East Coast secures the rights to their new ground.

[Oscar]

East Coast are delighted to announce that their long awaited new home ground is now confirmed.

See www.eastcoasteagles.com.au

[Coastal Boy]

For the sake of football i hope that officials at ECE or the NSWAFL are consulted regarding ground dimensions, facilities, fences and other aspects including warm up areas. Many suitable cricket grounds with great amendities are just too small for AFL.

Also, provisions for a club house for ECE would be great. I don't know of any club in Sydney with an on field clubhouse of note, but something like Killarney Vale AFL club has on the Central Coast. A meeting place which isnt too big or unmanageable but big enough to hold end of season awards and other small functions is ideal.

Sounds exciting for ECE!!!!

[westcoast9294]

This development will in the future place the ECE in a strong position for growing the game in that area.
They will become a big club wth a strong junior base and also affilliated to the West Coast Eagles.
Apparently over 200 players in the area at the moment. The Auskickers- who are the future- will have somewhere to play on proper facilities and clubs to go to.
The Junior club mentioned should have a increase in numbers after having to play on a Soccer football ground.
Also schools in the area that take our game up will have access to the ground.

As I said on another thread this could be the start of new Aussie Rules/Cricket partnerships around Sydney.
The article talks about the ground accomodating Aussie Rules and Cricket clubs who have first rights.
This fact alone will give a boost to our game in prestige after playing second fiddle to every other sport in that area.

Remember Cricket Australia, The AFL and Netball Australia have got together nationally and are receiving federal funds to counter obesity in the kids. Perhaps some of that money will be used there.

The Sydney AFL over time with similar developments to come will be a stronger second tier league to support the Swans and produce U16 and U18 players for the National Draft.

Which is exactly what the WAFL/SANFL do now and what the AFL exec want in the future.
Its all good.