ARTICLE COURTESY OF PORT MACQUARIE NEWS

SYDNEY Swans AFL stars say there is no reason Port Macquarie can’t attract major pre-season games in the near future.

The claim comes after the Swans 2010 Rising Star Dan Hannebery and rugby union code jumper Mike Pyke made a visit to inspect the new AFL ground under construction at Wayne Richards Park.

“It doesn’t look like much at the moment but, from what we have been told, it is going to be a top-notch facility,” Hannebery said.

“It will be good for the game and it will be especially good for the town if it is able to attract pre-season games in the future.

“Hopefully it will create more interest and enthusiasm in the sport and more people have a crack at it and try it out.”

The Swans star said Port Macquarie would have more than a modern facility and ground to attract clubs to play in town.

“Well, it really is a beautiful town,”

“There are some great beaches around, and I would definitely enjoy coming back here to play in a pre-season game, so would any AFL player, I think.

“There is definitely a potential for this facility to become one of the best up the coast.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council manager of parks and recreation Liam Bulley said attracting games such as an AFL pre-season match would be a huge boon for the town, and could be on the agenda in the coming years.

The total cost of the facility has been estimated at a shade under one $1 million.

Floodlighting with 200 lux lights already has been installed and will allow for night matches to be played on the field.

Irrigation already has been installed, surface laser levelling has been used and turf installation is to begin soon.

Work on the field has been delayed significantly thanks to wet weather during November and December, but is expected to be complete and ready for use by May.