AFL Barwon’s Cats contingency

The Cats have locked away the double-chance, which guarantees them at least a semi-final appearance.

Suppose they reach the season’s penultimate weekend after losing a qualifying final.

In that case, they could find themselves playing on Saturday, September 17, creating a crossover with the GFL decider if the AFL schedules a twilight match.

“(There is) definitely a contingency plan in place, making sure that once that (AFL) fixturing is released, we adapt accordingly,” Region Manager Ed Wilson revealed to Geelong Broadcasters.

“Fortunately, we’ve got some very good relationships with those (people) within in the AFL.

“As soon as we have any indication … then we can start executing contingencies from our end.

“But, it’s definitely on the table, that’s for sure, as we want to make sure that this competition gets the exposure that it deserves at its pointy end of the season.”

Between 2007-2019, Geelong featured in nine preliminary finals, with seven played on a Friday night.

In 2009 the Cats played Collingwood on a Saturday night, with South Barwon and St Joseph’s playing earlier in the day.

Geelong met West Coast two years later in a Saturday afternoon clash at the MCG, with the GFL decider between South and Bell Park moved to the Sunday.

 

 

Image: St Mary’s and Colac do battle in the 2019 GFL Grand Final. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)