Bring games here

Andrew Mathieson
THE AFL is welcome to shift matches off Docklands’ unsafe playing surface to Skilled Stadium, according to Geelong Football Club president Frank Costa.
Mr Costa said the Cats had offered their home ground as an alternative venue as Docklands’ Etihad Stadium faces a player revolt.
“Everybody’s now saying the surface at Geelong is probably the equal if not the best in the country for playing football,” he said.
Nine other Victorian clubs have little choice but to play home games in Melbourne at either the MCG or Etihad since the AFL shut down traditional suburban grounds.
Mr Costa believed the AFL had big plans to expand its use of Skilled Stadium.
“We have let the AFL know we’re open to the ground being used for other games if in fact it works out that it would be an advantage to the AFL,” he said.
“They’re aware of our stance.
“I think eventually we’ll be asked by the AFL to put lights down here for when we go to nine games every round because there’ll be more pressure on grounds and maybe for TV to suit the viewing audience.”
Mr Costa said the Cats would “definitely” benefit from more AFL matches in Geelong.
The stadium’s owner and manager, City of Greater Geelong, had given its blessing to the push for more AFL games, he said.
The club is chasing $75 million for a stage three stadium’s redevelopment.
Mr Costa said State Government had committed $25 million and the club was pursuing the Commonwealth for $36 million.
Geelong’s council, the AFL and the club would provide the remaining $14 million, he said.
Australian governments will commit $300 million to rebuild Skilled Stadium to a state-of-the-art venue with capacity of 44,000 if Australia wins its 2022 World Cup soccer bid.
FIFA officials visited Australia this week to inspect three of the proposed venues but not Geelong.
Mr Costa was unconcerned about FIFA’s snub, saying the organisation could take the word of Premier John Brumby that Skilled Stadium would be up to scratch.
Football Federation Australia told the Independent FIFA decided against travelling the extra 75 kilometres to Geelong.