Club can ride to rescue – Irvine
“If you want to get back to what it cost last year; apples with apples says we’d only open three quarters of the ground.
“We’ve cut our costs at least three times to the point there’s no contingency and there’s no allowance (for error) — that shows how much we want them here.
“Why would we not want the most important sporting event that happens in AFL in Geelong in September not here? But we’ve also got to be realistic and we’re not allowed to run at a loss.”
Brown said the trust was prepared to offer part of the stadium at a pro-rata rate, but the GFL wanted use of the entire stadium.
“What we can do is, we know for the games leading into the finals, they normally average a crowd of 2000-2500,” he said.
“That allows us, if we actually go by numbers, to close parts of the stadium to save money. We’re open to that, but they’re the hirer — they’ve got to be open to that, too.
“If we can do that, that might save some of the costs.”
Brown said the costs associated included security, cleaning and gate attendants, which would be reduced if part of the stadium was closed.
AFL Barwon could also subsidise costs through food and beverage sales.
The Geelong Advertiser has contacted Cats chief executive Brian Cook for comment.