By Danielle Kutchel
An upcoming major redevelopment for Gosch’s Paddock will not impact the partnership between Melbourne Football Club and the City of Casey.
The upgrade to Gosch’s Paddock – the club’s AFL and AFLW training oval – was announced by the Victorian Government on Monday 2 August, with the government calling it a “win” for the club and the wider community.
The $3 million redevelopment will increase the dimensions of the oval to better match the measurements of the MCG and Marvel Stadium as well as creating a surface to meet AFL/AFLW standards.
Lighting will be improved and behind-goal netting and camera posts installed.
Work is due to start this month and be completed before the start of the 2022 AFL premiership season.
The State Government has kicked in $2 million, with the AFL and Melbourne combining to contribute $1 million.
Currently, the club’s AFL and AFLW programs both play their home games on larger ovals at the MCG and Casey Fields.
The upgrade will bring Gosch’s Paddock into line with these two ovals.
Melbourne Football Club welcomed the announcement and stressed its long-term commitment to the City of Casey and Casey Fields.
The club embarked on a 30-year partnership with the City of Casey back in 2009.
“Casey Fields is an important part of the club’s short and long term vision,” said Melbourne CEO Gary Pert.
“The ground is where our AFLW, VFL and VFLW sides will continue to play their home games and it will remain an important high performance training facility for both our men’s and women’s programs.
“As a club, we have always been clear of our intentions to establish an inner-city home base that is close to the MCG, which will eventually house our football departments and administration under one roof.”
He said the upgrade would provide the club with greater flexibility in its training schedule in future, with access to two AFL-standard ovals.
The City of Casey’s manager of active communities, Angie Peresso, also welcomed the planned upgrade.
“These upgrades to Gosch’s Paddock will provide great facilities for the Melbourne Football Club and don’t have any impact on the community partnership between the City of Casey and MFC.
“We wish our partnership club all the very best for the remainder of the 2021 season.”
