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Pitch invader facing massive fine after AFL grand final stunt

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read
The pitch invader, pictured here being taken down by security guards at Optus Stadium.
The man was eventually taken down by security guards at Optus Stadium. Image: Getty

A man who ran onto the field during three-quarter time in the AFL grand final is facing a huge fine for his actions.

The spectator was wearing nothing but his underwear when he invaded the field at Optus Stadium on Saturday night during the Demons' win over the Western Bulldogs.

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The man jumped the fence at the city end of the ground before running through the middle of the oval with security guards in hot pursuit.

The man managed to evade a few guards before being brought down in a heavy tackle.

Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes uploaded footage of the pitch invader's antics to social media, writing: "This is something".

According to The West Australian, staff at Optus Stadium underwent specific training before the grand final on how to stop and restrain pitch invaders.

A total of seven security guards got involved before carrying the man from the field and into the waiting arms of police.

The man can expect a hefty fine of up to $5000 for his troubles.

Perth lit up by historic AFL grand final

A sunny September day, a sellout crowd and two quality teams in Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs made for the perfect settings for a historic first AFL grand final held in Western Australia, a proud and parochial football state.

Two separate coronavirus scares had been overcome after the AFL rolled the dice on a pre-grand final bye.

All that was needed was a good contest.

And for the better part of three quarters at least, the 61,118 fans packed into Optus Stadium couldn't have asked for much more.

A pitch invader, pictured here being tackled by security during the AFL grand final.
A pitch invader is tackled by security during the AFL grand final. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Having trailed by 21 points at the opening break, the Bulldogs fought back through brilliant captain Marcus Bontempelli to snatch a half-time lead.

A close finish loomed until Melbourne produced a period of astonishing dominance to end the third quarter, booting seven straight goals.

With Christian Petracca (39 disposals, two goals) running riot to claim Norm Smith Medal honours, the eventual 74-point Demons win was a blowout.

But it was no less emotional for it. At long last, the Norm Smith curse was broken and for the first time in 57 years, Melbourne were premiers - even if it wasn't in front of their MCG faithful.

Captain Max Gawn summed it up best.

"After 57 years of pain, it's coming home," the 208cm cult hero declared before joining coach Simon Goodwin to raise the premiership cup.

with AAP

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