Security screening enhanced for AFL fixtures at the MCG

AFL fans entering both the MCG and Marvel Stadium have experienced long delays in entering the venues today as a result of enhanced security screening in the wake of an incident on Thursday evening when loaded guns were allegedly smuggled into the MCG.

Checks on spectators at both venues are being enhanced after a "breakdown" in manual safety checks was blamed for two men allegedly bringing guns into the MCG.

Officials are blaming Thursday night's incident at the MCG on a "breakdown" in screening measures, while the AFL is promising a security review after what the players' union labelled as an unacceptable incident.

Victoria Police allegedly found weapons on the men - both of whom were on bail - inside the stadium during a search at the clash between Collingwood and Carlton in front of more than 82,000 fans.

Stuart Fox, Chief Executive of MCG operator the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), said the stadium's security screening units did identify items of concern, which prompted further investigation, advising on Friday that “our initial internal investigation identified a breakdown in the thoroughness of the secondary and manual screening process.”

The MCG underwent a major security upgrade in 2024, including the roll out of artificial-intelligence equipped sensors.

AFL Player Association Chief Executive Paul Marsh said the incident was worrying, noting “every person who attends an AFL match, including the players, staff, and fans, deserve to do so knowing there are effective measures in place to protect their health and safety.

"What occurred at the MCG (on Thursday) ... night is extremely concerning and frankly unacceptable."

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon promised an "end to end" security review, stating “the MCG worked to identify how the two men were able to enter the venue, which concluded that security personnel failed to do a thorough follow up search of the patrons after an alert from the entry point screening system.”

Adding that both men will be issued with lifetime bans from AFL matches, Dillon went on to say that “there will be additional secondary security measures in place this weekend, and the MCC in conjunction with Victoria Police and the AFL will conduct an end to end review of security measures at the ground.”

Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines said someone needed to take responsibility for the shocking security breach, noting “it's concerning for all Victorians, that people would enter the heart of the sporting precinct at the MCG with firearms and that's not acceptable."

Counter-terrorism police were initially called to assess what happened, but the investigation is now in the hands of the crime investigation team.

Marvel Stadium delays
Delays for fans attempting to enter Marvel Stadium for this evening’s North Melbourne v Sydney clash have been exaggerated by technical issues with the closure of the venue’s roof.

Gates were scheduled to open at 5.30pm, but fans were initially denied entry as lines tens of metres long formed.

‘Issues with security’ was among the reasoning given to patrons as frustrations at Docklands steadily grew before the gates were finally opened at 6.10pm.

A statement from Marvel Stadium on social media advised “Apologies for the delay in gates opening tonight. It was due to a technical issue with the roof closing that has resolved. All gates are now open. Enjoy the game.”

Fans are not allowed entry into Marvel Stadium when the roof is being closed or opened.