Collingwood is making a case to the AFL for relocating one of their home games to the Gold Coast in 2025, aiming to boost the development of Australian rules football in Queensland.
According to Tom Morris, 9News Melbourne’s chief football reporter, discussions are underway between the Magpies and the league to shift one of their two scheduled home games at Marvel Stadium to Carrara, Queensland, during the winter school holidays in 2025.
The proposed game relocation would form part of a “mini-hub” arrangement in Queensland. Likely opponents for Collingwood in this match include North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs, or St Kilda, as they are the only Victorian teams to have faced Collingwood in a home game at Docklands stadium since 2007.
Morris explained, “Unlike examples like Melbourne, who’ve moved [games] interstate for financial reasons, my understanding is this is seen as a way to grow the supporter base across the country.” The Magpies would spend two weeks on the Gold Coast, playing against the Gold Coast Suns and hosting another Victorian team.
#EXCLUSIVE: Collingwood is lobbying the AFL to play a home game on the Gold Coast in 2025. @tommorris32 #9News pic.twitter.com/bjqqIKBl3J
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) May 23, 2024
Collingwood has emphasized that discussions are in the early stages, and they would prioritize their Victorian members if the plan is executed. However, Tony Jones, a veteran sports reporter, noted uncertainty regarding the reception of such a move among the club’s members.
Overall, Collingwood’s initiative aims to expand its fan base nationwide by engaging with football enthusiasts in Queensland.
