- Jul 9, 2010
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- AFL Club
- Fremantle
I have ten weeks off uni (Arts students have it tough!). Naturally, nursing hangovers, going to the football, and checking out exhibitions can't fill in every single one of those days. So I'm considering seeing a few more ovals in the next month. Reckon the first on the list might be Moorabbin.
What's it like these days?
In general, it seems like a bit of a forgotten stadium. Out there in the suburbs, I don't think I've ever heard much mention of it – even on bigfooty. What was it like, back in the day? Was it just another victim of ground rationalisation?
I remember seeing some photos of the boxing gym, quite literally, being buried in sand. How many of the stands are left? Is the grass in okay nick?
This 2009 article from the St Kilda FC website says:
"The Club recently signed an agreement with Kingston City Council that will see parts of the Moorabbin reserve opened up for the local community to use.
Demolition work is well underway on the southern end of the grandstand and terraces with the balance of works expected to be completed over the next few weeks. Repair and refurbishment work is also being completed on the GG Huggins Stand building which will remain to house the Saints Social Club, Merchandise Shop, administration offices and football department which is in the process of moving buildings. The Club has an existing lease in place at Moorabbin Reserve until 2040."
But then there's an article, from just eight-ish months ago, talking about "redeveloping Moorabbin's ailing Linton St oval into a community sports hub." So I'm guessing this never actually happened? Stands were demolished, the plans were in place, but there's been no Vic Park-like rejig of the whole place. The same piece says "But after years of disagreement, Kingston Council has resolved to back the club's bid to rejuvenate the Moorabbin Reserve." So are the football club calling the shots? Are they going to be a little more present there, and dictate the community facilities? I'm a bit confused. Mostly because I haven't heard a whole lot about it.
This article from the same time kind of confirms that, because it comes from a more St Kilda perspective. Apparently they've dropped a feasibility study – it'll be a community ground, as well as a co-host to Saints training.
So...
What's it like these days?
In general, it seems like a bit of a forgotten stadium. Out there in the suburbs, I don't think I've ever heard much mention of it – even on bigfooty. What was it like, back in the day? Was it just another victim of ground rationalisation?
I remember seeing some photos of the boxing gym, quite literally, being buried in sand. How many of the stands are left? Is the grass in okay nick?
This 2009 article from the St Kilda FC website says:
"The Club recently signed an agreement with Kingston City Council that will see parts of the Moorabbin reserve opened up for the local community to use.
Demolition work is well underway on the southern end of the grandstand and terraces with the balance of works expected to be completed over the next few weeks. Repair and refurbishment work is also being completed on the GG Huggins Stand building which will remain to house the Saints Social Club, Merchandise Shop, administration offices and football department which is in the process of moving buildings. The Club has an existing lease in place at Moorabbin Reserve until 2040."
But then there's an article, from just eight-ish months ago, talking about "redeveloping Moorabbin's ailing Linton St oval into a community sports hub." So I'm guessing this never actually happened? Stands were demolished, the plans were in place, but there's been no Vic Park-like rejig of the whole place. The same piece says "But after years of disagreement, Kingston Council has resolved to back the club's bid to rejuvenate the Moorabbin Reserve." So are the football club calling the shots? Are they going to be a little more present there, and dictate the community facilities? I'm a bit confused. Mostly because I haven't heard a whole lot about it.
This article from the same time kind of confirms that, because it comes from a more St Kilda perspective. Apparently they've dropped a feasibility study – it'll be a community ground, as well as a co-host to Saints training.
So...