Project Description
The Fremantle Football Club, a leading AFL team, relies on world-class facilities to support its elite training and performance standards. Since 2016, Programmed has been the trusted partner in maintaining the club’s premier training oval, located within the City of Cockburn’s suburban recreational hub. This venue is widely regarded as one of the best AFL training grounds in Australia.
Project Solution
Programmed Property Services has a full-time groundsperson assigned to look after the Fremantle Oval at Parry Road, who starts as early as 5am to ensure the open spaces are all ready for training. On average, the four to five hours following this early start involves mowing the surface, marking out the oval and sanding divots. Programmed also regularly conducts core ground sampling to test the Oval’s moisture and ensure a healthy, bug-free turf with a good root system.
Programmed’s open space maintenance services at Fremantle Football Club go beyond routine mowing. The Perth team delivers a comprehensive turf management program that includes:
- Surface and soil profile benchmarking
- Precision mowing and turf conditioning
- Chemical and fertiliser applications
- Irrigation system management
- Nutrition programs and consultancy
- Environmental management of the sports field
Using specialised turf equipment and data-driven condition reporting, Programmed ensures the oval remains in peak condition year-round. The team’s agility was especially critical during COVID-19, when split training sessions required flexible scheduling and uninterrupted surface quality.
The open space maintenance work Programmed provides this elite training facility is integral to the Dockers’ success. “It’s super important as our club’s key assets – our players – play and train on this facility,” explains Mr Rosich.
In the 2013 Qualifying Final, the Fremantle Dockers were set to play Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Programmed were able to put in place the exact dimensions of the Simonds Stadium at the Fremantle Oval.
“It made possible the transition of going down there in such a big game, a Grand Final, understanding that our training throughout the week simulated what we would experience in the weekend. The Programmed grounds team has done a fantastic job at maintaining our Oval. It’s this expertise that has seen the club engage them for the design and build process for our new training facility,” – Matthew Pavlich, Captain of the Fremantle Football Club
The Club has engaged Programmed for its move to the new $106 million facility at Cockburn Central West. “Programmed’s long-standing partnership with us and their expertise in major facilities management is a key reason we’ve chosen them to partner with us,” said Mr Rosich. The scope of works for this includes the design and build of the club’s elite training oval in addition to its establishment and eventual maintenance.
Project Outcome
The oval consistently meets the demands of professional AFL training, allowing the club to conduct sessions at any time of day, across all seasons. The surface presentation reflects positively on both the Fremantle Football Club and the City of Cockburn, reinforcing the facility’s reputation as a benchmark in sports field asset management.
Key Project Value Adds
- Elite Turf Maintenance: Delivered through specialised equipment and expert programming
- Flexible Scheduling: Adapted to training needs and COVID protocols
- Data-Driven Insights: Benchmarking and condition reporting for optimal turf health
- Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable turf and irrigation practices
- Public Facility Enhancement: Supports community pride and recreational value
