Former Geelong president Frank Costa says AFL Grand Final should be held at GMHBA Stadium if Cats make it
The MCG is the home of football but a delayed season threatens one of the AFL’s greatest traditions. And it seems there is just one way footy will be played on the hallowed turf on Grand Final day.
Geelong
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Geelong should host this year’s Grand Final at GMHBA Stadium should it qualify and crowds remain locked out, according to former Cats president Frank Costa.
Geelong has campaigned for its home finals to be played at Kardinia Park and coach Chris Scott’s wildest dreams would come true if the Cats were granted the opportunity to win a premiership at their fortress.
“That would be fair,” Costa said.
“The oval is in superb condition and the stadium is first-class.”
Costa said it would be a big advantage to play at the ground they have won 34 out of their past 40 games at.
“The players are used to that oval – it’s long and narrow and different to some of the Melbourne grounds, so it would have to be advantage.”
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The AFL Grand Final appears increasingly likely to be played in late October, which is when the Twenty20 World Cup is scheduled.
While that tournament is unlikely to take place, the AFL would still need Cricket Australia approval to access most stadiums because of existing contracts running from October to March.
But the MCG fell out of contract with cricket at the end of last summer and the AFL is poised to swoop in the event the World Cup doesn’t go ahead.
MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said last December: “There’s a little bit more work to do, but at some stage we’ll get that contract (with Cricket Australia) done.”
The contract lapsed because Cricket Australia and the Victorian government were haggling, although it was expected a three or four-year deal would be signed off on by April.
But the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the goalposts, leaving cricket vulnerable.
The most likely outcome would see cricket take control after the footy season, with Victoria able to play domestic matches at Junction Oval.
Marvel Stadium, which is owned by the AFL, would also be available for footy finals in that window.
Ironically, the AFL-owned stadium’s next booking is from December 16, when Melbourne Renegades take over for the Big Bash League.
Originally published as Former Geelong president Frank Costa says AFL Grand Final should be held at GMHBA Stadium if Cats make it