The AFL today announced that Warrnambool will join Melbourne as the host of the 2008 International Cup. The announcement was made by Kevin Sheedy (Ambassador for the sport's 150 year celebrations and ex-Essendon coach) and David Matthews (AFL Game Development) at Reid Oval, one of three venues that will be used for Warrnambool's matches (Walter and Mack ovals are the others). The decision to play some matches at a regional location is no doubt the result of a very successful trial at the 2005 tournament, where fellow Victorian country-town Wangaratta hosted one round of matches. Warrnambool is on the southwestern coast of Victoria (three hours from Melbourne) and has a population of a little over 30,000.

An updated fixture (including locations) was also revealed which we’ve included below. More news will follow in the next few days, including a current list of likely attendees, a proposed division breakdown and a review from World Footy News' representative at the launch, Troy Thompson.

Updated fixture with locations:

2008 Australian Football International Cup

Wednesday 27 August		Round 1 Royal Park North
Friday 29 August		Round 2 Royal Park North
Friday 29 August		Official function, Melbourne
Saturday 30 August		Round 2 continued (2 matches potentially curtain raisers) - Kangaroos v Port Adelaide at MCG (TBC) - Geelong v WCE at Skilled Stadium (TBC)
Saturday 30 August		Official Function, Carlton v Hawthorn at Telstra Dome (TBC) Parade of teams, Carlton v Hawthorn at Telstra Dome (TBC)
Sunday 31 August		Travel to Warrnambool
Monday 1 September		Round 3 Warrnambool
Monday 1 September		Casual function, Warrnambool
Wednesday 3 September		Semi Finals, Warrnambool
Thursday 4 September		Travel back to Melbourne
Friday 5 September/ Saturday 6 September		Finals (*)

*The expectation is that the Grand Final will be played at the best venue available dependent on fixturing in Melbourne around that time.

Google map showing Melbourne and Warrnambool on the coast to its west is here.