A-League expansion in Geelong still a goal with grassroots explosion and stellar crowds

GEELONG was ahead of the A-League expansion game in early 2016 but little has been heard since, and a star player from the region wants the FFA to give more clarity.

Melbourne Victory has averaged crowds of 14,620 in its three games at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Colleen Petch

GEELONG was ahead of the A-League expansion game in early 2016, but little has been heard since the city was placed firmly on the agenda.

Melbourne Victory’s impressive A-League crowds in Geelong over the past three years have fuelled speculation it could host an expansion club.

Victory, which hosts Newcastle Jets at Simonds Stadium on Monday night, is in the final year of a three-year deal while Football Federation Australia will release its formal expansion blueprint in February.

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The region was on the front foot in early 2016 when Geelong representatives, including mayor Darren Lyons met A-League chief Damien de Bohun at Geelong Council.

Despite the enthusiasm, expansion wasn’t on FFA’s agenda back then.

Since, the Geelong council has since been controversially sacked by the Andrews Government while Mr De Bohun has joined Visit Victoria as major events general manager.

Korea-based Jan Juc product Adrian Leijer told SEN’s World of Football FFA needed to take the lead on the expansion issue and create some clarity for regions, such as Geelong.

“People want to see the FFA’s plan for the next two to five and what they want in 10 years,’’ he said.

“Also to give regions like Geelong hope, ambition and time to find investors and build something, so if (it doesn’t happen now and) they want to start a second division in five years, teams like this are ready.

“It’s a real possibility and you’ve got a massive area. It could represent the western region — Ballarat down to Warnambool. It’s a huge area with a rich soccer history.

“Financing is probably the biggest issue. It’s exciting, but what happens in the next five to 10 years could shape it forever.’’

A big crowd watch Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory at Geelong’s Simons Stadium in Januray, 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch

A host of interested clubs have come forward in recent months, ­including a Tasmanian bid backed by Melbourne-based football-loving ­moguls Harry Stamoulis and Robert Belteky, who also investigated investing in Geelong.

Playing numbers continue to rise.

There are almost 4000 registered players in Geelong —a 27 per cent increase from two years ago — with ­almost half in the rapidly growing minioos (under seven to 11) category.

Socceroos defender Matthew Spiranovic said the spike was evident every time he returned home.

“Having grown up here and played juniors for North Geelong, I know there’s a strong following and an A-League club in the region could succeed if it tapped into the rising number of juniors,’’ Spiranovic said.

“I’ve spent some time here during my break — every time I return the interest and participation increases.’’

Victory chief operating officer Trent Jacobs was the brainchild behind the move from Tasmania to Geelong, which has averaged crowds of 14,620 across three games.

“We are keen to continue playing at Simonds Stadium, the next step will be to undertake a review of our three years in Geelong immediately after the Newcastle game,” he said.

“We have been very well received by everyone in Geelong and also built good community partnerships through our clubs program, in-line with our original intent to add value to grassroots football in the region.

“Crowds have been quite strong.

“The new Trust is aspirational about developing the stadium into a bona fide multipurpose venue, which we support.’’ Ex-Socceroo Josip Skoko, who has become a successful businessman post-career while coaching at his junior club North Geelong, said he was also confident.

“The proximity to Melbourne is a huge advantage and people live and breathe football in Geelong,’’ he said.

VICTORY IN GEELONG

February 15, 2014: Victory 2-1 v Muangthong United. Crowd: 8304

January 2, 2015: Victory 1-2 v Perth Glory. Crowd: 21,289

January 8, 2016: Victory 3-3 v Central Coast. Crowd: 14,268

Originally published as A-League expansion in Geelong still a goal with grassroots explosion and stellar crowds