Painting the city blue and white

THE City of Greater Geelong is rolling out the blue and white across the city, as the Cats vie for an 11th premiership title this weekend.

Eastern Beach Reserve will host a Grand Final live site from 12 noon on Saturday (September 27) for fans to gather and watch the Cats go head-to-head with 2024 premiership team Brisbane Lions, in what will be the Cats’ 20th AFL Grand Final.

Fans and members are encouraged to attend this free, family-friendly event and enjoy the game in the centre of Geelong.

“If you can’t make it to the MCG, we’re bringing the atmosphere home… so fans can experience the Grand Final buzz together,” Geelong major Stretch Kontelj said.

Displays of support for the Catters have been prominent across the city since Monday, with buildings across the region bathed in blue and white and a “Go Cats” projection lighting up City Hall each evening.

Geelong Football Club chief executive Steve Hocking encouraged fans to get involved in the festivities and celebrate the Cats’ second Grand Final in four years.

“It’s a special week for the club, and importantly our members and fans,” he said.

With Geelong Football Club’s record-breaking membership of over 92,000 — around a third of whom are from Geelong — Hocking emphasised the importance the region has on the team.

“The support the players receive from the Geelong community gives them an enormous lift and it’s going to be an incredible week for the whole region.”

The Grand Final will commence at 2.30pm. The live site will be an alcohol-free event.