Footy Park benches spotted in Coober Pedy
Football Park was done with the AFL decamping to Adelaide Oval. Demolition commenced and the old aluminium benches were made available for purchase. Country footy clubs and pubs were among those who bought some.
For those of us who remember the benches they became a symbol of how inhospitable a visit to West Lakes could be. Think hail on a Sunday night, huddled under a plastic poncho, getting belted by a visiting powerhouse. And freezing on those benches which could generate bone-deep cold. They were replaced by individual plastic bucket seats in 2004.
Last week I was in Coober Pedy for work and having jogged up and down the lengthy main street, on my final morning I decided to run the local trail called the Triangle. It was already hot although the infamous spring winds were absent. I ran past the Coober Pedy oval, and thought of their footy team, the Saints. Away games are at Roxby Downs which is a lazy 900km round trip.
At three points around the Triangle are benches for walkers and runners to rest. Closer inspection confirmed that these were the old aluminium benches from that most unloved of venues, Footy Park!
It got me thinking. Where else did these benches end up? History worth remembering or best forgotten? Any sightings? For many, I imagine the purchase of these might represent ironic memorabilia. Have you spotted one or more at your local boozer? Footy club? On a mate’s patio?
Would love to see any photos of these in situ as well as any comments confirming sightings!
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About Mickey Randall
Now whip it into shape/ Shape it up, get straight/ Go forward, move ahead/ Try to detect it, it's not too late/ To whip it, whip it good
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There’s a grandstand full of them at Elizabeth Oval.
Surely, the mise-en-scène at the Ponderosa means the benches are warmer there than in their previous location. I can’t think of any private or public furniture I’ve enjoyed less!
Thanks Swish.
Just noted in an old ‘Tiser article that some of the benches ended up at these- Wallaroo Football Club, Lameroo Football Club, Point Pearce Aboriginal Community Club, Port Augusta Council, Kadina Football Club, West Lakes Bowling Club, Pinnaroo Football Club, Berri Barmera Council and Heathfield Netball Club.
On West Lakes noted local journo David Washington once called it Venice-on-Royal Park.
Notwithstanding the many marginal seats driven funding projects for Kardinia Park from both Federal and State governments Mickey, I can confirm there are none at KP. RDL
Thanks, RDL- KP epitomises continuous improvement, if not continuous funding.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on the World Cup to see if any Footy Park benches have ended up there, especially Stadium 974.