Sydney Swans put artificial turf to the test in pre-season training

The Sydney Swans have put a Lane Cove Council-owned artificial turf sportsfield to the test during their pre-season training.

Making use of Blackman Park in the Sydney suburb of Lane Cove for an open skills session,

Coach John Longmire highlighted the benefits of synthetic surfaces for community and elite sport.

Longmire told reporters “the boys have loved it and I think it’s a great surface.

“We want to continue to support the use of synthetic surfaces, of different surfaces in sport, not just AFL football.

“We think this is a great opportunity for Sydney councils and governments to be able to support the use of multipurpose venues like this.

“I think it’s the way of the future. And particularly when land’s so scarce, to have venues like this and to be able to play as many sports as you can on it is great for the whole community.”

With artificial turf widely used in hockey and football, and several artificial turf surfaces used for AFL in suburban Melbourne, Longmire reportedly warmed to the idea while watching English rugby union team Saracens do so a few years ago.

He praised Blackman Park’s fields and their markings for AFL, football, rugby union and league and cricket.

With AAP and afl.com.au

Images: The Sydney Swans train on artificial turf at Blackman Park (top) and Blackman Park from the air (below).

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17th February 2014 - LICENSED SYNTHETIC TURF MANUFACTURERS ANNOUNCED THROUGH AFL AND CRICKET AUSTRALIA PROGRAM 

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20th March 2013 - VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTES TO SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITY DEVELOPMENTS 

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