THIS year’s Riverina League grand final is set to remain at Narrandera Sportsground despite concerns over the state of the ground.
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Riverina League clubs met on Monday night and venues for the upcoming finals series was an item hot on the agenda.
After discussions with clubs, Riverina League’s competition management committee (CMC) wants to keep the grand final at Narrandera Sportsground – pending the state of the surface come September 18.
Fears surrounding the condition of the ground is likely to see the five other finals kept away from Narrandera.
Narrandera’s loss is set to be Griffith’s gain with Exies Oval set to host their first final since 2006.
AFL Riverina football operations manager Shane Buchanan said every possible measure is being taken to ensure Narrandera Sportsground is right for the grand final.
“The general consensus of the meeting was that Narrandera will, at this time, host the grand final,” Buchanan said.
“To further that, strong consideration is being given to taking other finals away from Narrandera Sportsground to hopefully have the ground in perfection condition for the grand final.”
The Riverina League CMC will not decide the earlier finals venues until a meeting on August 15.
Wagga’s Robertson Oval is expected to again host the preliminary final, along with a final earlier in the series.
Griffith’s Exies Oval is almost certain to host a final, possibly the elimination final, that could feature the Swans.
Buchanan is not concerned by the prospect of Griffith potentially playing in a home final.
“In recent times, Narrandera and Wagga Tigers have hosted finals and played in the finals,” he said.
“It’s all part of using the best facilities on offer.
“Griffith has come on the radar and their facilities are very good.”
A potential problem for the Riverina League CMC could be finding a venue for the second semi-final, with Robertson Oval already booked for that weekend.