Geelong could host final at Simonds Stadium

[jamfrank]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-29/cats-final-at-simonds

So according to this article, IF week one of finals involves Geelong v Fremantle:

"Simonds Stadium is an option for a final, but only if it was a Geelong v Fremantle match and not for any other game," an AFL spokesperson said.

Would much rather play them at Etihad.

[valkorum]

I would also much rather play them at Etihad or even the G

[Rusty00]

I would also much rather play them at Etihad or even the G

I was expecting you to say "ANYONE, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE"  :P

[Ricochet]

It's bullshower. You can't change it so late in the season

[LF]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-29/cats-final-at-simonds

Freo understandably not happy

[JBs-Hawks]

So if we lose to Sydney, Can we play freo in Launceston? :P

[Ricochet]

Lachy Reid ‏@Lachy_Reid 8m
@Fremantle_FC have won one game against @Geelong_FC at Simmonds stadium from 13 starts and played their once in last four years.

[jamfrank]

Demetriou has come out and said it's a "real possibility". Pretty bs to have to play a final between 2nd and 3rd an hour out of melbourne on a field Freo have only played at once in 4 years.

[Rusty00]

Demetriou has come out and said it's a "real possibility". Pretty bs to have to play a final between 2nd and 3rd an hour out of melbourne on a field Freo have only played at once in 4 years.

I'm not sure this part should have any bearing on the decision. The fact that some fans might miss out on seeing the game because of the reduced capcity of SS compared to Eithad is the major factor IMO.

[██████████]

Geelong deserve to play their home final at their home ground. I don't see what the issue is. So what if the AFL don't make as much money? Not everything is about money.

[Ricochet]

The issue for me is the late notice. Would have been fine if it was decided earlier in the year

[valkorum]

All finals are played in the following grounds per state

Vic: MCG & Etihad
QLD: Gabba
SA: AAMI
NSW: ANZ
WA: Subiaco

If they had of announced at beginning of season that a final could be played at Skilled as well, then no-one would have a problem.  The fact that its being decided with a week to go before finals is not acceptable. 

[quinny88]

Well, it's confirmed. Geelong vs Freo at Simmons stadium next Saturday. Harsh for freo, that's just about mission impossible winning down their.
Demitrious explanation for them using Geelong was a load of crap too. He claimed that they would only expect a crowed of 28,000 if it were to be played at Etihad stadium. That is just blatantly wrong. There would be 10,000 freo supporters alone that would travel over to watch it. I would predict at least 40,000. This is a top 4 clash between 2 teams battling for the flag.
Good luck to the 10 freo supporters that manage to get a ticket to watch their team play in Geelong  :o

[ossie85]

I don't understand, its Geelong's home ground, why shouldn't it be there if they had a choice....

[CrowsFan]

I don't understand, its Geelong's home ground, why shouldn't it be there if they had a choice....

Then shouldn't sydney also get to play their home finals at the SCG?