THE CATS have joined with Essendon to create what they hope will turn into another marquee clash on the AFL calendar, rivalling the likes of the Anzac Day and Dreamtime games.
Starting in 2016, the clubs will hold an annual ‘Country Game’ at the MCG, with the first such clash to take place on a Saturday afternoon in round four next season.
Geelong and the Bombers will also play a NAB Challenge match in a regional town each year as part of the Country Game program.
The first of those will be held in Shepparton on Saturday, March 5 next year.
The Country Game concept has already attracted significant commercial interest, with a major corporation set to sponsor the home and away match at the MCG.
Prior to that game, a festival of all things country will take place in Yarra Park prior, featuring live music and a farmers’ market.
The Country Game game is the brainchild of Bombers legend Kevin Sheedy, whose passion and drive helped turn the Anzac Day and Dreamtimes games into blockbuster events.
The concept aims to acknowledge the contribution of regional communities to Australian society and highlight the significant contribution of country people to Australian Rules football.
It also aims to recognise the importance and history of agriculture and farming to Australia’s economy, celebrate the people who live in regional and country towns across Australia, help promote hope and optimism about regional prosperity and employment.
“The ‘Country Game’ was born out of a very simple concept: celebrating the great people who keep our country going,” Sheedy said.
“The people across regional Australia don’t get enough recognition for their tireless work, and we should celebrate the history of agriculture and farming to Australia’s economy, as well as the people who live and work in these regional towns.
“Country and regional towns have also made a massive contribution to our game. Some of the competitions’ greatest players grew up kicking a sherrin on the various dairy farms, sheep stations and dusty towns at the back of nowhere.
“I have no doubt this could be the next big blockbuster game on the AFL calendar.
"Round 4, Saturday night, MCG is about saying thanks to those tiny towns across Australia who punch above their weight. A full MCG would send a very powerful message to those on the land who are doing it tough.”
As part of the broader aims of the Country Game, Geelong and Essendon are aiming to partner with local communities and country footy clubs to provide support, mentorship and fundraising opportunities.
For the game itself, the clubs are hoping to implement ticketing arrangements that benefit rural fans.
The two teams might also play for a trophy or medal named after a champion player from the country.
