Have you visited the Manuka Oval yet? This famous stadium in Canberra stands in the southern enclave of Griffith along Canberra Avenue, not far from Telopea Park. It ranks as one of the most beautiful stadiums in Australia. With seating for over 13,550 people, Manuka Oval attracts thousands of enthusiastic football fans. They frequently visit the stadium to support the Greater Western Sydney Giants, a football club in the Australian Football League (the AFL).
Manuka Oval: A Brief History
Manuka Oval became an enclosed athletic ground in 1929. Local clubs had played cricket, rugby and football in this location previously. However, grading and grass seeding only commenced in earnest on the Manuka Oval that year. Eventually, the site would become the scene of a dizzying array of events: parades, carnivals, sporting matches, and even dog shows. Recently, cricket and AFL football games have become the chief focus of people visiting the Manuka Oval.
Manuka Oval: Home Stadium of The Greater Western Sydney Giants
Widely known as “the Giants”, the Greater Western Sydney Giants football club traces its origins to 2008 and 2009 (when Alan McConnell became the first person hired by the club). The team commenced its first season as an AFL club in March 2012 in a match against the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium. The Giants agreed to play four games annually at the Manuka Oval (they maintain a home training ground at Sydney Olympic Park). The team attracts large crowds of enthusiastic supporters to the Manuka Oval.
Some Memorable Football Milestones for The Giants
Since their founding, the Giants have made steady gains in developing their club. During the 2013 season, the team recorded only a single victory. Although the initial seasons disappointed some fans, these matches offered valuable experience. They provided a foundation for growth. Player Jeremy Cameron finished 2013 by winning selection to the All-Australian team (he also accomplished 62 goals that season). Soon afterwards, other prominent players joined the Giants’ roster. Today the club’s roster includes many talented football stars, including Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw, Tim Taranto, Jed Lamb and Brett Deledio.
The Giants Strive to Become Rising Stars
Season 2016 became a high point for the Giants, still a comparatively young AFL club. The Giants played in a Preliminary Final match. They also enjoyed two victories in matches against the Sydney Swans. Fans of the Giants anticipate the team will continue to rise in stature in the Australian Football League in the future. Manuka Oval will surely witness some momentous victories in the AFL as the club continues to gain supporters and enhance its capabilities and reputation.
Watch a Match at Manuka Oval Soon
If you expect to tour Canberra soon, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to watch the Giants play at lovely Manuka Oval. Visiting the stadium provides a great way to appreciate the charm of this exceptional city in South-eastern Australia!
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