Players’ Garden opens at GMHBA Stadium

THE Geelong Cats have a new place to relax at home, with the Players’ Garden officially opening at GMHBA Stadium last week.

The garden at the base of the Brownlow Stand sits outside the players’ lounge and features an outdoor kitchen; basketball backboard, ring and key; and a wide range of seating.

The launch was attended by several of the Cats’ staff as well as players Mitch Duncan and Zac Smith.

In conversation with event MC and former Cats player Tom Lonergan, Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe said the garden had been in the works for some time, and was designed by the developer in close consultation with the Cats’ leadership team.

Fleming’s Nurseries – noted for their work representing Australia at the Chelsea Flower Show – also contributed to the design.

“We asked guys what you actually wanted there, and you wanted a bit of basketball and a bit of quiet time, so we segmented the space,” Mr Costelloe said.

“It’s all ‘football, football’ the other side, but you want to be able to retreat from that, get out of the football mindset and relax a bit from there.

“All the wives can bring their kids, who can run around and play in the caravan.”

Several of the Cats have children, or are about to – Smith said he and his wife were expecting their baby to be born in August, and Duncan said he had already brought his young daughter to the garden.

“She’s been in here numerous times, which is what it’s designed for – a lot of kids running around out the back, and a basketball court there to keep them busy,” Duncan said.

“The way it’s set out has had a lot of thought put into it.