Keep Cats/Bombers clash at K Park: Ling

Kardinia Park stand redevelopment works (Geelong Broadcasters – R McDonald).

PREMIERSHIP Cats skipper Cameron Ling wants to see this weekend’s crucial Geelong v. Essendon match stay at Kardinia Park.

Former Bombers star Matthew Lloyd has criticised the AFL for not moving Saturday night’s game to the MCG to allow for more people to attend the high-stakes matchup.

Only around 24,000 football fans will be able to go to the Round 18 clash due to ongoing works at the ground.

The new stand was due to be completed in time for the clash, but there have been delays and it is not expected to be completed until early 2024.

While Lloyd said the League was missing a huge opportunity, Ling said the Cats deserved their home game at home.

“I don’t understand this, it’s a home game for the Cats, it’s locked in as a home game,” Ling said.

“People make plans around a home game, and a club’s entitled to play their home games at their home ground.”

Ling also dismissed talk of the MCG saying the Cats should not have to give up any advantage.

“It’s a season that’s going to come down to a game, possibly come the end of the year which could decide the top eight or top four.

“You don’t give another team that little bit of a sniff to pinch a game off you.”

K rock Football will be live from 6pm via FM 95.5 across Geelong and the Surf Coast or krockfootball.live at Kardinia Park and everywhere else.