After more than 250 days since our last football match at the ground, it was fantastic to welcome members back to the Reserve for the start of the 2022 AFL Premiership Season.
And what a match to begin with! It was particularly special to see the Demons, a sporting section of the MCC, unfurl their long awaited Premiership Flag in front of their passionate fans and with the help of a number of the Club’s legends.The Grand Final rematch saw the Demons once again take the win over the Bulldogs, however the back-and-forth contest ensured plenty of excitement and is hopefully a sign of what we can expect throughout this season.
As anticipated the game drew a strong crowd and the Members Reserve was particularly well attended.
As a Club we pride ourselves on our exceptional service. When members walk into the Reserve they rightly expect a high quality experience – from the facilities and atmosphere to the customer service and food and beverage offerings.
We know that last night the experience for many members did not meet this expectation.
Like so many hospitality businesses and venues in Australia, the MCC is struggling with staffing shortages. As a result of this shortage we made the difficult decision to close selected bars and food outlets both in the Reserve and beyond.
We understand the frustration that this causes for members and the resulting issues of increased wait times and queuing.
The Club is actively recruiting to bolster staffing levels back to where they were pre-pandemic. From flying in chefs from interstate and overseas, to putting a call out for casual staff through mainstream media, we are leaving no stone unturned in the quest to fill these front and back of house roles.
As we work through this challenging period we ask you to be kind and respectful to staff. Many are working extra shifts and long hours, giving it their all in challenging circumstances, and we are greatly appreciative of their effort.
With another three games scheduled at the MCG for Round 1, the Club will continue to do its best to deliver an enjoyable experience for all patrons.
For those members attending the Reserve in the coming days we look forward to welcoming you back to the ‘G, and appreciate your understanding as we work to overcome the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.