GEELONG is anxious for the AFL and local government to make a decision on its funding commitment to the stage four redevelopment of Simonds Stadium.
The Cats have $75 million in government funding confirmed for the project but are still waiting for the AFL to guarantee $5 million and the local council to tip in a similar amount.
Cats president Colin Carter told AFL.com.au the timeline for redevelopment could be affected if they don't have an answer soon.
"It is really important because we need to start knocking down the stadium at the end of the year, and we've just got to know what we are able to build," Carter said.
"We hope for an answer sooner rather than later on that."
Geelong is anticipating the AFL Commission will make a decision on the issue when it meets early next week.
"We think our case is very strong," Carter said.
The next stage of the redevelopment involves reconstruction of the Jennings and Brownlow stands, with demolition expected to start as soon as the season ends.
The expected time frame would see a temporarily reduced capacity for 2016 and potentially a delayed start to 2017 to ensure the ground is at full capacity for AFL games.
Once completed the stadium will be able to seat 36,000 spectators and host a range of events in addition to AFL games.
The appointment of architects and a project manager was announced in April while the club remains in the process of appointing a builder.
There are fears costs could escalate if there are unnecessary delays.
The Cats finally managed to secure eight games at Simonds Stadium in 2015 and hopes that fixture will continue during 2016 regardless of reduced capacity.
Geelong estimates it has invested almost $15 million in the past decade on the stadium and is reportedly using the interest from the government pledge to contribute to stage four.
The club keen to avoid incurring any further debt on the redevelopment.
The Andrews state government, which pledged $70 million to the project at the last state election, has created a working party to develop a stadium trust to manage the future affairs of the Kardinia Park precinct.
Geelong council would not comment on their funding timetable when contacted by AFL.com.au.
