GEELONG CEO Brian Cook thinks the Cats should still get at least eight home games at Simonds Stadium when the stage four redevelopment reduces capacity for a season.
Redevelopment of the Brownlow and Jennings stands was virtually guaranteed when the new state Labor Government was elected with a commitment to contribute $70 million to the $90 million project, with $5 million already funded through the previous coalition government.
Parties are hopeful work will kick off in 2016, but the starting date is dependent on the time taken in the design stage.
The Cats fought hard to get an eighth home game at Simonds Stadium in 2015, with the extra match expected to add $500,000 to the club's bottom line.
The redevelopment will decrease ground capacity by about 3000 to 30,000, but the club hopes the disruption will be limited to one season.
"It [the extra game] is still a real bonanza financially for us compared to Etihad, even with the 30,000 capacity," Cook said.
"It's a no-brainer for us. The issue is for the AFL, because one of their KPIs is crowd attendance – 33 to 30,000… it's not as though it is a huge issue for the AFL compared to a huge financial issue for us."
Once stage four of the redevelopment project is completed ground capacity will increase to 36,000, with a proposal to further lift capacity to 40,000.
Geelong was forced to play a home game at Etihad Stadium in 2014 to allow the AFL to fulfil its contractual arrangements with the ground. The Cats claim it was one of the reasons the club recorded its first financial loss for 15 years.
Cats fans enjoy a day out at Simonds Stadium. Picture: AFL Media
Despite that loss the club will contribute $300,000 to the AFL's equalisation fund, which represents a greater percentage of revenue than that which the power clubs contribute, as they successfully managed to cap their contribution at $500,000.
Geelong expects to once again turn a profit in 2015, with Cook saying the improved fixture combined with tightening of costs will stand the club in good stead. The club has also passed 30,000 members for 2015, which is a record for this time of the year.
However Cook said there were some worrying financial trends in the AFL and all clubs would need to manage themselves better.
He expected the club would need to spend a minimum of $12 million to establish an alternative training facility in the Kardinia Park precinct, which would be the biggest investment in the club's history.
The club hopes to build an indoor training facility and another oval to train on because of plans to use Simonds Stadium for other sports as well as Geelong home games.
Cook said consultation was required with St Mary's Football Club and Geelong Cricket Club, both of which play on ovals surrounding Simonds Stadium, and Geelong City Council.
Cook said buying land for an alternative venue if the Cats could not establish their training base at Kardinia Park could add another $8 million to the cost.
Whatever option is realised, the Cats expect the football club will need to finance the new base.
