An AFL ground inspection has lauded Warrnambool’s Reid Oval “an ideal venue” for this weekend’s AFL Women’s game between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats.
Inspections on September 26 and October 3 gave Reid Oval top marks across all assessed categories including turf coverage, surface levels, surface hardness, irrigation, the wicket table and traction/stability.
The report concludes: The surface has a very good to excellent coverage of turf and should provide an ideal venue for upcoming matches.
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Warrnambool Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie thanked staff involved in the delivery of the Reid Oval redevelopment and the AFLW game.
“There’s a lot of work that has gone on behind the scenes in planning and delivering this Sunday’s game, so a big thank you to everyone who played a part,” she said.
“With the District and Hampden league grand finals played in September, and now with the AFLW game this weekend, all credit to our grounds staff who have ensured the playing surface has been excellent,” she said.
“There’s a lot that goes into maintaining a surface like Reid Oval, and the years that our staff have spent advancing their skills have paid off.
“The Reid Oval redevelopment has opened the door for Warrnambool to be able to host national competitions like the AFLW, and I’m sure this will be the first of many elite level games played at this venue over the coming years.
“We’re expecting a very big crowd, and as well as providing a fun day out, I hope that being able to see female athletes performing at such a high level will help to inspire the next generation of superstars.
“Best of luck to both teams for what I’m sure will be a terrific game.”
Tickets to the game are $10 for adults with under 18s free.