SA clubs united in Adelaide Oval support

SOUTH Australia’s two AFL clubs have welcomed the State Government’s commitment of $450million towards the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval.

On Wednesday, the State Government, AFL, SANFL and South Australian Cricket Association announced that an in-principle agreement had been struck to bring AFL games to the venue in four or five years.

The planned upgrade for Adelaide Oval, which includes a 55,000 seating capacity and more undercover areas, would see AAMI Stadium downgraded to a secondary venue.

The Crows have only just moved into their new training facility adjoining AAMI Stadium, but chief executive Steven Trigg said the club still in supported the move.

“While the club has recently completed a $21 million upgrade of its training and entertainment facility at West Lakes, the business model remains intact despite a potential move of games to Adelaide Oval”, Trigg told afc.com.au.

“Tthe club’s training and administration base stays at AAMI Stadium, and the commercial activities remain. The match day activities and revenue would be enhanced in a move to Adelaide Oval".

Port Adelaide, which has struggled with dwindling crowds at AAMI Stadium, were rumoured to be strong advocates of a potential move to the more accessible Adelaide Oval.

President Brett Duncanson said the club was “absolutely delighted” when the agreement with the SANFL and the SACA was reached last month.

“Although there’s still plenty of work to do to finalise the agreement by 1 July next year, we view this as an exceptionally exciting opportunity for our club,” Duncanson said.

“Forty years ago SA football made a brave decision to move away from Adelaide Oval. That football will now return to the Oval in a very, very strong position is a great tribute to [President] Leigh Whicker and the SANFL."

Duncanson said the Power would love to move to the city venue as soon as practically possible.

“There is still a lot of work to do, and exactly how soon that is remains to be seen. The target date for completion of the full re-development is the start of the 2014 season.”