The Geelong Cats are reportedly becoming increasingly resigned to the fact that they will likely be denied the opportunity to play a home final at GMHBA Stadium, even if they finish in the top two of the AFL ladder. Despite the stadium’s capacity being increased to 40,000 ahead of the 2024 season, it seems that Geelong’s hopes of hosting a final at their home ground will once again be dashed due to an AFL contract that prioritizes the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
GMHBA Stadium, also known as Kardinia Park, has hosted only one final in its history—a qualifying final against Fremantle in 2013—and it appears that wait will extend for at least another year. This is largely because of an AFL contract with the MCG, which stipulates that if there’s only one final in Victoria during weeks one, two, or three of the finals, it must be played at the MCG. Additionally, all preliminary finals in Victoria are required to be held at the MCG under a contract that also guarantees the Grand Final will be played there through 2059.
Geelong had been hopeful of securing a true home final this season, despite GMHBA Stadium’s capacity falling short of the AFL’s requirements. According to the AFL-MCG contract, any final in the first two weeks with an expected crowd of 55,000 or more must be played at the MCG. The Cats, who are obligated to host two home games per season at the MCG against top-drawing Victorian opponents, would need an exception from the league to play a final at GMHBA Stadium.
However, with Geelong likely to be one of only a few Victorian teams making this year’s AFL finals, it seems almost certain that their home final will be played at the MCG. The Bulldogs and Hawks are also in contention to host an elimination final, while teams like Carlton, Essendon, and Collingwood are battling just to make the top eight. Although Geelong’s requests for a home final have historically been denied to maximize attendance, the 40,000 capacity at GMHBA Stadium would actually exceed the attendance of many Victoria-versus-interstate finals played at larger venues.
Cats hopeful but not confident they can play at GMHBA Stadium
Cats coach Chris Scott has expressed hope that his club will soon have the freedom to play their home games at the venue of their choice. “I think every team should play their 11 home games where they choose,” Scott stated earlier this season.
“If they choose to farm them to Alice Springs or Darwin, that’s fine. But you shouldn’t be forced to play home games away from your home venue. That’s the Geelong choice to play all 11 home games down at Geelong.”
Scott’s comments reflect his belief that clubs should have control over where they play their home games, emphasizing the importance of teams being able to host matches at their preferred venues, particularly for Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
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