Goulburn Valley: Shepparton Swans loses first round clash against Mooroopna
The Shepparton Swans have lost a race against time to have their home ground ready for round one after being badly damaged by floods last year.
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Shepparton Swans have been forced to forego their opening round, Easter Saturday home match against Mooroopna with temporary facilities being sourced from interstate yet to arrive.
The Goulburn Valley league club made the call to move the game to Mooroopna’s home ground, and the Swans to host the return encounter in round 13.
Temporary change rooms were needed following last year’s devastating spring floods with the Swans’ home ground, Princess Park, located on the banks of the Goulburn River.
There was also lingering uncertainty about the ground condition, lighting and netball courts being ready in time.
Temporary facilities, which could be still needed next year, are being sourced from South Australia.
Club president Jarrod Sutherland said Thursday was “D-Day” for making a call on round one going ahead at Princess Park, with the club hoping everything will be ready for its next home game a fortnight later.
“Even though I think everything will still be done in time, we can’t be assured,” he said.
“We just had to make a call.
“You have to roll with the punches, but it is disappointing because it would have been a great thing for our club to be hosting round one.”
Mooroopna president Bill Dowling said he “felt” for the Swans after a difficult off-season.
“They just ran out of time unfortunately,” he said.
The round one clash at Mooroopna will remain a night game.
Temporary facilities at Princess Park are being bankrolled by the AFL with the governing body also providing $30,000 to Shepparton Swans, Rochester and Seymour, which all suffered major damage in the floods.
Shepparton Swans have a new coach for this season, Jedd Wright, who has recruited his brother and former North Melbourne player, Sam, to the club.
Two other former North Melbourne players, Jamie MacMillan and Nathan Hrovat, will also play for the GV club.
The Swans’ 2022 best and fairest Zac Banch has gained a late call-up to VFL club Williamstown.
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Originally published as Goulburn Valley: Shepparton Swans loses first round clash against Mooroopna
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