Funding promise for St Luke’s Oval

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JUNIOR AFL CLUBS WELCOME ST LUKE’S OVAL FUNDING PROMISE

Junior AFL clubs say a promised $1.4m funding boost – to continue the redevelopment of St Luke’s Oval in Concord – will help them meet increasing demand for greenspace in part boosted by strong growth in youth girls AFL.

The clubs – Drummoyne Power, Concord Giants and the Canada Bay Cannons – have welcomed the funding pledge, announced by federal Labor candidate for Reid, Sam Crosby, and have called on the federal Liberal Party, and candidate Fiona Martin, to match the commitment.

The AFL clubs that share St Luke’s Oval have no political position but rather want to work with all levels of government across the political spectrum to finish the refurbishment of, and improvements to, St Luke’s Oval.

The City of Canada Bay has budgeted an additional $660,000 for the project in 2020/21, AFL NSW/ACT has previously promised funds of just over $200,000 and the State Government has contributed $230,000.

The clubs are calling on New South Wales Minister for Sport John Sidoti to continue backing the project and support the clubs’ application for $1m grant from the next round of Great Sydney Sports Facility funding.

“There is enormous pressure on greenspace, in part due to the number of girls taking up footy for the first time now that pathways to AFL Women’s have opened,” said Milan Serovich, the President of Drummoyne Power/Canada Bay Cannons.

“In 2015, the Cannons fielded five youth teams – all of them boys. Today we have 14 Cannons teams – five of them are girls only teams. Our clubs are bursting at the seams.”

While there have been some works to improve the facility, Concord Giants President Jamie Reeves said more needs to be done to ensure the AFL precinct is capable of hosting all games and training from U5 through to youth and youth girls, in one convenient location.

“It is particularly important to upgrade the playing surface,” he said, with the club favouring a durable grass/hybrid grass surface.

Another important aspect of the upgrade is new change room facilities. “At the moment, when we have both girls and boys playing, we are seeing teams – particularly girls’ teams – forced to use second rate toilet facilities to change,” Jamie said.

Under 10 Black: Round 1

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U10 Black v Eastern Sydney Bulldogs White

Round 1

The predictable smell of sausages under distress welcomed the 2019 AFL season. What was far less predictable was the rock star park right next to the Trumper Park BBQ – either way it was great to be back for another season under the expert guidance of our now 4th season coach, Mark. Jamie, we see you and we know your time as #1 clipboard holder will come.

After an uneventful off season (this is AFL after all, not rugby league) the Power took their place on a park sporting the name of their new naming rights sponsor, Sudaraj and Ker. We truly appreciate your support … but I digress.

The game started well with Austin D controlling the back as the Bulldogs piled on the pressure from the opening whistle. After conceding an early goal, Dimitri evened the score with a beautiful kick off the side of the foot.

Alexander G showed inspired leadership and Rohan showed great strength in the ruck. Prior to the opening bell, Rohan was tasked with the job of holding the centre by coach Mark – I didn’t see a contract signed (don’t do it Rohan) but the goods were well and truly delivered.

The pressure from the Dogs came in the second term and while Tom was able to mark on the goal line, the pre-season tactics to take out the Akira factor were working. Nonetheless, with Alex V working to hold the midfield the Power kept coming, and when Talan showed great hands and a great step to snap at goal we were right in the contest.

The premiership quarter arrived under blue skies and 29-degree temperatures, with Austen P keeping the Bulldogs at bay early before Austin kicked at goal – putting the Power ahead in terms of point-scoring kicks (more of ours were worth one but let’s not haggle on details). As Sam B overtook the shadow of his opposite number the Bulldogs looked vulnerable.

With the sun working its magic and the lack of pre-season sand dune sprints starting to tell, the boys started to wilt as the Dogs found the space between the big sticks more than once. Tommy C, however, did kick the game’s final goal, and for the sake of a quick finish to this report, let’s just say “last goal wins”.

Thanks so much to Mark for bringing such a lovely energy again in 2019; thanks to Jamie for continuing to put the pressure on; and thanks to Alexander G for such great captaincy!