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Northe: LV Should Host Afl Pre-Season Game Picsearch.com Morwell MP Russell Northe has declared that the Latrobe Valley could be a key part of the solution to the AFL/Etihad Stadium standoff over an events clash next February. By Russell Northe - 1st July 2009 - Back to News Speaking in Parliament this week, Mr Northe encouraged the government to lobby the AFL to schedule pre-season matches in Gippsland and other fire-affected regions of Victoria.
"A dispute between the AFL and Etihad Stadium management over a clash of events in February 2010 gives the Brumby government an enormous opportunity to support the possibility of the Latrobe Valley hosting an AFL pre‑season game early next year," he said.
Whilst the Brumby government has stated it is not interested in becoming involved in the dispute, Mr Northe suggested it could be part of the solution by actively supporting the idea.
"The Latrobe Valley is extremely well placed to host an event of this magnitude, and such a game would provide a massive morale boost to the local community, which was devastated by the recent bushfires," he explained.
Mr Northe acknowledged that considerable planning would need to be undertaken but said facilities in both Morwell and Traralgon had a demonstrated ability to service large crowds, with both grounds currently in good condition.
The Nationals MP has written to Victorian Sports Minister James Merlino and AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou flagging the idea and said he was hopeful the proposal would be looked upon favourably.
Mr Northe said there was scope for a range of major sporting and cultural events to be held in the Latrobe Valley as part of the recovery process.
"Cricket, soccer, basketball, netball, theatre, comedy, music or dance – all present opportunities to deliver social and financial benefits to those impacted by this awful disaster," he said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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