Is it a grand, final derby date?

The decision to reschedule the inaugural Melbourne derby has the Australian football community talking. Many supporters of both clubs are now unable to make the match having planned trips and events around the original date. Despite the disappointment of a minority, it would seem a sensible decision, considering the 100,000 who turned up to watch last Saturday's final.

It's without question that our league deserves more limelight, especially in AFL saturated Melbourne. Heart's inaugural captain; Simon Colosimo, spoke earlier in the year of the deserved build up which would demand this city's attention; ''There's no doubt that derby games are special, very special. Leading up to it should be the talk of the town, with everyone questioning who is going to win or do well."

Whilst the expected build up has been somewhat overshadowed by an ill shaped ball, the game can now receive its deserved publicity one week later. A-League chief executive Lyall Gorman justified the decision by saying; "This is one of our marquee games and it is important that we give our fans every opportunity to get to the game and be part of history. The rescheduling makes sense on a lot of levels and will give us clear space in the lead up and a clear precinct on the night so we can maximise exposure and attendance."

While it's hard to argue against the reasoning, many fans suggest this is hypocritical given the lack of mainstream media advertising during the season. The exposure that Gorman speaks of must command people's attention, grabbing them by their senses and dragging them into the comfortable surroundings of AAMI Park.

We have a fantastic competition which offers bright colours, dazzling lights and loud noises. The addition of an intra-city derby will only help the game gain the deserved attention and respect it needs to grow. Now all we have to do is enjoy the limelight, participate in the build up and nervously wait until Friday October 8.