Several police stations in Melbourne will close temporarily tonight as Victoria Police focus on maintaining order around the highly anticipated A-League Grand Final. The match pits traditional rivals Melbourne Victory against Melbourne City, escalating concerns over potential fan violence.
The police will close reception counters at a handful of stations including Camberwell, Forest Hill, Oakleigh, Boronia, and Rowville, while Croydon, Belgrave, Mooroolbark, and Wallan will also see their reception counters closed for several hours. However, a 24-hour police station will be accessible within a 20-minute drive from affected areas. Operations are expected to resume as normal on Sunday.
A police spokesperson indicated that planning for large events always prioritises community service. Despite the temporary station closures, there will be continuous patrols in place to deter and respond to any criminal activity. The public is reminded to call Triple Zero in case of emergencies.
As the match approaches, police efforts are ramping up to enhance security around the sell-out crowd expected at AAMI Park, with close to 30,000 fans anticipated. Barricades and police presence are already visible along Swan Street, where supporters are gathering to march towards the stadium. Both Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City clubs have urged their fans to express passion without resorting to violence.
With hundreds of officers deployed near the venue and at local licensed establishments and transport hubs, authorities are determined to ensure a safe atmosphere for all attendees. This proactive approach aims to prevent incidents similar to past confrontations among supporters. Overall, the focus remains on promoting a spirited yet peaceful environment for one of Australia’s premier football events.