From the Port Melbourne website
Important Announcement Regarding North Port Oval / VFL Round 1
Dear Members,
Following an inspection of the ground by AFL Victoria earlier today, the decision has been made to relocate our Round 1 game against Richmond to Punt Road Oval, Richmond; and our Round 2 game against Collingwood (updated venue to be determined and communicated in due course).
The starting time for the Round 1 game this Saturday 7th April against Richmond will remain unchanged at 2:00pm.
Members and supporters who wish to attend this Saturday’s game should be aware that there is also an AFL game occurring on Saturday at the MCG between Melbourne and North Melbourne starting at 2:10pm; and car parking at or near Punt Road Oval will be EXTREMELY MINIMAL.
Utilising public transport to commute to the game is highly encouraged.
Overall, this is a very disappointing outcome for our club and beyond our control.
We thank the AFL for the time they have provided to us to make the Centre wicket a safe playing surface, however despite recent efforts of the Council, the oval/Centre wicket has been deemed unsafe.
Player safety and welfare is of course of utmost importance at all times, hence we respect the decision that has been made.
The relocation certainly reconfirms questions previously asked to the Council about North Port in terms of the need to redevelop the surface totally, and whether it can truly sustain mixed usage given the cost and time required to maintain turf wickets.
Given today’s announcement, the unfurling of the 2017 premiership flag will now be rescheduled to Round 6 at North Port Oval against Footscray on Saturday May 12th.
We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Michael Shulman
President
