Pies, AFL to help Collingwood fans after venue change

The AFL and Collingwood will ensure they help Magpie fans who have been affected by the change of venue for the Round 1 clash with Sydney.

The Swans announced on Monday that the club had terminated their contract with ANZ Stadium, meaning their three scheduled home games at Homebush in 2016 would be relocated to the SCG, including the Round 1 match between Sydney and Collingwood, which is just three weeks away.

Pies' CEO Gary Pert said yesterday the club is fuming with the last minute change, with the players and few thousand fans who have already booked accommodation near ANZ Stadium, now forced to make alternative arrangements.

“I think it’s far more than a minor hiccup. It’s very unfortunate — not only what the Swans have done, but the way that they’re dealing with it,” Pert said on SEN.

“For the Swans to relocate without any communication is not only disrespectful, but unprofessional and inappropriate.

“It’s an indictment on the AFL and the Swans, the fact that we found out about it from social media. We’ll want answers and there’s no doubt we’ll want compensation. It’s Easter weekend, so there’s little accommodation (available).

But AFL general manager of operations, Travis Auld, met with Collingwood officials on Tuesday to develop a plan to help affected fans.

"Having spoken to Collingwood, the AFL is encouraging fans who have booked accommodation in the Homebush area to contact Collingwood," Auld said.

"The AFL will work with Collingwood to offer alternate travel arrangements to the SCG for those fans."