Lavington is holding out hope it won’t have to find a new home for next year.
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Albury Council told the Panthers’ committee on Tuesday night Lavington Sportsground will be unavailable due to the required vehicle access for the $11 million redevelopment.
Lavington met on Wednesday night to discuss its options.
“We’re in talks with the council, we’re trying to endeavour to work through some issues, we may be able to still stay on the ground,” club president Peter Barwick said.
When quizzed on what those issues are, Barwick said they’re related to construction.
Council had suggested nearby Urana Road Oval as an alternative, while Barwick flagged the possibility of playing out of Bunton Park, home of fellow O and M club North Albury.
Lavington is contesting its 40th season in the league and has always played its home games at the sportsground.
The prospect of playing at another venue raises numerous issues, including club sponsorship.
“It’s massive, you look at the ground signage,” Barwick said.
“How can you jump down the road for 12 months? All those grounds have got their own signs.
“They (clubs) sign up the signage for 12 months, it’s not just nine games.”
Work is scheduled to start early next year on the upgrade of the grandstand, which requires that vehicular access around the ground.
Training can continue though as around three-quarters of the ground will remain open.
The upgrade had already ruled out the ground hosting next month’s grand final.
The redevelopment to turn the complex into one of Australia’s best regional sporting facilities is scheduled to be ready in 2020.
Meanwhile, Lavington will be looking to put the issue to one side as it looks to make an impact in the upcoming finals series.
The Panthers are set to contest the elimination final on September 2, most likely against Yarrawonga.
Lavington will start outsiders in that game.
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