Latest news with #GrandFinal
Herald Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Waverley Park: AFL likely to snap up historic Hawks' home
Waverley Park in Mulgrave. Melbourne's historic Waverley Park may not be lost to football, with the AFL firmly in the race to purchase the venue from Hawthorn. It would be the league's second major piece of infrastructure, following their purchase of Marvel Stadium in Docklands for more than $30m in 2016. Expressions of interest for the property closed on April 3, and a deal is expected to be finalised within a matter of days. RELATED: Ex-Tiger star Kayne Pettifer and mate set to farewell Bungalow Beer Garden Actor Shane Jacobson reveals plans after buying country Vic pub Fairfield: Developer splashes $50m on Heidelberg Rd site Industry sources have indicated the property had attracted significant interest, but the AFL was the frontrunner. They also confirmed the sales price would likely fall in the $10m to $20m range. Hawthorn purchased the ground for just $1 in 2006, with the club set to cash in big-time on any sale. Commercial real estate agency Colliers' director Ben Baines, Victorian chief executive Rob Joyes and executive Lucas Soccio, who have the listing, declined to comment. The Goodlife Gym at Waverley Park generates $600,000 in annual rental income. The offering includes the Hawks' soon-to-be former training and administrative headquarters set within the within the Sir Kenneth Luke Stand, with the club set to move to a purpose-built new Dingley Village site this year. Features of Waverley Park include a full-size MCG-specification oval on the title, a gym, 25m-long heated indoor pool, running track, medical treatment rooms and 48 basement car spaces. But the listing does not include the famous oval that hosted more than 730 AFL and VFL games, including the 1991 AFL grand final. Jack Ginnivan kicks during a Hawks training session at Waverley Park on March 18, 2025. Picture:. While the venue once had a capacity of 72,000 people, much of the stadium has since been demolished and is now surrounded by a housing estate. The AFL said only on Friday night that it was always looking for more facilities to accommodate the growth of the game. 'The AFL has targeted having 10 million attendees at AFL/AFLW games, events or festivals, two million AFL club members and one million participants and in order to achieve the target for participation we need two ovals a week every week for the next five years,' AFL spokesman Jay Allen said. 'We are always looking for ovals, either already in the system that we can continue to use for football, or new greenfield developments so we can continue to expand the space we need to accommodate the strong national growth in people playing our game.' Footballers Jason Dunstall and Dermott Brereton with the Premiership Cup from the 1991 Grand Final match between Hawthorn and West Coast at Waverley Park. Picture: Darren Tindale. Former footballer John Rombotis debuted at Waverley Park for Fitzroy in 1995, and had one of his best games in the AFL with Port Adelaide at the ground in 1997. Rombotis, now a real estate agent, said it was good to see the AFL taking an interest in the old ground – and noted that a purchase price under $20m would be just a fraction of what they were making at Marvel Stadium each year. Waverley Park also hosted the 2000 VFA/VFL premiership match, the last official game played there, and a KISS concert in the 1980s. – additional reporting by Chris Cavanagh and David Bonaddio Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Swans icon's family farewells Melbourne home after 115 years Albert Park: Essendon's Andrew McGrath's $2m+ deal Bodybuilder Sergio Taranto lists Lysterfield mansion
South Wales Argus
9 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Hannah Joseph: Lightning must bring their own energy to the Copper Box
Lightning beat London Pulse 58-53 in May, the only side to defeat the regular season table-toppers at home this season. It continued Lightning's fine record of results at the venue, with their last two Grand Final victories also coming in east London. Joseph knows her side will continue to fine tune their performance, but will be using last month's victory as the base ahead of Friday's major semi-final clash against the same opponents. She said: 'Last time we went down there we were super pleased with our performance for around 50 minutes so going into this one, we are looking at what we did well and how we can repeat that as well as those areas we want to fix up. 'Going away to Pulse is always a really hard place to play. They have so many fans and the Copper Box can get very loud at times, but we will prepare for this major semi-final as we would prepare for any semi-final. 'It is probably going to be majority Pulse, so it is a good opportunity to see how we can get around each other and find our own energy.' Lightning finished second in the regular season table, five points behind Pulse after defeat on the final day to Birmingham Panthers. It was a fourth loss of the season for the defending champions, and Joseph hopes her side can take heed of any lessons learned before they travel to London on Friday. 'We were really disappointed with the loss, we always go out there to win. More than anything we didn't feel like we performed,' she added. 'It definitely will give us a kick in the right direction and fire us up but ideally we would have won that and performed well. That's the way you want to go into semi-finals. Ultimately though for semi-finals it is about how you turn up on the day.' Lightning have plenty of big match experience in their ranks, with Joseph one of the core members of the side who have won the last two Netball Super League titles. Vic Burgess was able to add experienced names such as Samantha Wallace-Joseph, Shadine van der Merwe and Jodie Gibson to the ranks this season and Joseph believes having that know-how will serve them well. 'The big thing is all of us stepping up,' she said. 'There are leaders like Nat [Panagarry] who are super vocal but you need everyone to be contributing in their own way, even if that looks different. 'The amount of experience we have in the squad and the number of people who have played in finals puts us in a good place because it is very different.' While Lighting have good memories from their last encounter with Pulse, they will also be keenly aware of the reverse fixture back in March which saw Pulse power to a 77-51 win. 'That loss against Pulse was huge for us,' said Joseph. 'It was very early on in the season and as a squad we could rationalise that some of it was performance and some of it was just where we were in the season. 'There have been some losses we weren't overly pleased with this year but there aren't huge blowout games anymore. There are super competitive games and for the sport that is a good place to be.' Friday's prize is a ticket straight to the Grand Final at the O2 Arena on 6 July. The loser must fight again in next weekend's Preliminary Final, against either Manchester Thunder or London Mavericks before they too can dream of the O2. 'To play at the O2 is going to be amazing,' added Joseph. 'The way the fans have got behind games this year has been amazing, netball has been bigger than ever. 'To get a final at the O2 is huge. We said at the start of the season we wanted to be there, we want to win three championships in a row but there are still some matches to win before we get to that point.' To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter. The NSL Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball!
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Chiefs vs Crusaders: How to watch Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final - Live streaming, TV, time, date and other details
The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in Christchurch as the Crusaders and Chiefs clash in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final on Saturday. In what promises to be a classic encounter, the Crusaders return to their backyard - where they boast a perfect record in playoff rugby. Since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996, they have remained unbeaten in 31 finals and knockout matches played on home soil, a staggering run spanning three decades. ALSO READ: Red-hot Chiefs challenge Crusaders' reign in Super Rugby Pacific final Looking to rewrite the script are the Chiefs, making their third consecutive Grand Final appearance. After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. HOW TO WATCH CRUSADERS VS CHIEFS FINAL IN US Live Events Match: Crusaders vs Chiefs Date: Saturday, June 21 Kickoff Time: 3:05am ET Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium , Christchurch Where to Watch: ESPN+ Live and FloRugby & FloSports app HOW TO WATCH SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL IN NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final can be watched at 7:05pm NZST on NZR+ and Sky TV New Zealand in NZ, while in Australia you can grab the action on Channel 9 & Stan at 5:05pm AEST. CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (C), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo CRUSADERS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Tamaiti Williams , Codie Taylor , Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (C), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
Economic Times
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
Chiefs vs Crusaders: How to watch Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final - Live streaming, TV, time, date and other details
After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. (Super Rugby Pacific Photo) The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in Christchurch as the Crusaders and Chiefs clash in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final on what promises to be a classic encounter, the Crusaders return to their backyard - where they boast a perfect record in playoff rugby. Since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996, they have remained unbeaten in 31 finals and knockout matches played on home soil, a staggering run spanning three decades. ALSO READ: Red-hot Chiefs challenge Crusaders' reign in Super Rugby Pacific finalLooking to rewrite the script are the Chiefs, making their third consecutive Grand Final appearance. After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. Match: Crusaders vs Chiefs Date: Saturday, June 21 Kickoff Time: 3:05am ET Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Where to Watch: ESPN+ Live and FloRugby & FloSports app HOW TO WATCH SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL IN NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final can be watched at 7:05pm NZST on NZR+ and Sky TV New Zealand in NZ, while in Australia you can grab the action on Channel 9 & Stan at 5:05pm AEST. CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (C), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo CRUSADERS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (C), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Sam Bird: Pulse excited for the big stage
Sam Bird believes her London Pulse side are ready to embrace the big stage ahead of their major semi-final against Loughborough Lightning. Pulse finished top of the regular season table and come into Friday's clash at the Copper Box full of confidence off the back of four straight wins. Their last defeat came at the hands of Lightning, who have proved Pulse's nemesis in recent seasons. Pulse's last three campaigns have ended at the hands of Lightning, including defeat in the 2023 Grand Final at the Copper Box. But Bird believes her young squad have matured immeasurably since then and are now relishing the big matches. 'They are so desperate to show what they can do,' said Bird. 'It has gone from being nervous on that big stage to thriving on it. There's no arrogance, there's no complacency but it's an excitement to be involved in these games now opposed to being a bit scared.' Confidence is the watchword for Bird and her Pulse side, who have turned the tears of two years ago into an unwavering determination to achieve a maiden Netball Super League title. Twelve wins from their 14 matches this season, including a 77-51 demolition of Lightning away from home in March, has certainly helped. 'It does feel like we have momentum, and the squad is still developing and improving, we are still looking at growth at this point,' added Bird. 'The fact we have won the Super Cup and then league is a good confidence boost, and confidence is really important. 'We know this game is going to be tight on Friday, nobody is going to roll over, but we have confidence to know we can win and that really important going into the game.' The season has not been without its hitches either; a seven-game unbeaten start to the season came to a shuddering halt at the hands of Nottingham Forest in early May before Lightning won at the Copper Box two weeks later. The response, however, was exactly what Bird and her side needed in order to go again heading into the post-season. 'There was no finger-pointing, there was a lot of personal accountability both from the coaches and from players,' she revealed. 'We really recognised it was small things that contributed to those losses, and we were still the same strong roster.' Pulse's response on the court, four wins in a row to end the season, earned them top spot and a home major semi-final, meaning victory on Friday will send them straight through to the Grand Final at the O2 Arena. Bird is hoping home comforts can make all the difference, after reflecting that her squad may have been overwhelmed by changes to their routine ahead of last season's semi-final defeat to Lightning. 'It is really important to us to have this game at home,' said Bird. 'There is nothing better than playing at your home venue, an iconic venue like the Copper Box. It feels like we have done everything we can to put ourselves in a good position. 'Everybody is in their own bed, everyone is familiar with the venue. All our support staff are there; we have extra resource there to look after us. '[The major semi-final] is all new, so none of us as coaches have been through this process, so it is a new test for us. 'It feels less stressful to be in the major semi-final than a traditional semi-final, as that is knockout netball. It changes the mindset a little bit. We obviously want to win this game and then have a bit of recovery to peak for the final. That's the ideal route. 'It doesn't feel as edgy as when we played Loughborough last year in the semi-final, having beaten them twice in the league and then lost and it was all over. 'I genuinely feel like we couldn't have tried any harder this year, but just trying hard doesn't guarantee you anything.' To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter. The NSL Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball!
