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Cats will face Collingwood at the MCG
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Is this the club’s second consecutive away match?
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The home ground in Geelong is not available due to Hollywood royalty.
The
Geelong Cats
have temporarily been removed from their home at GMHBA Stadium — but for a valid cause.
Hollywood has commandeered Kardinia Park as production intensifies for an upcoming sports drama featuring Superman actor David Corenswet.
The unnamed movie, thought to be titled “Mr Irrelevant,” narrates the inspiring real-life tale of John Tuggle, who was selected in the 1983 NFL draft.
Tuggle was the last selection of that year’s draft, acquiring the moniker ‘Mr Irrelevant,’ yet he managed to surpass expectations.
He was the first player selected last to secure a spot on his team’s final roster, taking the ice with them.
New York Giants
in 1983.
He appeared in all 16 contests, began five as a starter, and earned the title of the Giants’ Special Teamer of the Year.
Sadly, Tuggle’s life was abruptly ended by cancer, which was discovered following tests for persistent shoulder pain he experienced in 1984.
Despite his illness, he kept training with the team, and the Giants supported him until his death at age 25.
His tale has since received recognition from the NFL and was also featured in ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series titled “The Irrelevant Giant.”
Now, his remarkable journey is heading to the big screen, with filming already underway in Geelong.
Corenswet will take on the leading role, with Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon playing the part of renowned coach Bill Parcells.
The project is led by director Jonathan Levine and is being produced by Skydance Sports.
Shooting at Kardinia Park has turned the 40,000-seater arena into an NFL site for a fortnight.
The cats managed to keep up with their training uninterrupted by utilizing an alternate location at Deakin University.
They will not go back to Kardinia Park until after their big game against Collingwood tonight at the MCG.
The filming is also happening at La Trobe University’s Sports Park in Bundoora, where they are transforming football fields into gridiron diamonds.
The Minister of Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, stated that the movie will contribute approximately $29 million to Victoria’s economy.
It is anticipated that the production will generate over 800 job opportunities for Victorian screen industry employees and extras.
More than 500 people from Victoria are participating, with individuals from the football community serving as officials, referees, and support staff.
The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO, Gerard Griffin, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as an exhilarating prospect for the area.
Caroline Pitcher from VicScreen along with local MPs Christine Couzens and Alison Marchent were present at the announcement as well.
Producer Gillian Bohrer commended Victoria’s varied athletic venues as perfect stand-ins for cities such as New York and California.
Brad Carlson, Skydance’s Executive Vice President, stated, “This was the perfect location to bring this project into existence.”
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