The AFL’s decision to hold a magic round,whichThe Age revealed during grand final week, was initially motivated by a desire to showcase the game in expansion states withNSW considered the frontrunner when the concept was first put to clubs.

However,South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas put in a strong financial bid,which club sources said was upwards of $10 million,as well as convincing the AFL that the state’s football obsessed public would fill grandstands creating a strong initial impression of the round.

It remains unclear whether the deal will be for one or two seasons with the league keen to rotate the concept once it is embedded into the fixture with Victorian clubs keen on the concept because of the extra revenue it generates.

The GWS Giants and Sydney were keen to become involved in the magic round with the Giants endeavouring to generate crowds after disappointing attendances at their home games this season when they missed the finals for the first time since 2016.

With the AFL wanting the round to coincide with school holidays there were also going to be logistical difficulties relating to the Sydney Royal Easter Show being held at the showgrounds at that time.