AFL says a Geelong home final at GMHBA Stadium depends on opponent

Geelong will keep pushing for a home final at GMHBA Stadium regardless of who it plays but the AFL has outlined to the club how that can happen.

The AFL has given Geelong a glimmer of hope it could host a home final in September at GMHBA Stadium.

But the league’s desperation to maximise finals attendance means a host of factors would have to fall the club’s way.

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AFL fixture boss Travis Auld told the Herald Sun Geelong’s ability to hold top spot by several games would not factor into the finals fixture.

Instead the Cats would need to take on an interstate opponent in a weekend where there was also another MCG final.

Geelong CEO Brian Cook confirmed earlier this year the Cats would lobby for a home final no matter who they played.

But the league is desperate not to shut out fans and the Cats can hold only 34,000 spectators at GMHBA Stadium.

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Geelong’s 2017 final against Sydney at the MCG drew 55,529 fans and their 2013 semi-final against Port Adelaide saw 52,744 fans attend the MCG.

The Cats would likely have to play GWS to have any hope of a GMHBA final, with that venue holding 34,000 fans.

Auld confirmed if the Giants hosted a home final it would be at Spotless Stadium, with Stadium Australia now a NRL venue and the SCG a venue they play just once.

“It is the same approach to the last two years, part of it is opposition-based and part of it is what other games are on in Melbourne,” Auld said.

“We do prioritise fan access and so there will be a bunch of teams because of the popularity of the clubs where it wouldn’t won’t work (at GMHBA Stadium).

“We are very focused on attendance. It’s been very clear over the last three or four years,” he said.

“Attendance was all time record last year including the season we had two Grand Finals (2010). We put a lot of effort into putting games in the right places so fans can attend.”

Patrick Dangerfield leads the celebrations after a goal at GMHBA Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

The club’s final against Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium in 2013 held only 32,458 fans, after the league decided against hosting it at Marvel Stadium.

Geelong has wondered why it has to play MCG games away from its home ground because of the potential for fan lockouts but GWS gets to play in a small capacity stadium during finals.

Auld said it would be unfair to force GWS to play at the SCG when it played there just once this year.

“Stadium Australia is now an NRL ground effectively. Geelong play five games at the MCG a year.”

Originally published as AFL says a Geelong home final at GMHBA Stadium depends on opponent