Geelong remain hopeful they may once again play Collingwood, Hawthorn or Essendon at GMHBA Stadium as they prepare to host Carlton at home for the first time since 1997.

Cats CEO Brian Cook says the club deserves the chance to host at least one of the five big-drawing Victorian clubs each year after $200 million was spent developing the stadium, with about $90 million still needed to complete the final stage.

With homecoming hero Gary Ablett returning to play his first game at the stadium in Geelong colours since 2010 the game is expected to be a sellout with rusted-on Blues fans making the rare trip down the highway.

Cook said the AFL's recent acceptance that high-drawing clubs can play at GMHBA Stadium was significant and he argues it is ideal for big Victorian clubs to play at the venue if they hit a trough in form or are drawn to play the Cats twice.

"What we are fighting against is the KPI [Key Performance Indicator] of the AFL around maximising crowds year on year and I get it, but we have a mentality that we want the best games down here," Cook told Fairfax Media.