01 May A-League finals “up against it” on packed sporting calendar, says City star

Melbourne City star Jamie Maclaren has questioned the scheduling of the A-League finals, saying the code is “up against it” in a packed sporting calendar.

With the AFL and NRL seasons in full swing, the A-League will be starved of the free air it craves in order to promote what should be an exciting finals series.

In what has been a trying campaign for the league with TV audiences and crowds on the decline, Maclaren admits it’s difficult to compete with rival codes at this time of year.

“I’m a proud Melbourne boy and I’ve obviously grown up being surrounded by AFL,” the Socceroo told SEN Breakfast.

“They cover the papers … I was at Anzac Day and they got 92,000, our game hasn’t got that yet.

“It is difficult, you’re up against it. But at the same time, it’s the sporting capital of the world and we have to understand that we have our place and we need to make the most of it.”

Maclaren’s City take on Adelaide United in an Elimination Final at Coopers Stadium this Sunday.

The 25-year-old has scored five goals in eight appearances since joining the club in January.

Listen to Jamie Maclaren’s chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below