A huge crowd is tipped to turn out for the Bendigo Bank Cats Vs Box Hill Hawks Easter Saturday VFL blockbuster, which kicks off at 6pm.
The Box Hill Hawks currently sit on top of the VFL ladder with 2 wins and a draw while the Cats sitting in third position with 2 wins.
Last weekend the Box Hill Hawks ‘star studded’ selected side included 11 members of their 2013 VFL premiership side and a host of others including 2013 Norm Smith Medallist Brian Lake, fellow AFL premiership defender Ben Stratton, Ryan Schoenmakers and two J.J Liston Trophy recipients in Mitch Hallahan and Ben Ross.
The VFL Cats Round 2 side that defeated the Casey Scorpions, featured 10 players from 2013 VFL Grand Final side including Josh Walker, Jesse Stringer, Jackson Sheringham, Jordan Schroder and Jackson Thurlow.
At the other end of the spectrum the Cats had 9 players playing in either their first or second VFL match, including 6 out of the 7 players drafted at the end of the 2013. The missing draftee was James Toohey, who looks set to make his VFL debut this weekend.
As will be the case for all VFL matches in 2014, public seating will be available in the Hickey Stand. Both the Polly Farmer and Bernie Smith Gates will open at 5pm.
Geelong Cats members gain FREE entry, while Box Hill Hawks and Hawthorn members can gain entry for $5.00.
Other Entry Prices:
Adults: $10.00
Concession: $5.00
Children Under 12: FREE
Why the move to the Hickey Stand?
Several logistical issues arose when Simonds Stadium attracted large crowds for a number of VFL matches during the 2013 season.
As a result, matches during the 2014 VFL season will be used to ‘trial’ the Eastern side of the stadium.
Some benefits of the move include:
- Additional gates are available to be opened in the event of VFL matches attracting larger crowds. As a priority the Polly Farmer Gate will always be the main gate open for VFL matches.
- For some matches the second tier of the Hickey Stand will be opened, allowing spectators to watch the match from an elevated position.
- Improved lighting throughout the areas accessed by patrons for VFL night matches.
- Additional undercover seating available for spectators in the event of wet weather.
- Permanent food outlets and bar facilities are available, which will alleviate the reliance on mobile catering to be brought in for game days.
- Improved access and additional facilities available for all disabled supporters of competing clubs.
- While we do not expect many 2014 Geelong home matches to be televised - due to our requested match timeslots (see below) – the move does mean that the crowd will now feature in the screen shots of matches televised on the ABC.
- Closer proximity to South Geelong train station and bus stops for the travelling supporters of competing clubs.
