Last Saturday, Collingwood and St Kilda drew their grand final and with no extra time allowed, the game is being replayed this Saturday October 2 – the same day as the scheduled Melbourne A-League derby between Heart and Victory.

To avoid congestion in the Swan St precinct and allow the tie to generate much needed pubicity for the A-League, the inaugural Melbourne derby will now take place on Friday October 8 at 7:30pm.

Heart confirmed to au.fourfourtwo.com that they would not be seeking compensation from the AFL for the inconvenience of having to shift their biggest game of the season because of the AFL’s no extra time rule.

Ironically, the AFL has pushed for compensation should an Australian FIFA World Cup be played during the AFL season.

However, on this occasion Heart are taking a magnanimous approach and have thanked Fox Sports, FFA and Melbourne Victory for their cooperation on the matter.

Heart skipper Simon Colosimo sees benefits from the delay.

“It works well for everyone. I’d hate to lose fans coming to our game because of traffic being an issue,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com at Sunday’s Nike The Chance Pacific trials at the AIS in Canberra.

“It’s one of those things, it’s a massive day for AFL – both games are. It’s the first real Melbourne derby and by delaying it we can get all the hype it deserves.

“The build up and tension will be even more so.”

While all tickets purchased for the clash will remain valid for the rescheduled date, fans unable to attend will be able to return their tickets to Ticketek until Monday October 4 to receive a full refund.

Tickets will need to be returned to the original outlet of purchase, including receipt, to be eligible for a refund.

Colosimo added: “But after last night’s result [Heart’s 4-0 loss to Brisbane Roar] it’s a game we want to get to straight away.

“I’d like to play tomorrow but it gives us extra time on the paddock.”