The installation of netting behind the goals at each end of Hanging Rock Oval is expected to save the Batemans Bay Seahawks thousands of dollars per year.
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The club recently received a grant from the NSW government for $50,000 to cover the cost of the netting, under the Community Building Partnership program, along with a $10,000 contribution from the Eurobodalla Shire Council.
On average, according to Seahawks secretary, Jaimie Petterwood, two balls are lost per game played at the oval, due to the scrub surrounding the area. At $150 per ball, the costs add up quickly for a non-profit club.
Similar netting can often be seen in place at the grounds in metropolitan areas, and is installed to stop balls kicked for goals or behinds from going out of the ground.
Along with its direct financial contribution, Petterwood thanked the council for organising a geotechnical report on the ground, which will assist with the installation of the netting.
Batemans Bay head coach, Mick Kenny, said the netting will "definitely" save players a lot of time scouring the bush for lost balls, and will improve the playing experience at the ground.
"The balls won't get lost at training and game days now," Kenny said.
"And I think it just makes the venue itself [better]. Over the last couple of years, we've done little things to it, we got the electronic scoreboard a few years ago and now the netting's just going to make it an even better place to play footy."
Improvements such as these, Kenny explained, were also a way for the club to repay the commitment shown by its players.
"I've been here for ten years now and seen all these things that have been added in that time, it's the club's way of giving back to the players," he said.
"They feel more comfortable or like they're being looked after when they go and play on a great ground with great facilities."
The club also announced that a free AFL holiday program will take place at Hanging Rock Oval on January 19.
Though not run by the Seahawks, the club did encourage anybody interested to register at the AFL NSW/ACT website. The session is aimed at children between the ages of five and 10, and will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
For more information, please call John at 0411 226 086.