In December, the AFL, SANFL and South Australian Cricket Association signed an in-principle agreement, which will see AFL played at the city venue within four or five years.
The project has faced strong opposition in recent months, amid concerns of a cost blowout, which forced the South Australian government to increase its commitment to the redevelopment from $450 million to $535 million.
The South Australian Liberal Party added to the political sideshow surrounding the proposal, pledging to build an independent, enclosed city stadium while keeping the iconic Adelaide Oval intact.
On Thursday, Demetriou reaffirmed the AFL’s commitment to the Adelaide Oval redevelopment, saying it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“We believe there are no viable options or alternatives (to playing AFL at Adelaide Oval)," Demetriou said on Thursday. "The state government has made it clear that it will not commit funds to maintain or upgrade AAMI Stadium…and it would probably be to the detriment of football long-term in this state (to stay at AAMI Stadium).
“It’s not often that you get an opportunity and that a government comes along and is prepared to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into an iconic stadium in South Australia. It hasn’t happened anywhere else in Australia.
"An independent home for football could be years away…Adelaide Oval we believe is three to four years away.”
South Australian Treasurer Kevin Foley came under fire, after revealing he knew of the potential cost blowout surrounding the redevelopment.
Demetriou maintained his stance that the AFL wouldn’t contribute any funds to the project, but said it was impossible to make comments on cost until the final design had been completed.
“I’ve been bemused by some of the commentary on the funding," Demetriou said. "There is no final design, the tender process hasn’t even commenced so why people are talking about blowouts and so forth…I think it’s a bit mischievous.
“The Stadium Management Authority understands full well that they’ll have to deliver a project within those ($535 million) parameters.
"When you start off on a project there are lots of things that you can always cut out or amend to make sure the project fits within a budget."
Port Adelaide has declared it would move to Adelaide Oval tomorrow if it were possible, but the Crows have been criticised for staying quiet on the issue with Foley accusing the club of being “fence sitters”.
Demetriou denied Adelaide had acted to the detriment of the project and said both clubs would be substantially better off with the move.
“We’re doing this unified. I don’t share the view that the Adelaide Football Club has got concerns,” he said, explaining they were just keen to see the final agreement.
