Well N0rt Melb are stilll hoping ot play games in Ballarat
Ballarat still on AFL's mind
by: Matt Windley From: Herald Sun October 31, 2011 12:00AM
BALLARAT will host AFL games for premiership points in "three to five years" if North Melbourne has its way, according to chief executive Eugene Arocca.
And after scheduling a NAB Cup game in the Goldfields region next season, the AFL says it is open to taking home-and-away matches to the town.
North's plan to play in Ballarat stalled last year after a $30m pledge by the former Labor government to redevelop Eureka Stadium came to nothing after it lost the 2010 state election.
But the AFL's decision to pit the Kangaroos against the Western Bulldogs in a NAB Cup game at the ground on March 11 has reinvigorated the club's hopes.
"I would be disappointed if this is not just the first step," Arocca said.
"This should be the first of a number of steps - including having two NAB Cup games a season in Ballarat.
"I think it's important that Ballarat people come out and attend and watch and support ... it's now a NAB Cup fixture as opposed to a regional challenge game, that immediately gives it more significance."
AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said the league's decision to schedule the NAB game in Ballarat was recognition of the Kangaroos' desire to continue forging ties with the region.
"There's 400,000 people up there who love their football," McLachlan said.
He said the league continued to have "general chats" with the State Government about the redevelopment.
Arocca said he hoped the plan would come to fruition in the next three to five years. The redevelopment was vital for North's ability to take premiership fixtures to the town.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ballarat-still-on-afls-mind/story-e6frf9jf-1226180877651