The oval of choice for the upcoming state game this weekend is sparking debate. Western Australia takes on South Australia at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday. The Leederville-based stadium has a capacity of 15,000, while Optus Stadium, where state games have generally been held in the past, has a capacity of over 60,000.
The question was raised on WAFL World Wednesday night: Should state games and WAFL grand finals be played at Optus Stadium instead?
South Fremantle player Chad Pearson weighs in on the topic, describing it as a tough question to answer.
As one of the 32 players named in the state squad, he is likely to represent the Black Swans on Saturday.
“I’m probably leaning more towards a local ground. I think Optus, obviously, is the best surface, but I think that if we can get 5,000 at Leederville Oval, I think the atmosphere that will be created at a local ground, rather than having 5,000 at Optus, will make a massive difference”, Pearson tells WAFL World.
“It will be pretty surreal to run out there in front of a packed crowd at Leederville Oval.”
The game starts at 3:10 pm on Saturday afternoon, and tickets are $10 per adult, while kids get in for free.
Pearson says hosting the game in Leederville is probably more affordable and makes for cheaper tickets for attendees.
WAFL World regular Corey Watts, who is also named in the squad of 32 players, says playing at Optus is very special, but understands why the state game and the grand final are played at smaller ovals.
“If the numbers are still low and if it’s allowing more people to get to the game, you would rather have a packed house”, he says, with reference to matches being played at various WAFL stadiums around the city.
WA are looking to go back-to-back against the Croweaters, this coming Saturday at Leederville, after losing the previous four encounters.
IMAGE: FILE