The Hon Simon Crean MP and captain Andrew Swallow unveiled a plaque in the players’ race to mark the occasion.
With the same dimensions as Etihad Stadium, the newly-surfaced oval will allow the players to train at their optimum level in preparation for game-day, but will also provide a world-class facility for the local community to access in the coming months.
“It’s (the oval) more than just for the football players,” Crean said.
“In the very best traditions of North’s respect for its heritage, it’s also understanding its future. It’s building its support base by engaging with the community.
“These new facilities are part of their engagement, and we are delighted as the commonwealth government to be part of that partnership."
Government contributions totalled $1.9 million towards the oval redevelopment, which North coach Brad Scott says will be of great benefit to the club and its fans.
“Friday morning we’ll have our first training session on the ground, and as per usual we’ll invite all our fans down to be part of the club, because really our club is built on its supporters.
“We regard ourselves as leaders of the competition in our engagement with supporters. We don’t close off our training sessions very often. We like to get our supporters to integrate with the players and get to know our players.”
While several players including Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie and Daniel Wells were given the opportunity to test the surface, Ryan Bastinac is awaiting his chance.
“It looks unbelievable. It looks like an AFL ground. I can’t wait to get out there,” Bastinac said.
“We’re going to more kilometres at training, so it’s going to really benefit us playing at the bigger grounds.
“It’s so convenient. Everything’s here now (at Aegis Park) which is what we want. I can’t wait to run out there and have a run around on it.”
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