richmond are playing on Carlton’s vanished ground, you are a genius. Vic Park, Punt Road, the AIA centre, (are) all available and actually tailored to the clubs. Why give Carlton money?’, one supporter raged.
Footy fans demand answers after Collingwood and Richmond played at Princes Park – home of Carlton – in a pre-season AFL match (pictured, Magpies star Jordan De Goey)
While the Magpies ran out 30 point winners, a major talking point was the Carlton logo (pictured) which was clearly visible in the background during the match involving two rival teams.
Another posted in response: ‘Because it’s a better ground than Victoria Park & Punt Rd.’
On the field, in what was the Food Bank’s first AFL Charity Shield match, premiership heroes Jordan De Goey, Nick Daicos and Josh Daicos impressed in the hit-out.
Patrick Lipinski’s performance – who had 23 possessions and two goals – saw him at his best on the ground, and bodes well for the Collingwood midfield ahead of their season opener against GWS on March 9 at Giants Stadium.
The ‘friendly match’ ended in bizarre scenes as towering Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox wrestled Richmond utility Marlion Pickett just seconds before the siren sounded.
Other players soon became involved in the scuffle, allowing Magpies star Billy Frampton to boot home from a long bomb from 65 yards out.
Ironically, Princes Park – better known these days as Ikon Park – will be in action on Wednesday evening when Michael Voss’ Carlton tackle the Melbourne Demons from 6.40pm AEDT.