Morwell to host AFL challenge

Latrobe City has been advised that, subject to a final ground inspection, a NAB Regional Challenge match will be held at the Morwell Football Ground, most likely on Saturday 13 March 2010.

Latrobe City’s general manager recreational and cultural liveability, Grantley Switzer, said that Morwell was one of several regional areas in Victoria and around the nation earmarked for these high-level pre-season games.

“The NAB challenge competition allows the AFL exposure at all compass points. Bringing the game to the people not only affords many the opportunity to witness up-close, the excitement and sheer physicality of the game, but also allows families the chance to be a part of the sport without the expense and challenge of travelling to metropolitan areas.

“This is not the first time that Morwell has been given the chance to host one of the games, with our region fast developing a strong reputation for hosting regional sporting events. Whichever teams participate in this match, we would anticipate a good turn out again in terms of crowd numbers,” Mr Switzer said.

Latrobe City’s manager recreational liveability, Jamey Mullen said that since the West Gippsland Football League Grand Final was played at the Morwell Football Ground in September, a massive amount of rehabilitation work has been undertaken.

“This work has focused predominantly on two areas. The first area has been the leveling out of some areas surrounding the cricket turf wicket bench to ensure a flat surface for football. This included a great deal of excavation of the wicket and surrounds and the final result is a much flatter surface. The second component has been the killing off of the rye grass to allow the ground to become a genuine couch surface.

“After a slow start due to unfavourable weather conditions, the couch is now flourishing and with ongoing maintenance and the right growing conditions, we are confident that the ground will be in top condition for the game in March. “We have utilised the expertise of the AFL turf consultant who has overseen these recent works. He has made a number of visits to the ground and is also confident that all will be in readiness for the game in March.

“We are also hoping that cricket will be able to re-commence in January however there will be a period in the lead up to the game in March where activity on the reserve will cease,” Mr Mullen concluded.

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