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Leederville Oval will host the 2022 WAFL Grand Final, the venue confirmed as the chosen venue on Thursday.
With Optus Stadium ruled out due to a cricket clash last month the WA Football Commission has been on the lookout for a replacement venue, Leederville seeing off bids from South Fremantle (Fremantle Oval), West Perth (Arena Joondalup) and Swan Districts (Bassendean Oval).
The decision comes despite concerns over the venue's surface, having seen two WAFL games moved from the venue in as many weeks due to unsafe ground conditions.
“It was never an easy choice to make but we believe after reviewing the submissions and the extensive meetings with clubs and Local Governments, that we have made the right choice,” WAFC CEO Michael Roberts said.
“Naturally, some fans will be upset it wasn’t their home ground, but we’ve tried to go for a central location that is currently looking like it will be a neutral ground for teams on the road to the Grand Final,”
“At the end of the day, we want to see as many people get to the game or in and around the precinct, cheering on their team and having the best game day experience while watching some of the best players in the competition.”
The WAFC has confirmed the City of Vincent will be investing a significant financial contribution as part of a turf replacement and enhancement program that will be overseen by an independent turf specialist to ensure the turf will be appropriate for the Grand Final.
This turf management plan will also see a four-week break from any matches or training in the lead-up to the big day.
As part of the winning bid, the City of Vincent also pledged to turn Leederville and Oxford Street into a festival of football to further add to the exciting and fun Grand Final experience.
The WAFL Grand Final will be played on Saturday October 1st.
IMAGE: Frank Alvaro.