LIFT THE LID
The Geelong Football League’s bid for a sixth consecutive state interleague title will be played on the big stage. The GFL will take on Melbourne powerhouse Eastern Football League as an AFL curtain-raiser at Etihad Stadium.
THE Geelong Football League will again get prime-time exposure when its top-of-thetable interleague clash against Eastern Football League is played as an AFL curtain-raiser at Etihad Stadium.
The state’s two premier leagues will battle for the No.1 ranking on Saturday, May 19, before Collingwood’s match against St Kilda.
The GFL has claimed the title as the state’s best footy league for the past five seasons.
AFL Barwon region manager Lee Hartman said a showpiece game at Etihad Stadium should ensure strong commitment again from GFL players.
“There are two big benefits. One, the best players put up their hand, which is what every league wants when we are putting sides on the park,” Hartman said.
“And it puts the league in the spotlight. We have a strong history of players playing interleague going on to play VFL and some even AFL.”
Last year, the GFL’s game against Mornington Peninsula Nepean was played at the MCG, but the home of football will have another interleague game played on it this year.
“After playing at the MCG last year and holding onto the title, to get another showcase event is very exciting,” Hartman said. “I’ve been working on this behind the scenes for a couple of months.
“Once this game missed out on the MCG slot, we explored all the other avenues available.
“It was good to get this one up and across the line. It’s great the AFL has backed community footy and given us this opportunity.”
Hartman said playing as a curtain-raiser would put the league’s best players under the noses of AFL scouts.
“I’m sure there’ll be some interest. A lot of AFL clubs will come and have a look, and Eastern in particular have several stars playing,” he said.
EFL boss Phil Murton said his competition was looking forward to taking on the GFL.
“(They) have been the benchmark in representative football for the last few years,” he said.