Farrer League's competition management committee (CMC) has come under fire for the decision to host Sunday's elimination final in Wagga.
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Temora will take on Coleambally in the sudden-death elimination final at Maher Oval on Sunday, drawing the ire of a number of Farrer League clubs and spectators.
Ariah Park-Mirrool stalwart Noel 'Buster' Fairman believes the Farrer League missed the perfect opportunity to take a suitable final to the south west.
"I can't believe the Farrer League are taking this game on Sunday to Wagga," Fairman said.
"Why not hold it at Barellan, Ardlethan or Ariah Park. It's ludicrous. The clubs will have to travel 150 kilometres rather than 60 kilometres.
"It would not happen in any other league. The game at North Wagga (on Saturday) is perfectly fine. And the grand final in Wagga. But they need to use common sense. In my opinion, this is madness."
Barellan president Jeff Mickan said the decision to host all finals in Wagga was his club's biggest frustration with the Farrer League.
"We understand that traditionally Wagga has been the place for Farrer League finals but when you have two outside teams geographically playing, it should be played elsewhere," Mickan said.
Fairman said the recently-renovated Barellan Sportsground would have been the perfect location for Sunday's final.
"It would have been ideal with the facilities there now," he said.
"The smaller towns need a kickalong as well. While they're there, they might stop for a pie at the store or get some fuel."
Farrer League president David Oehm said there were a number of factors that were taken into consideration before choosing Maher Oval.
He said at the time of the decision Maher Oval was the logical choice.
"The elimination final venue decision was made weeks ago," Oehm said.
"We have an obligation to The Rules Club, who sponsor the league, to play two finals there. Turvey Park have the licencing as well. We offered it around to the Farrer clubs and none of them wanted it, then it goes to the host club.
"There is also a criteria set for hosting a final, which Maher Oval meets, and the only other ground outside of Wagga that meets it is Temora, and they're playing. It's got to be at a neutral ground.
"We've also got to maximise what we can out of finals, it's the only place we make money. We're a sporting organisation but we're also a business."
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