Top Cats stay

Andrew Mathieson
TRIUMPHANT Cats president Frank Costa wants to stay on for another three-year term amid the euphoria of the club’s drought-breaking premiership.
Mr Costa told the Independent he would seek re-election before the club’s annual general meeting in December to ensure he remained at the helm for a 12th season until at least 2010.
The club is also set to announce a new contract for coach Mark Thompson.
Chief executive officer Brian Cook said yesterday he expected the new contract by the end of the week.
Mr Costa had intended to step down at the end of last season.
“I’ve decided that I will be prepared to stand again at the end of this season,” he said.
“We’ll put the group of names up at an appropriate time and, if that’s what the members want, that is what will happen.”
Mr Costa believed an election was unnecessary after arguably the club’s greatest season, which included two premierships, nine All-Australians, a Brownlow medallist and the Rising Star award.
“If there is an election, well that’s fine because it’s the democratic process,” Mr Costa said.
He said his goal was to see out the Cats’ proposed new entertainment complex at Point Cook, under consideration at Wyndham City council, and redevelopment of the Ross-Drew Stand.
The club has sought $2 million from Geelong’s council to fund an upgrade at Skilled Stadium following grants from federal and state governments.
Mr Costa believed ratepayers should contribute after Mr Cook pitched his case to councillors on Tuesday night.
“All we’re asking from council is just $2 million of a $28-million project, which is something like only six or seven per cent of it,” he said.
“This is for the whole community and will do a lot for more than just the football club.”