Cook’s 2020 vision
CHAMPION trainer David Hayes, pictured, is eyeing his second cup win in four days, with Fanatic set to fly the stable’s flag in today’s Geelong Cup.
The Lindsay Park team won the Caulfield Cup in a stunning upset with underrated galloper Boom Time on Saturday.
And they are hoping to do the same in today’s $300,000 Group 3 race with outsider Fanatic ($26).
The five-year-old holds a nomination for the Melbourne Cup and Lindsay Park racing manager Rayan Moore said they would head there if she was able to win today. GEELONG chief executive Brian Cook is on track to become the longest-serving club CEO or secretary in VFL/ AFL history after signing with the Cats until the end of 2020. Cook, who held the CEO role at West Coast, will clock up 30 years in 2019 and will overtake the 29-year tenures of Essendon life members Bill Cookson and Frank Reid.
The signing of the administrator comes after two of his lieutenants, Steve Hocking and Justin Reeves, took up other administrative roles within the industry.
Cook conceded the departure of key individuals made implementing the club’s succession plans difficult but said he was excited about the next three years.
“We’ve got to make sure that the succession plan is alive and well and comes to fruition, but you can never guarantee that because if you’ve got good really people they’re going to be approached,” he said.
“It’s one of the focuses but we have got the AFL women’s team, stage five of the stadium, our on-field performance, which we will make sure we continue to do well, and with membership we’re trying to get 60,000.
“Losing two of our most senior executives made it into an interesting situation for us . . . but the board suggested I stick around a bit longer and we’ve agreed to a three-year contract over the weekend.”
Cook said Geelong was hopeful of landing nine home games at GMHBA Stadium next year, with the remaining two to be played at the MCG.
The Geelong Advertiser understands Carlton and Collingwood made inquiries with Cook but no formal offers were put to him.
Geelong president Colin Carter said the club’s decision was a no-brainer.
“Brian has demonstrated an outstanding leadership approach in his time with the club, and we are excited that he has agreed to continue in his role,” Carter said.
“Brian and his executive have a strong track record in delivering results for our members and supporters, and we still see challenges ahead that Brian will guide us through.”