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From bendigobombers.com.au
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The Bendigo Bombers will play their scheduled 2010 season home games against the Werribee Tigers and Collingwood Magpies at the Strathfieldsaye Football Netball Club’s Tannery Lane oval.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have these home games back in our local area” Bendigo’s General Manager, Peter Lodewijks said today.

“We’ll play at Strathfieldsaye against the Werribee Tigers this Saturday 24th July at 1.00PM and then Collingwood will be our opponent on Saturday 7th August at 12:00PM.”

“Unfortunately, the condition of the Queen Elizabeth Oval’s surface hasn’t improved to a point which will support Victorian Football League matches.”

“The possibility of using the QEO again has been assessed as a week by week proposition, but we’ve also been pro-active about seeking an alternative venue.”

“Strathfieldsaye was identified as a distinct possibility because it’s a relatively new ground with a good playing surface and modern amenities. The surface has been subjected to an independent turf inspection and has been deemed suitable for VFL Football’.

“Facilities at the ground don’t quite meet VFL standards, but Werribee and Collingwood understand our position and they have agreed to assist us and to play at Strathfieldsaye instead of at Windy Hill.”

“Both clubs have been extremely co-operative and we’re very grateful to them for the positive way in which they’ve approached the matter and worked with us.”

“The Strathfieldsaye Football Netball Club, the Strathfieldsaye Junior Football Club, the Bendigo Junior Football League, the City of Greater Bendigo and AFL Victoria have also been particularly helpful and we certainly appreciate their assistance.”

“Our football club has always maintained that we want to play our home games in Bendigo.”

“Obviously we were very disappointed when some games had to be transferred to Windy Hill but, by being pro-active and working closely with the other VFL clubs, and with the help and support of everyone concerned at Strathfieldsaye, we’ve achieved a very good outcome.”

“We want these two matches to be special occasions for Bendigo, the Strathfieldsaye community in particular, and we’re hoping to be able to make the Collingwood match a stand-out day for everyone, but we’ll announce more details when we’ve got our arrangements in place.”

“Being able to play locally means an enormous amount to the Bendigo Bombers Football Club.”

“It’s where our supporters and sponsors want to see their team in action and it enables us to focus on building a club and program which continues to make a positive contribution to football in this area.”