Judd apparently has a preference for an MCG club and guess who gets to play the most games at the 'G
Collingwood 15 games in 2007
Richmond 12
Melbourne 12
Carlton 8
Essendon 8
Hawthorn 8
St Kilda 4
COLLINGWOOD appears to be leading the race to gain the services of Chris Judd.
It was revealed yesterday that Melbourne clubs that play most games at the MCG stand a better chance of recruiting the homesick Eagle than those that play more often at Telstra Dome.
That was the clear message from the Judd camp as up to seven Melbourne-based clubs set to work on their strategies to win his signature.
Judd's manager Paul Connors confirmed the MCG attraction.
"It's not the be-all and end-all," Connors said. "But it's a factor."
Judd is not likely to nominate his preferred club until next week, but the MCG factor certainly lends a hand to Collingwood.
The fixture list for next season has not been released, but it will not be dissimilar to this year's, when the high-drawing Magpies played 15 home-and-away games at the MCG -- at least three more than any other club.
Judd has privately acknowledged that the MCG has appeal because it is the true home of football and is not dissimilar in space to Subiaco Oval, where he has honed his skills in six years with the Eagles.
Collingwood also plays more blockbuster games at the MCG than any other club during the home-and-away season, most notably the Anzac Day match against Essendon.
Judd first hurt his troublesome groin at Telstra Dome this year in round 11 against the Bombers, but Connors said from Perth yesterday that Judd was not blaming the playing surface for the condition, which will require surgery.
Essendon and St Kilda have tougher assignments in luring Judd, as they play most of their home games at Telstra Dome. Melbourne, which believes it is in the mix to lure Judd, played 12 games at the MCG this year.
While Carlton's home ground is Telstra Dome, the Blues this year played eight games at the MCG, the same number as Essendon and Hawthorn.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22442272-5012432,00.html
