The Australian Football League Commission has "approved an array of new security measures" as a decision nears on searching all patrons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this season, according to Jon Ralph of the HERALD SUN. The league is in talks with the Melbourne Cricket Club about its "levels of security after the successful implementation of added security for the cricket season." All patrons "had to wait outside cyclone fencing before being checked by wand metal detectors and having bags searched." They would then "proceed to the entrance gates to show tickets, with the trial working for the Boxing Day Test." The MCC "failed to adequately estimate the crowd" for the early January Stars vs. Renegades Big Bash match, with "some punters jumping the fence." AFL Integrity GM Andrew Dillon "formulated the new security plan," which will include more plainclothes officers, increased player protection and better use of technology in security. It would seem likely the AFL "would continue with the perimeter plans used by the MCC over summer given their success." The threat of terrorism after the Paris attacks "have again highlighted the need for increased security" (HERALD SUN, 2/14).
