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September 26, 2025
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Carna Catters By Justin Flynn It’s a huge weekend in Greater Geelong if you’re a footy and netball fan. AFL Barwon’s Geelong Football Netball League grand finals are being held today (Friday September 26) at Kardinia Park and, of course, Geelong Cats are in another AFL grand final tomorrow (September 27). The local grand finals begin at 8am with the 13 & Under netball deciders and continue throughout the afternoon with the crescendo set for 3.15pm when St Joseph’s takes on Newtown & Chilwell (see story page 35) for the second consecutive year in A Grade at Kardinia Park netball courts. In the footy, at GMHBA Stadium, the Under 18 Division 1 grand final begins at 9.15am with Torquay taking on Ocean Grove and the reserves decider being fought out between Newtown & Chilwell and St Mary’s at 11.30am. St Joseph’s then takes on St Mary’s (see story page 35) in the senior footy starting at 2.10pm. If you missed out on an AFL grand final ticket, head to Eastern Beach Reserve on Saturday to watch the Cats play against Brisbane. The grand final live site will show the big game at a family-friendly event starting at noon. Entry is free and fans are encouraged to bring picnic rugs, chairs and food. This is an alcohol-free event. The Cats are on the hunt for their 11th AFL/VFL premiership and their second in four years. City of Greater Geelong showed its colours this week with welcome billboards at Hovells Creek, a mobile billboard at Kardinia Park and Cats banners across the city, a ‘Go Cats’ projection lighting up City Hall, buildings and public spaces bathed in blue and white, and displays with memorabilia and themed window dressing at Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct. Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the entire region was rallying behind the team. “This is the most exciting week on the football calendar,” he said. “We’re rolling out the blue and white everywhere across the city to back the Catters. “If you can’t make it to the MCG, we’re bringing the atmosphere home with displays, projections and a live site on the
Above: Charlotte, Tom and Louis were happy Cats fans at the club’s open training session at GMHBA Stadium on Monday. (Ivan Kemp) 504984_06 Right: St Mary’s Brayden Ham, St Joseph’s Alex Hickey, mayor Stretch Kontelj, Newtown & Chilwell’s Vanessa Augustini and St Joseph’s Tori Honner at Kardinia Park ahead of the GFNL grand finals. (Ivan Kemp) 504529_01
big day, so fans can experience the grand final buzz together.” The City will work with Victoria Police to coordinate traffic management and public safety on grand final night, to help everyone get home safely after the big game. Win or lose, the Cats will hold a supporters day on Sunday at St Mary’s Football Club, South Geelong, from 10am.
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