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The Geelong Football Club has advised that the new 14,000-seat northern grandstand at its GMHBA Stadium won’t be ready for any part of the 2023 AFL season as a result of building delays caused by the defects with structural steel being used in the construction.

The revelation means the venue’s capacity will continue to be restricted to around 26,000 for the Cats’ nine home games during the 2023 season.

This follows the AFL having delayed Geelong's first game at the venue until round six of the season, with the completion date having initially been set for ‘mid-2023’.

The club told its members last year it would not sell seats in the new stand until it had clarity which games it would be opened for.

Media reports say the delays on the $142 million Victorian Government-funded grandstand are primarily due to problems with the quality of welding on steel imported from Qatar, with “uncertain and challenging environments” and supply chain problems having also been blamed for the delay.

The decision by builder Watpac to source 1200 tonnes of steel from overseas for the Kardinia Park project meant builders breached their commitment to local content baked into major project contracts.

Commenting on the delay, Geelong Chief Executive, Simon Kelleher stated “the club is disappointed with the delays to the fifth state … and that the builder is unable to meet the previously stated completion date”.

Once completed, GMHBA Stadium will boast a seating capacity of 40,000.

The Cats play their first game of the AFL season on 17th March against Collingwood at the MCG.

Image shows the concept for the completed northern grandstand at its GMHBA Stadium.

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