A new multimillion-dollar proposal to redevelop the showgrounds precinct in the Australian city of Ballarat "has rekindled the prospect" of Australian Football League games at Eureka Stadium, according to Caroline Wilson of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. As the state opposition planned on Tuesday to unveil the A$20M-A$30M ($18.5M-$27.7M) scheme around the stadium "once mooted as a second home for North Melbourne and Cricket Victoria," it has emerged that the AFL "has also earmarked Victoria’s western corridor as holding a pivotal place in its game development, potentially involving the Western Bulldogs, who remain without a second home-fixture stronghold." While the Kangaroos on Monday night "reaffirmed their interest in playing home-and-away games at Eureka Stadium," it is understood there has also been "a push for the Western Bulldogs to target Ballarat and its surrounds as part of that club's efforts to extend its boundaries." Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews is expected on Tuesday "to unveil his Eureka Stadium proposal in one of Victoria’s most marginal seats as part of Labor’s campaign to win back government in the November state election" (SMH, 4/7).
