Green light for WAFL game

By Grace Jones | posted on April 6, 2018

CENTENNIAL Stadium passed with flying colours when it came under the microscope last week ahead of the West Australian Football League’s clash between Claremont and South Fremantle on April 28.

WAFL Governance and Compliance Manager Luke Sanders spent last Thursday morning inspecting the stadium and its facilities with City of Albany staff and club representatives and said the match would go ahead as scheduled.

He said they spent a lot of time inspecting the turf to check it met WAFL standards.

“We check the hardness of the turf with a Clegg tester to make sure it’s all uniform in firmness,” he said.

“The turf can’t be too hard or too soft since we need to protect the players from injury.

“Albany doesn’t have an issue with the turf being too hard due to its high annual rainfall.

“I’m still waiting for the official test report, but the game will continue regardless.

Mr Sanders said he was impressed with the standard of the facilities.

“The playing surfaces, change rooms, coach boxes, spectator areas and bar facilities are all of a high standard,” he said.

He confirmed the City of Albany had dipped into its own pocket to host the match without WAFL grants for assistance.

“For them to host and cover costs is great for regional football and for the community,” he said.

The April 28 encounter between the Tigers and Bulldogs will only feature the league sides, but Claremont club members will be in Albany in the days leading up to the match to conduct a football masterclass.