Geelong Football Club has put a proposal forward to host an AFLW Gather Round

The AFLW could soon have its own AFLW Gather Round and Geelong has launched its bid to host the event alongside another major regional Victorian city.

Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking said the club had put forward a proposal to host an AFLW Gather Round. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Geelong and Ballarat could joint-host an AFLW Gather Round after the Cats put forward an official proposal to the league.

Geelong has officially placed a request following the huge success of the concept in the men’s game over the past two years.

At the Cats’ annual general meeting on Wednesday night, the club’s chief executive officer Steven Hocking said it was keen to get involved if the idea grew legs in the women’s competition.

“As a club what we have done, we’ve actually put forward a concept for AFLW to have Gather Round here in the region,” Hocking said.

Geelong’s Claudia Gunjaca with Cats supporters after their final game of the 2024 season against Adelaide. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“We think we’ve got the facilities available to do that and we actually think that would land really well in the region.

“We are working behind the scenes.

“It requires investment, if you have a look at the ovals here, have a look at Deakin University and so forth, there are some amazing ovals in this region and potentially grabbing Ballarat as part of that as well.”

The club revealed on Wednesday night its AFLW membership had increased by 10 per cent in 2024, with 7943 members.

Meanwhile, City of Ballarat chief executive Evan King said the council would welcome any opportunity to expand its offering of AFLW in the city.

“To date we have not had any conversations with the AFL, State Government or any clubs to host games outside our current agreement with the Western Bulldogs,” King said.

“However, if the opportunity to be involved in an AFLW Gather Round was raised we would certainly be willing to discuss.”

Originally published as Geelong Football Club has put a proposal forward to host an AFLW Gather Round