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

Barrier Netting Keeps the Ball in Play

The history of AFL is the development of a sport for the people. Along with football (soccer) and rugby it has its roots in British schoolyard games, however AFL evolved not only for the player but also for the spectator. The modern game is distinguished from other football codes thanks to its pace and energy so prized by spectators, and keeping the game moving has become an administrative priority. To reduce time wastage, barrier netting can be installed to keep the ball in the field of play.

The Spectators’ Sport

According to football historian Geoffrey Blainey, AFL spectators “longed for the spectacular; they wanted to see the long run with the ball, the high mark, the clever dodging and the sudden physical clash. They shunned the slow-moving play and especially the scrummage”. The more dynamic and open play features of the game appealed to the crowds and consequently were codified into the game. High scoring games became achievable in the absence of an off-side rule and by kicking closer to the goals.

Flying Balls

All this kicking and marking and handpassing keeps the ball moving through the air and possibly out of the field. When the ball exits the field of play someone has to retrieve it. This can be a time-consuming nuisance, especially during practice sessions. The simplest solution is the installation of barrier netting to halt the ball.

Time-Saving Solution

Barrier netting is available in many shapes and sizes, both permanent and semi-permanent. A semi-permanent option allows the greatest versatility for the field as it can be quickly and easily removed.

Popular Solution

In the Melbourne metropolitan alone there’s at least one new PILA barrier netting system being installed every month. They are popular with local clubs where the nets are left up throughout play. At major stadiums they raise them for match warm-up as players repeatedly kick through the goals, but lower them for the actual game. The SCG is one of many happy PILA clients.

PILA’s barrier netting system is the perfect solution for action-packed AFL to help keep the ball in the field of play.