MELBOURNE Victory defender Adrian Leijer has thrown his support behind Simonds Stadium playing a role in breaking the A-League grand final fixturing impasse.

The Geelong stadium has been touted as a venue for the low crowd-drawing May 17 AFL game between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle, freeing Etihad Stadium to be available if Victory wins the right to host the A-League decider.

Victory sits second on the table, as the only undefeated team in the competition and the title favourite.

Cats chief executive Brian Cook said last week it would only take the approval of the AFL and the Bulldogs to have the game shifted.

Leijer said yesterday he hoped Simonds Stadium could help solve the dispute.

“It’s a fantastic option. If we did win the rights to host the grand final, which is a long, long way away, I wouldn’t be too pleased travelling to Sydney to play in something that we’ve earned the right to host,” he said.

“If this is a realistic option then that’d be fantastic.”

media_camera Adrian Leijer with MP John Eren — minister for Tourism and Major Events, Sport and Veterans — and Cr Michelle Heagney, Deputy Mayor. Picture: GLENN FERGUSON

New sports minister, Lara MP John Eren, said talks were continuing to try and resolve the issue.

“There’s always dialogue and discussion in relation to where, if Melbourne Victory plays in the grand final, that game should be played,” he said.

“I know representations are being made at the moment in relation to whether it should be at the MCG or Etihad or other stadiums and I’m confident that that grand final if Melbourne Victory do play in it would attract thousands of people.

“I know that the A-League would like to occupy one of those stadiums to fill it and I’m sure that they would fill it

“So there are meaningful discussions happening about how we can resolve the issue of that grand final and where it should be had. There’s always discussion to be had and we’re having them at the moment.

Jan Juc export Leijer was in Geelong yesterday as Victory prepares to host ladder leader Perth Glory at Simonds Stadium on January 2.

About 2000 tickets have been sold for the game so far, which will be the first of a three-year deal for Victory to host games in Geelong.

“It’s looking like it could be a top-of-the-table clash, so to get down to Geelong for what’s going to be a massive game should draw a big crowd and to play in this fantastic stadium is very exciting,” Leijer said.

“I’m very excited to get down here, I’ve got a lot of family and friends down here and it’s a game that should draw a big crowd and that’s exciting for Geelong.”

Before then though, Victory has cross-town rival City to face in this weekend’s Melbourne derby.

It could have to do so without captain Mark Milligan, who was cited by the A-League’s match review panel last night.

Milligan has until midday today to explain his actions after a 23rd minute incident in Saturday’s draw with Sydney FC that left opposition midfielder Terry Antonis with a gash above his right eye.

“Everyone saw the incident, I suppose it’s in the hands of the FFA, I hope he’s there, from where I was standing it was an accidental movement, so fingers crossed he’s out there,” Leijer said.