The Geelong Cats have temporarily been booted from their home at GMHBA Stadium – but for a good reason.
Hollywood has taken over Kardinia Park as filming ramps up for a new sports drama starring Superman actor David Corenswet.
The untitled film, believed to be called Mr Irrelevant, tells the moving true story of 1983 NFL draft pick John Tuggle.
Tuggle was the final pick in that year’s draft, earning the nickname ‘Mr Irrelevant’ — but he went on to defy expectations.
He became the first last-drafted player to make his team’s final roster, suiting up for the New York Giants in 1983.
He played all 16 games, started five, and was named the Giants’ Special Teams Player of the Year.
Superman actor David Corenswet has taken over the Geelong Cats home ground for two weeks to film a movie on the life of former NFL star John Tuggle
Geelong face another daunting away trip, this time against Collingwood at the MCG after losing to Carlton last weekend
Tragically, Tuggle’s life was cut short by cancer, diagnosed after shoulder pain in 1984 led to further tests.
Despite his illness, he kept training with the team, and the Giants supported him until his death at age 25.
His story has since been honoured by the NFL and was the subject of ESPN’s 30 for 30 short, The Irrelevant Giant.
Now, his remarkable journey is heading to the big screen, with filming already underway in Geelong.
Corenswet is taking on the lead role, with Oscar nominee Michael Shannon portraying legendary coach Bill Parcells.
The project is being helmed by director Jonathan Levine and produced by Skydance Sports.
Filming at Kardinia Park has seen the 40,000-seat stadium transformed into an NFL venue for two weeks.
The Cats were able to continue training without disruption, using their alternative base at Deakin University.
Local gridiron players have received the opportunity to take part in the movie alongside Hollywood superstars
Filming will wrap up in time for the Cats to return to their home ground on Monday for training
They won’t return to Kardinia Park until after their blockbuster match against Collingwood tonight at the MCG.
Filming is also taking place at La Trobe University’s Sports Park in Bundoora, where footy fields are being converted into gridiron ovals.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks announced the film would inject nearly $29 million into Victoria’s economy.
The production is expected to create more than 800 jobs for Victorian screen workers and extras.
Over 500 Victorian locals are involved, including members of the gridiron community playing umpires, referees, and support crew.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin welcomed the project, calling it an exciting opportunity for the region.
VicScreen chief Caroline Pitcher and local MPs Christine Couzens and Alison Marchant also joined the announcement.
Producer Gillian Bohrer praised Victoria’s diverse sporting locations as ideal doubles for cities like New York and California.
Skydance’s EVP Brad Carlson added, ‘There was no better place to bring this project to life.’
