CATS TO FACE DEMONS IN GAZZA RETURN

COLAC Otway Shire Mayor Chris Potter says Colac will be ready to welcome Geelong and Essendon supporters with open arms next year when the two teams meet for a JLT Community Series clash on March 11.

In a first for the town, Central Reserve will host the AFL practice match as part of the league’s initiative to promote regional areas.

Potter said the decision was just reward after a $750,000 upgrade to the oval’s surface and a $3 million development of the ground’s pavilion.

“Congratulations has to go to the AFL for sticking to its commitment to showcasing elite footballers in the country,” the mayor said.

“We are so excited to deliver this event. I can hardly think of two better AFL teams to play in Colac.

“There is a huge Geelong supporter base in Colac and a substantial Essendon one as well, but it’s more than just Geelong and Essendon supporters, it’s football supporters in general and we have a large football community.”

The economic benefit of hosting an AFL practice match in a regional area is close to $1.5 million, with fund-raising opportunities for clubs and community groups.

Geelong will also travel to Townsville to take on Gold Coast on March 4 in what could be the first chance for Gary Ablett to take on his former side.

Each club will play two preseason matches in 2018, down from the three it had been scheduled to play in recent seasons.