GEELONG is set to push for more blockbuster games at Simonds Stadium with Victoria’s new premier Daniel Andrews vowing to boost the venue’s capacity to more than 40,000.
It’s understood the Cats will seek to host big-drawing clubs such as Richmond, Carlton and Essendon once the $70 million project is completed.
Mr Andrews has confirmed work will start next year on 'stage four' of the upgrade and he is hopeful it will be finished by 2017.
“We’ll make a start on this next year and it’ll be completed as soon as it possibly can,” Mr Andrews told radio station 3AW.
“Simonds Stadium being finished is about finishing what’s been started.
“I think this will be the best regional stadium anywhere in the country. It’s good for the Cats, obviously, but it’s good for the Geelong economy as well."
Mr Andrews was even more enthusiastic about a $25 million commitment to upgrade Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium.
The upgrade will allow the Western Bulldogs to host home and away games there, also by 2017, and the Labor leader forecast the possibility of games against South Australian teams to capitalise on travelling fans.
“There’s an awful lot of people who drive across from Adelaide, Crows games, Port games, straight past Ballarat,” he said.
“If we could get the fixture right, then all of those dollars, all those stays in hotels, those meals in restaurants, those jobs for young people, they can be a big part of Ballarat’s story.”
Mr Andrews was, however, non-committal about the prospect of St Kilda moving back to Albert Park as part of a Junction Oval redevelopment, but has left the door slightly ajar for negotiations.
“I’m more than happy to talk to the AFL and to St Kilda footy club ... but I’ve got a primary objective here to free up the MCG for footy from round one each and every year."
