It’s was Round 2, and the Peter Jackson VFL is now in full swing. It seems like only yesterday that we were sunning ourselves on the hill watching the cricket. Now we’re pulling the thermals out from the bottom drawer, and heading out for football. Last weekend’s challenge was the trip to historic Williamstown for the match at the picturesque Burbank Oval, where the home side hosted Coburg.
Thanks to the match being broadcast on ABC television, an early trip across the West Gate Bridge was necessary to get a good parking space. The weather forecast was for cloud and wind, but with a top of 25°C. Maybe those thermals weren’t required after all.
Williamstown Football Club’s home base at Burbank Oval sits at Point Gellibrand in Williamstown, a location that makes it susceptible to changeable weather. A television broadcast some years ago, ironically at a match between Williamstown and Coburg, was abandoned due to a serious thunderstorm moving across the area.
The venue has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, both on and off the field. Most importantly, the playing arena has been upgraded with new drainage and turf, hopefully meaning an end to the mud pits of the past. The famous grandstand has also been fully refurbished, with new coaches facilities, change rooms, and the addition of The Rocks function centre on the back of the building. The top floor of this function centre also plays host to President’s Lunches throughout the season.
When we arrive at Burbank Oval after the cruise down Melbourne Road, past Seagulls Nest Club in Newport, and through ‘The Village’, the old grandstand looks spectacular. Gleaming white with Port Phillip Bay behind it, it stands out like a beacon for all to see. If the weather were clearer, the water were bluer, and there were no Australian Football in front of you, one could confuse Burbank Oval for somewhere in the Greek Islands. Or, perhaps not.
As I hadn’t been to Burbank Oval for a few years, the Port Phillip Bay wing appears a lot different than in the past. There is now a car park on the wing, and as mentioned, the renovated and reconstructed grandstand is quite imposing... almost as imposing as the sight of Richmond Development Coach, Mark Williams near the Coburg bench! Gone is the muddy verge, although, this creates a little more wind and less protection for supporters on that side of the venue.
Thankfully, Saturday wasn’t too chilly, and the northerly wind kept the ice from forming on my stubble. As we watched the visitors from Coburg stay in touch, somehow, during the first half, we indulged in a pie from the food outlet, and it really felt like a day at the local footy. And later, as Williamstown clicked into gear, and kicked away as they worked towards a 100-point win, it was handy to remember that there were also ice cold beers on offer!
Even though my side was far from victorious on the day, the trip to Williamstown was quite enjoyed, and was even complemented by a stop for ice cream in Nelson Place on the way home! As the temperatures descend into the teens in coming months, however, I’d highly recommend the winter woollies for this trip!
By Kent Winzer
Last Modified on 17/04/2013 16:34