Speaking after Channel 7 announced it would broadcast the Cats’ match against Collingwood live to Victorian households, Cook said he was a fan of the concept.
“We’ve been a supporter of live against the gate from a Geelong point of view for some years. It’s never been a real issue for us,” Cook told afl.com.au.
“We have a capacity of only 30,000 at Skilled Stadium but we’ve said we were happy to go live against the gate at any stage, anywhere. We don’t think it affects the gate dramatically.”
Cook said the top-of-the-table clash with the Magpies would give both sides unique exposure on the national stage.
“To think that we could get as many as 1.5 million people watching it around Australia live is a great thing for our brand - Collingwood, ourselves, and the AFL so we’re all in favour of it.”
The Geelong chief said he would be happy to see live Friday night football included in the next TV rights agreement but could understand why it wasn’t the situation just yet.
“The desirable future is that it would be the case but it’s down to the constraints and the realities of life - the ability for Channel 7 to raise income, to ensure that they can afford the television rights. There are a few issues in all of this but we understand Channel 7’s position as well,” he said.
The AFL announced on Monday that only a limited number of seats remained for the AFL reserve and the public section of the ground.
The league has recommended fans buy a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment, as well as to avoid entry queues on the night.
The MCC has also advised its members to allow plenty of time to arrive at the stadium and to take public transport where possible.
Tickets are currently on sale through Ticketek on 132 849, at any Ticketek outlet or online at ticketek.com.au.
