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An all-female grounds team will curate Adelaide Oval’s turf for the first time in preparation for the inaugural AFLW clash between Port Adelaide and Adelaide on Friday 30th September.

Adelaide Oval and the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) have launched a new work experience opportunity for qualified and apprentice female sports turf managers.

Four chosen applicants will assist Adelaide Oval Grounds Person Brooke Francis in preparing the playing surface for the historic game.

Francis explains “being a part of the first ever AFLW Showdown is exciting as is but leading a female grounds team will make it all the more memorable.

“It’s great to see the industry creating new opportunities for women and I’m proud that Adelaide Oval continues to play a key role.

“When I joined the Adelaide Oval team in 2019, I was the first ever female grounds keeper - but I certainly won’t be the last.”

The week-long placement is the first to be launched under ASTMA’s Women in Turf Strategy, designed to support skills development and increase access to major opportunities for women in the turf management industry.

It’s an initiative that Adelaide Oval Head Curator Damian Hough has championed in his role as ASTMA Board Director.

One of the world’s top curators, Hough will share his wealth of experience and knowledge with the successful applicants as part of their placement.

Hough advised “ASTMA’s Women in Turf Strategy is designed to support the next generation of female leaders in this exciting industry.

“Central to that is providing opportunities for these talented turf managers to showcase their work and develop their skills at major venues around Australia, and we’re proud to be kicking things off at Adelaide Oval.

“I look forward to seeing the calibre of applicants and welcoming them to Adelaide Oval for this historic moment.”

Successful applicants will arrive in Adelaide on Tuesday 27th September and undertake the placement from Wednesday 28th September until Saturday 1st October.

Image courtesy of Adelaide Oval.

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