Is Cats’ twilight game a test run for night grand final?
The AFL had made the “strange” call to move the start time of the Geelong vs. Brisbane preliminary final – and fans fear it could be a trial run for a future night grand final.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Geelong will fly the finals flag for Victoria as the last club from footy heartland standing in the premiership race – and their quest for a Grand Final berth will come earlier than expected.
The Cats’ do-or-die preliminary final against Brisbane has been scheduled for a 5.15pm start on Saturday, instead of the typical 7.40pm opening bounce.
The AFL said the earlier start would allow the Lions to fly back to Brisbane should they win, to prepare for the Grand Final a week later.
But fans fear the move could be a precursor to a twilight AFL Grand Final next year.
It comes as preliminary final tickets go on sale on Monday, with fans rushing to secure their seat to blockbusters in Melbourne and Sydney, where the Swans host Port Adelaide.
The Cats will train in Geelong on Monday, with a selection squeeze looming and decisions to be made on whether retiring great Tom Hawkins returns for a fairytale finish.
Geelong fans will also stage a march to the ’G on Saturday afternoon, with a marching band and the Cats’ cheer squad parading from Federation Square.
Geelong cheer squad president Steve Joseph described the 5.15pm start as “a strange one’’ but said Cats fans would turn up in droves regardless.
“There is an air of excitement,’’ he said.
And there was room on the bandwagon for Victorians whose teams had exited the premiership race.
“Now that Hawthorn are out – jump on-board,’’ he said.
“We’ve got to keep that silverware in Victoria.’’
Preliminary finals tickets will go on sale to Geelong members from 10am-2pm on Monday, AFL members from noon and the public from 3pm.
AFL Fans’ Association president Ron Issko said the 5.15pm start had caught supporters “a little bit by surprise’’.
“I thought twilights started in the 4pm region, so is it a precursor to a night grand final?’’ he said.
“The view I’ve taken is they are probably going to go from a day grand final to a twilight before they go to a night grand final.
“They will do it step by step and show the fans how you can get the best of both worlds in twilight.
“Starting st 5.15pm – is that pushing the boundaries a little bit? Maybe.’’
It is not the first time the AFL has scheduled a 5.15pm prelim, with Brisbane hosting Carlton at the Gabba at the same time last year.
The 2022 Saturday prelim started at 4.45pm and it was a 7.40pm opening bounce in 2021.
Cats fans from Geelong could prefer the earlier start than a night match, given it gives them time to catch trains or travel back down the Princes Highway.
But Mr Issko said: “Maybe it is a little bit of a push towards a twilight grand final.’’
Geelong selectors will also need to decide if veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie, star midfielder Tom Stewart or tall young gun Sam De Koning come back into the side.
Originally published as Is Cats’ twilight game a test run for night grand final?
VCE students burn books in fiery end to controversial exam period
Year 12 students have set fire to their uniforms and books while lashing out at the exam authority following the leaked questions scandal.
Final moments of slain teen captured on CCTV, police allege
The final moments of Isla Bell’s life were captured on CCTV through the window of her accused killer’s apartment before her body was put in a fridge, police allege.