PILA's Barrier Netting at Swans' Training Field Creates Focused Training Environment

On the Moore Park training field shared by the Sydney Swans and NSW Waratahs, PILA's National Sales Manager, Shaun Groves, fulfilled a lifelong dream by kicking goals with his heroes from the Swans.

It was a scorching hot Sydney summer's day and Shaun, along with other PILA staff plus the Swans' High Performance Operations Manager (and former AFL player), Peter Berbakov, had just installed new 10m high permanent barrier netting for the training field. The Swans had been frustrated by the loss of training time from recovering balls, and the falling balls had become a hazard, interfering with players doing sprint training nearby.

Catalyst

Last year PILA installed a semi-permanent barrier netting system at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for pre-game practice kicking, which sparked the Swans to investigate a similar solution for their training field.

Requirements

The mission for the SCG was to supply a barrier system that would provide protection for spectators during warm-up kicks, and could be quickly and easily lowered directly before the match starts. By contrast, the training ground needed a permanent, hassle-free solution to keep balls contained to save time collecting them, as well as protecting people. They also needed a broader area covered due to the impending inner-west lightrail system.

Solution

PILA provided a 10m high by 40m wide barrier. The system is wider than the typical 30m wide systems that provide sufficient clearance either side of the behind posts. The nets can be left permanently raised, although a unique pulley system allows for easy raising and lowering of the nets when needed.

Thanks to their new field barrier netting, the Swans have created a safer and focused training environment. And Shaun has one less item on his bucket list!

Contact PILA about our standard or customised barrier netting solutions - 13 7452 or info@pilagroup.com.au