By Ron Carter
First published in The Age on November 10, 1977
Packer plants the hollowed turf of VFL Park
Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket arrived at VFL Park yesterday and left a massive scar in the centre of the $50 million football-only stadium.
The cricket pitch for the WSC season being installed at Waverley Park.Credit:Tony Feder
In a few hours football’s showpiece was turned into a cricket ground.
Six massive concrete troughs were lowered into prepared hollows to make three wickets.
In just 23 days men in creams from all over the world will make the scene complete as they take part in the first Packer International match.
They will replace the men in shorts and football jumper, who have reigned supreme over the AFL Park turf since it was opened on April 18, 1970.
Instead of goals and behinds, they’ll be hitting fours and sixes.
Thankfully, say the football lovers, yesterday’s putting-in-the- wicket operation will be reversed in February.
Excavations at VFL Park prepare the ground for the WSC cricket pitch.Credit:The Age Archvies
Out will go the black wicket soil which becomes the foul-smelling centre at other League grounds in winter.
Back will go the football turf and hopefully next year VFL Park will he as good as ever.
Football administrators say it is all in a good cause — like the $1 million VFL clubs will get from Packer for a three-year cricket deal.
Every effort sat made yesterday to protect other parts of the ground as several 30 tonne cranes and a low loader moved the 30 tonne cranes and a low loader moved the 52 tonne troughs into position front the hothouse 600 metres away.
Thick steel plates were laid across the ground and little or no damage was done to the surface.
The first of the $1000 private boxes at VFL Park for the WSC matches there has been sold.
And guess who the first customer is? Former VFL president Sir Maurice Nathan.
