By Matthew Sims
Yarraville Seddon Eagles junior and senior women’s teams had an unusual addition to their games on Friday, June 17: first-rate bright lights under a twilight sky.
Yarraville Seddon Eagles Football Club member Justin Mullane said the installation and switching on of the new light towers had taken about five years.
“After a number of failed attempts for funding through state body grants and unfortunately needing to compete against many other key sports bodies, in 2020, Yarraville Seddon Eagles finally had the approval to erect new light towers at Yarraville Oval,” he said.
“The project, although taking longer than preferred due to a number of delays, was completed with minimal effect on all tenants at Yarraville Oval and no damage to surrounds or ground surfaces.”
Mr Mullane said the new light towers had more than six times the amount of lighting power than the old light towers.
“These new lights will throw out 150 lux of lighting power which is very much appreciated by all users compared to the old light towers which offered about 23 lux, so no more hiding spots in dark corners on those hard nights of training,” he said.
“In the latter part of the 2022 season and planning for 2023, we intend to schedule some more night games to celebrate our club and community and give people and players the opportunity to enjoy this great change.”
Mr Mullane thanked Maribyrnong council and recreation and open space senior projects officer Laine Delahunty for their support for the project, as well as local MPs and suppliers.
The junior side played against the West Footscray Football Club, while the senior women’s side battled the Hoppers Crossing Football Club under the new lighting.
