Geraldton in AFL spotlight

Geraldton is in the box seat to host AFL pre-season fixtures as soon as next year, after work began on a major lighting upgrade at Wonthella Oval which will pave the way for it hosting regional and Statewide events.

Funding for the $1.5 million project came from the Department of Sport And Recreation, Mid West Development Commission, Country Local Government Fund, the AFL and the City of Greater Geraldton.

The AFL contributed $100,000 to the project, in a clear indication of a plan to fixture pre-season matches in the Mid West, and GNFL president Colin Cox said an AFL pre- season game was already in the pipeline.

“Pre-season AFL games are already on the cards,” he said.

“They obviously want to have one in the regions because they haven’t had one in three years in regional WA.

“The last match they had here in Geraldton was nine years ago and it was 40 degrees, so the preference is obviously to play at night.

“The proposed finish date for the lighting project is January 29, so we’ve put an application in and we’ll just see what happens.”

City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ken Diehm echoed Cox’s thoughts.

“We’re hoping we can get a pre-season AFL game here next year,” he said.

“We’re talking to the AFL at the moment.

"We’d be happy to host any clubs, but obviously if we could host one or both of Fremantle or West Coast, it would be fantastic.

“I think it’s important clubs recognise the regional support they get and the people here share the same passion and pride.”

During the floodlight installation, the oval will be closed to the public, but Towns Football Club clubrooms will be accessible for events and activities.

Geraldton business S&K Electrical won the $1.5 million tender to build and install four 40m-tall masts to house the 500-lux floodlights.

The City of Greater Geraldton issued a statement on Monday saying the work would take about five months to complete.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the lighting would allow for night sporting activities and competitions, while also providing infrastructure to attract regional and Statewide events.

Mr Carpenter said the project was part of a record $68.5 million the City would spend on capital works this financial year.

He said S&K Electrical’s tender demonstrated the best value for money for the City and the local economy.

“I am very pleased to see a local company was fairly chosen to complete the contract,” he said.