THE Ovens and Murray Football-Netball League faces a difficult choice for its grand final venue when the Lavington Sportsground's $19.6 million redevelopment is completed, potentially as early as 2020.
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Its makeover has forced the league to find an alternative venue for the past two seasons with Wangaratta Council and the wider community embracing the opportunity to stage the biggest football-netball grand final in the region.
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The Norm Minns Oval and surrounds were presented in first class condition on Sunday and the public response was even stronger than 12 months earlier when it hosted the grand final for the first time since 1994.
An official crowd of 8112 people was up by nearly 1000 with crowds at most O and M finals matches on the bounce back.
In 2016, only 4125 people attended.
There is no disputing fans are re-connecting with the O and M due to the more even nature of the competition, highlighted this year with the make-up of the top-five and top-three still up in the air until late in the home and away rounds.
Equalisation measures, most notably the player points system, are starting to make a real impact and already fans are talking enthusiastically about what might unfold in 2020.
Albury Council is hopeful its premier ground will be back online for next year's grand final, but there is still a distance to go with the redevelopment and the coming construction-friendly months will be crucial in having it available.
Wangaratta will be equally determined to hang onto the grand final.
Congratulations to clubs in all leagues which won premierships this season.
The code is not without its challenges, particularly club sustainability in places such as the Upper Murray, but overall interest and community engagement remain at healthy levels.
