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 Princes 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 kilometres 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.
To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au home page click HERE
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
About Almanac Admin
Fantastic effort Chris! I think you will inspire a number of Almanackers to retrace your steps. Perhaps a future group walk could be organised. I’m sure there will be many takers.
How long did it take you?
Great effort. I’d love to read about a similar journey through VFA grounds.
Maybe I could get going on that one myself? Starting with my beloved Bullants at Preston City Oval.
What a great idea Chris!
I guess pubs and pies would slow the progress.
Absolutely sensational.
That’s what I call a pilgrimage!
You have definitely started something here Chris. It doesn’t need a name but I have just thought of the ‘Tired Legs Eleven’.
Really enjoying the feedback! In answer to Wippet – about 8 1/2 hours. And to Peter – I think “halt” the progress would be the outcome. ‘Tired Legs Eleven’ – perfect.
Brilliant Chris. Screams “Annual event!”
You never saw The Saints play at the Junction?
I’m about 15 kilometres short of the fitness needed for this walk but have done walks all over the world with Christopher over the last 20 years and can safely say there is nobody who enjoys walking more than him.
In days long gone by the reward at the end of the day was a ciggie and a pint. These days the ciggie’s been replaced by the optional second pint.
Cracking recount and a fantastic effort :) I’ll definitely have to join you on one of these before the developers have their way.
Love it! As a cyclist I think you would be flirting with danger on those roads. However using Melbourne’s extensive cycling infrastructure (adding a few kms) would make this an enjoyable pilgrimage too.
For the next, semi-non-traditional pilgrimage, chuck in Moorabbin and Waverley.
For a real challenge add Geelong!
Otherwise add in the VFA grounds for a richer experience!
That’s some walk in one day or eight and a half hours Chris! Congratulations. Dare I ask how many footy seasons you have witnessed? Maybe I could try Sydney’s defunct racecourses, starting at the site of Moorefield, thence New Brighton, Ascot, Rosebery, Botany, Victoria Park, Kensington before finishing at Harold Park. I would not be taking short odds about me making it in one day thought (if at all).
Many years ago, I did an inner VFL/ district cricket themed walk. I walked the grounds Chris mentioned, except Footscray and Essendon, and included the Albert Ground, Melbourne Uni Oval and Westgarth Street Northcote. My favourite memory of the day was when having a recovery beer in the Beaumaris Hotel, I was introduced to Fitzroy great Norm Brown. I proudly told Norm where I had walked, especially Brunswick Street. He looked up from his beer and said “What the f*** for”??
Brilliant Chris! 50k! Whatever gets you out of mowing the lawn I suppose.
A telling reminder of how localised the game once was (sorry Geelong fans).
How is this not an organised event? The VFL Marathon!
Hi Chris,
I’ve just plotted out my walk(s) around the old VFA grounds.
Suffice to say, I have to split it over 4 seperate days as the sum total is in the region of 240km!
Day 1: Preston – Coburg – Brunswick – Northcote – Prahran – Camberwell – Box Hill – Caulfield – Brighton (59.9km)
Day 2: Brighton – Oakleigh – Waverley – Springvale – Dandenong – Frankston (56.2km)
Day 3: Frankston – Mordialloc – Moorabbin – Sandringham – Port Melbourne – Yarraville (56.0km)
Day 4: Yarraville – Williamstown – Werribee – Sunshine (64.9km)