Almanac Walks: Around the VFL Grounds in a day on foot

 

Chris Shinners’ route visiting every VFL ground in a day on foot

 

 

Around the VFL Grounds in a day on foot

 

Each year I visit all the old VFL Grounds on foot, a walk approaching 50 kms.  The genesis was the discovery of Brunswick Oval – I had wandered off the Capital City Trail – and the magnificent timber grandstand that Lions supporters would have boomed their support from. Growing up in country South Australia and Adelaide I always enjoyed the old footy venues, so it was obvious I should chase down the rest. An original two-day walk soon transitioned into a one-dayer, which it has been for the last three years.

 

Leaving home in Richmond and heading towards Hawthorn, the sun has not shown its face, so the Art Deco grandstands at Glenferrie Oval loom somewhat gloomy. They are in need of love, though at least the Michael Tuck Stand is planned for refurbishment. Then on to Victoria Park and my favourite – despite being Collingwood – original ticket boxes and entry gates, and ‘Hill of Fame’ at the other end. The sun is still refusing to show, so negotiating the early traffic of Hoddle Street on my way to Edinburgh Gardens can be hairy – I must use the lights next time – but I make it for a short rest, deep in Fitzroy territory.

 

Legs are still good and the sun is now up, which is always what you want when negotiating the north fence of Melbourne Cemetery. Turn right just past the end and the opulent Princess Park appears, always grand and making one feel for the Carlton Football Club’s current sadness – well, almost. The long stretch to Windy Hill is the next challenge, though rewards of Queen’s Park and great coffee at Assembly Ground help. As does my walking ritual of reading the names in the Napier Street paving outside Essendon’s old ground.

 

Avoiding trams, buses, cars, motorbikes and trains finds me on Buckley Street – probably no relation to the big man but the coincidence is never lost – and then left and down for a rest and early lunch on the banks of the Maribyrnong. The push from there to Whitten Oval is somewhat dull, but unavoidable, with the appearance of light towers on the horizon as welcome as a church tower on the El Camino. I am always amazed that Teddy Whitten has not walked off his pedestal in annoyance at the ever-present construction works. The Footscray Doggies must have too much money.

 

The passing of halfway on a count of grounds feeds the enthusiasm, as do the sights and smells of Barkly Street through Footscray. Barkly Theatre was my discovery during the last walk; if only there was time to explore inside. Activity within the container interchange along Dynan Road helps an otherwise tough section, and – with apologies to the Kangaroos – the view from Arden Street could also be said to be lacking flair. An extra K to view the North Melbourne Grounds from the other side though does ameliorate somewhat.

 

Spencer Street and Clarendon Streets make up a surprisingly long leg, though the bustling city activity distracts from fading legs and an empty water bottle. At last, through the gates, and the old Swannies’ stomping ground and Albert Park Lake raise the spirits. A visit from Costa would also raise the spirits of Bobby Skilton, attempting a left footer out of the rough. (To be fair, that was only once, and they were still mopping up from the Grand Prix.) The old South Melbourne Stands contrast Bobby’s garden.

 

A very pleasant stroll around the Lake leads me to the most hallowed ground of all – Junction Oval – the old home of my beloved Sainters. How good were they in 1966? Their old brick stands are the best; woe-be-tide any developer that comes near them. With over 40 km under the belt, Punt Road should be a grind, and such would be the case were it not for the imagery of the traditional cold pint at the Spreddy. That nasty hill south of the Yarra does test a little, though soon forgotten at the sight of Punt Road Oval and the Richmond Tigers’ very smart facilities. Pride exudes.

 

Of course, the only place to ‘finish’ – there are still two K’s to get home – is the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground, home of the Melbourne Demons. With that pint in mind, I pay a quick homage to this Cathedral of the Sports, adjust my backpack, and head for the pub. Job done. Until next time; might do it in the other direction.

 

 

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