The Australian Football League will "significantly boost security at stadiums across Australia next season, while fans at the Boxing Day Test will also be subject to more stringent searches at the MCG in the wake of the Paris terror attacks," according to Caroline Wilson of THE AGE. Following a national stadium-by-stadium review of its matchday practices, the AFL will "provide greater security at the gates and extra protection for fans, players, umpires and support staff next season." Plain clothes security personnel will be stationed across all AFL venues and "extra funds will be made available for technology." In a response to the realities of int'l terrorism and intensified security threats, the AFL "has moved to bolster and restructure its integrity department and has already devoted significant extra funds to its proposed new security policy." In the Melbourne Cricket Ground, it has a "willing ally." The heightened security alert for the '16 season comes following an investigation ordered early this year by AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan. McLachlan and his team were "particularly interested in the NFL's security procedures over the week of the Super Bowl." Player protection is expected to also be expanded across airports and hotels with the game "expected to appoint a new security chief and further widen the powers of investigative boss Brett Clothier and his soon-to-be-increased team" (THE AGE, 12/1).
