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Ben AndersonThe West Australian The rush for flights from West Coast Eagles fans wanting to attend their club's AFL semi-final at the MCG has begun with airlines putting on extra

Melbourne services to cater for increased demand. Bookmakers have installed the Eagles as favourites in Friday night’s game against Geelong after the reigning premiers, bolstered by the

return of superstar ruckman Nic Naitanui, thrashed Essendon in their home elimination final. Tickets went on sale to members at 9am on Monday and as many as 5000 fans are expected to be

flying east. A Virgin Australia spokesperson said extra flights were added every September ahead the the AFL finals series. "Following Thursday night’s result, Virgin Australia has put

two additional return flights between Perth and Melbourne to help even more West Coast Eagles fans cheer on the Eagles in Melbourne this week.” A Qantas Group spokesperson said the rush for

tickets began as soon as the Eagles had beat Essendon. "Since the final siren on Thursday night hundreds of Eagles fans have booked flights to Melbourne on both Qantas and Jetstar ahead

of this weekend’s clash," they said. "In response to the increased demand, Jetstar has put larger aircraft on flights between Perth and Melbourne ahead of the AFL semi final

weekend." Virgin Australia will add extra Perth to Melbourne services as long as the Eagles remained in premiership contention. Jetstar has added around 450 seats on flights between

Perth and Melbourne before and after the game. Melbourne Travel Sports Australia has a charter flight and a seat on that will cost just $1350, including a return flight, a ticket to the

game, and two nights accommodation. The MCG will hold no fears for the Eagles, who have won five of their past six games there and are used to playing on the similar-sized Optus Stadium.

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