By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG has finally received eight home games at Simonds Stadium, including three in the first four rounds.
But only one will be under the stadium’s $9 million lights in 2015, according to the AFL draw, released this week.
After its season-opening Easter Monday MCG blockbuster against modern-day rival Hawthorn, Geelong faces Fremantle, Gold Coast and North Melbourne at Kardinia Park.
The Cats also have the least interstate matches since 2006.
Cats chief Brian Cook welcomed the draw.
“Overall we are very happy with the fixture,” Cook said.
“It’s always a challenge for the AFL to satisfy clubs but eight games here at Simonds Stadium for the first time since 2009 and a good spread of day and night games throughout the fixture is definitely a win for our members and supporters.
“In an ideal world we would host all 11 home games at Simonds Stadium but we understand the need to take some games that will draw huge crowds to a venue such as the MCG.
“We’re also pleased to have attractive games at the MCG against Hawthorn and Collingwood, and, as we saw last season, our clash with Carlton at Etihad is sure to be a close battle.
“Playing home games at Simonds Stadium is important to our supporters and we all should recognise that that the AFL has indeed listened to the footy supporter in fashioning this fixture.
“We have more day games than last season, which is a good outcome, but would have liked at least a couple of more night matches to take advantage of the lights that were installed in 2013.
“Games at Simonds Stadium are important for the local economy. With an extra game in the city it will translate into around $4 million in additional activity in and around Geelong.
The Cats play Fremantle, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide at home.
Geelong plays Adelaide, Collingwood, Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Sydney twice over the 22-round season.
