Getting to the ’G

GEELONG footy fans planning to catch V/Line trains to the Cats’ Easter Monday blockbuster at the MCG against Hawthorn will have to change trains at Southern Cross.

V/Line CEO James Pinder said the service change was temporary due to works on the metropolitan network.

“Fans will be asked to change platforms at Southern Cross and transfer to a Metro service to travel to Jolimont or Richmond stations,” Mr Pinder said.

“After the game, passengers can catch a Metro train back to Southern Cross and continue their journey home with us.”

V/Line will operate two extra services before and after Monday’s clash, in addition to regular timetabled services.

Though the footy trains will depart from Marshall, the special services will not stop at the station coming back from Mel- bourne, with punters advised to check their stops before they board the train. Alternatively, Port Phillip Ferries will be running its second return service footy ferry between Geelong and Docklands following a successful launch last week.

Chief executive Murray Rance said the first AFL specific ferry had attracted 105 bookings, with Monday’s service already at 100 bookings.

“We had Footy Records on board for people to enjoy, and this week we have organised an old Cats v Hawks game to be played on the trip over to Melbourne,” he said.

Mr Rance said they would be trialling the service for “four or five” more games this AFL season.

The ferry will depart from Steampacket Quay (next to the carousel) at 12.30pm, arriving in Melbourne around 2.30pm, returning from Docklands at 7.15pm for an arrival in Geelong around 9.30pm. Bookings can be made at: portphillipferries.com.au.