Easter has been and gone, and we know we’re into the season proper for 2013. The second weekend of Round 1 was on the agenda, and Peter Jackson VFL action saw a trip down to see Collingwood hosting North Ballarat in the battle of monochrome at Victoria Park.
Victoria Park is a ground which needs little introduction to those who have followed Australian Football in their lifetime. In the heart of Abbotsford (not Collingwood, ironically), the venue hosted Collingwood Football Club matches from 1892 until 1999 in the VFL/AFL, and was also home of the late Fitzroy Football Club in 1985 and 1986. Collingwood’s Peter Jackson VFL side has more recently played home games at Victoria Park since 2010.
The venue in its heyday was renowned as being one of the most hostile for visitors, both supporters and clubs alike. This reputation was worse in the 1990s, when interstate clubs had to travel to the venue in their early stages, meaning a very small proportion of the support would be in their favour! Opposition fans were relieved when Victoria Park was abandoned as an AFL venue, with Collingwood moving to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
On Saturday, we headed down the Eastern Freeway, then under it, via Trenerry Crescent, to find a park just outside the ground. Entering Victoria Park, you immediately see a venue transformed from inhospitable suburban ground to welcoming public parkland. The work that has been undertaken by the City of Yarra in conjunction with funding from the State Government has not only made the ground more open and friendly, but also preserved the history as previously mentioned.
We found a lovely spot on the hill behind the former scoreboard end goals, and soaked up some unseasonable April warmth. The sun shone, the Magpies skipped away from the Roosters, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Each time Collingwood had a positive passage of play, the sounds emanating from the Sherrin Stand were like ghosts of yesteryear, coming up from the depths. It was genuinely something special.
Whilst the venue itself lends a lot to the history, it’s really the people that made the ground what it was. And, if you venture into this iconic stadium, you’re still not disappointed. When venturing into the area of applauding a piece of North Ballarat play, I ensured I kept my comments to a minimum, as to avoid too much attention. The match was attended by the passionate, the loveable larrikins, the people that you’re not sure ever left in the first place!
When searching for a bite to eat, sadly we found that there was no BBQ on this day. There was, however, gourmet sausages, hot dogs, chips, and very importantly, hot jam doughnuts. There’s also a coffee machine for those wanting something a little more cosmopolitan in this day and age. It’s not the Victoria Park of old, but it’s up to others was to whether they see that as a negative.
There’s good reason for Victoria Park to be on the Victorian Heritage Register, and it is being preserved quite well. A good day out was had by those in the black and white, and best of all, it was free!
By Kent Winzer
Last Modified on 12/04/2013 13:01