WAFL game set for Kingsway footy ground

SUBIACO and West Perth football clubs are set to play a match at Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex in August.

Wanneroo Council has agreed to remove a central cricket wicket at the Madeley AFL ground to allow the clubs to hold a WAFL fixture there on August 17.

“The clubs are seeking to play the fixture at a community facility that is relevant to both clubs’ talent pathways and junior clubs,” a council report said.

“The day will be promoted as a family fun event with games and attractions for children and families.

“The proposal is also seeking to play a WAFLW (women’s league) post the men’s league game under lights on the same day.”

The report said the two clubs previously played at the venue in 2016, when it was noted the concrete wicket needed to be removed to accommodate the football game.

“The current wicket has been constructed in such a way that the top of the wicket is at ground level,” it said.

“As a result, when the wicket is turfed over, there will be a mound effect created that poses an unacceptable risk to players.”

The report said it would cost about $35,000 and relaying the wicket would take 28 days to cure, which could affect availability of the ground for the start of the 2019-20 cricket season.

It said consideration should be given to host WAFL games at other venues, including Splendid Park in Yanchep and the future Butler playing fields.

“The AFL ground at Splendid Park has been designed specifically without a concrete cricket wicket on it to enable the ground to more easily host games such as this,” the report said.

At the May 7 council meeting, councillor Brett Treby said the 2016 WAFL game at Kingsway was “a resounding success for the local community”.

“It drew attention to the game at a fantastic location at Kingsway,” he said.

“It’s great for the local community.”