GEELONG's Board of Directors has rejected the AFL/Toyota compromise deal over ground signage and logos at Skilled Stadium. The AFL offered to limit Ford's competitor to ground marking and goalpost signage, leaving Ford to exclusive fence signage. But the Geelong Board has rejected this offer, insisting that Ford retain exclusive rights.

It is not known how well received Geelong's counter offer will be; or whether or not the AFL is obliged to fall back to their initial without prejudice offer. But it is all academic as Geelong won't play a game at Skilled until Round 6; and won't appear on free to air television until Round 5.

For interstaters without TV coverage and deep pockets, audio for Saturday night's game is to be (finally) broadcast live on afl.com.au. Good news for Geelong fans. Geelong faces the Saints at Telstra Dome, two weeks on from their Wizard Cup Final clash. Of course the Saints were too good in that match, although some Cats who should know better have engaged in 'mind games'. This correspondent thinks that Geelong should stick to the basics first before talking the talk.

St Kilda's celebration, of course, was quickly tempered with the news two of their young stars are being investigated for alleged sexual assault. Geelong's players have vowed not to sledge Stephen Milne, ironically one of the most vocal players in the game. Cats supporters are also urged not to 'be as feral as the Saints would be to us in the same situation'.