AFL great Adam Cooney gets to know Nick, left, and David at the synthetic oval last week. 75082 Picture: XAVIER SMERDON
By XAVIER SMERDON
SPORTS fans had a field day last week as the first ever AFL and Cricket Australia-approved full size synthetic oval in Australia was officially opened in Point Cook.
Western Bulldogs team members made the journey to Point Cook to test out the oval along with grade six students from nearby Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, opened the faux grass oval and said that Wyndham was at the forefront of sport in Australia.
“The new synthetic oval here in Point Cook provides a more reliable and durable solution to susceptible natural turf pitches,” Mr Delahunty said.
“The synthetic surface is designed to stand up to climate extremes and does not require watering. It is also cushioned for maximum safety and comfort, helping to minimise potential impact injuries.
“That is great news for nearby clubs and associations looking to play and train longer, and attract new players.”
Mr Delahunty said the $2.4 million oval would benefit Point Cook in more ways than one.
“In new developing areas like this, sport brings people together,” he said.
“Work might bring people out of town but sport can bring them back together.”
Bulldog Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney told Star that the oval seemed to be good enough to take a beating from the different sports clubs that will play on it.
“I’ve got a little bit of synthetic turf in my backyard but nothing as good as this,” Cooney said.
“I’d need to have a run on it before I know how good it is, I just had a bit of a kick today, but I think this will be good for footy and good for cricket.”
