Fox Footy Longest Kick Cancelled Due to Construction Works

The eagerly awaited Fox Footy Longest Kick competition, traditionally held on the day of the AFL Grand Final, has been canceled this year. Construction works at the Yarra River, where the contest usually takes place, have made the event unfeasible in its typical format. These construction efforts are part of the Greenline Project, aimed at revitalizing the riverside area, and will not conclude until late 2024.

The Longest Kick competition has been a staple of Grand Final day entertainment since its inception in 2015. It has seen some of Australian rules football’s biggest names such as Drew Petrie, who won the inaugural event, and classic figures like Brendan Fevola participating over the years. The distance to beat remains Bryce Gibbs’ impressive 72.3-meter kick from 2016.

Despite the cancellation of the physical event, viewers can still enjoy comprehensive Grand Final coverage on Fox Footy. Programming will begin at 9 a.m. with the Annual North Melbourne Breakfast featuring hosts like Dwayne Russell and Gerard Healy. Throughout the day, an array of football analysts and former players, including Mark Howard and Eddie Betts, will provide expert commentary and analysis leading up to the Swans vs Lions showdown.

Past winners of the Longest Kick highlight the event’s competitive nature, with memorable kicks each year. Last year’s winner surprised audiences with a 69.5-meter kick that nearly matched Gibbs’ record.

Fox Footy’s extensive Grand Final coverage aims to compensate for the absence of the Longest Kick, maintaining the high-energy excitement fans expect during this celebrated sporting weekend.