The AFL is planning to hijack the opening weekend of the NRL finals series in the Harbour City with the continued success of the Sydney Swans and emergence of the Greater Western Sydney Giants, potentially gifting the national code a marketing bonanza in rugby league heartland.
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Sydney's flailing NRL clubs means the bumper opening weekend of the finals series could feature just one match in the city – potentially none if Cronulla tumble out of the top two – with the AFL to get a free kick in an area it has long targeted for growth.
Should the current NRL and AFL ladders be replicated at the end of their respective regular seasons – the former has three rounds left and the latter two – Sydney is likely to be caught up in AFL mania with two finals matches to outstrip rugby league representation for the weekend.
The dominance of interstate-based NRL sides this season – the Storm (first), Raiders (third), Cowboys (fifth) and Broncos (sixth) are all legitimate title contenders – is set to render the opening weekend of the finals a cross-continent one with Melbourne, Townsville and Brisbane in line for hosting rights.
Only the minor-premiership chasing Sharks, who have a draw and two losses in their past three matches after a club record 15-game winning run, look set to ensure rugby league is staged in Sydney as the finals begin. They would play a qualifying final at Allianz Stadium on a Friday or Saturday night.
But is not completely beyond the realms of possibility of Sydney being left with no finals matches until week two should the stunning form of the Raiders, just four points shy of the Sharks, continue.
Cronulla face tricky assignments against the resurgent Rabbitohs and Roosters – both teams already out of finals contention – in the next fortnight before battling premiership favourites Melbourne in round 26.
Ricky Stuart's Raiders will be favoured to win their remaining three matches against the Eels (home), Sea Eagles (away) and Tigers (away).
The Panthers appear Sydney's next best hope of seeing rugby league action at the start of the post season should they somehow manage to squeak into fifth or sixth and host a do-or-die match.
Penrith are scheduled to play any home final at ANZ Stadium, but it appears unlikely the grand final venue will see any rugby league action until at least week two.
By contrast the chance to have an AFL finals match in western Sydney hosted by the Giants while the rugby league glare is diverted up and down the eastern seaboard would be a huge bonus for the code's expansion plans.
But it is the emergence of the Giants that is really set to give the AFL a free kick in Sydney. They are in line to host an elimination final at Spotless Stadium as a fifth- or sixth-placed side, but could also squirm their way into the top four and a double chance in the finals.
Should they finish third or fourth they will play away from home – a match might even stay in Sydney should they be pitted against the Swans – a scenario, which would not bother Giants coach Leon Cameron.
Such an outcome would mean only one AFL finals match in Sydney for the weekend, but it could dominate the sporting landscape given the increasing rivalry between the clubs.
The Swans can secure week one hosting rights should they beat North Melbourne and Richmond in their final two matches – and their percentage does not slip below that of fellow top two aspirants Adelaide and Geelong.
