Skinner Reserve
Designing an Elite AFL Training Ground in Melbourne’s West
Victoria

Timing was key in this project. Not only did completion have to align with commencement of the Whitten Oval Redevelopment, but it was important to align construction timelines with turf growing conditions. Ensuring the turf had a suitable establishment period was critical to ensure the surface was ready for training and games.

The team at SPORTENG designed a purpose-built elite perched water table AFL Field, with a 2-lane 506m perimeter athletics track in the Bulldogs colours of Red and Blue. The AFL field was built to match the exact dimensions of Marvel Stadium to mimic the Bulldogs home game conditions as best as possible.

A perched water table profile was chosen for its ability to retain stormwater, encourage deep root growth, and support a robust natural turf surface. This design is paired with a modern, high-performance drainage and irrigation network, ensuring the field remains playable year-round—even after heavy rain.

To ensure that turf timelines met construction timelines, SPORTENG split the tender into two parts – a civil component for the field of play design, and a turf supply component for the turf itself. This allowed the project team to secure turf early to ensure adequate time for turf establishment within the appropriate growing season.

Additional elements such as lighting and behind goal netting complete the project to create a complete, fit-for-purpose venue.

Skinner Reserve is a great example of an elite, natural turf AFL oval. Designed to meet elite-level needs during the Whitten Oval redevelopment and built to mirror the playing surface at Marvel Stadium, this elite natural turf field of play not only provides the Western Bulldogs with a suitable training ground, but also give the community a high-level, long-term asset that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Open space is such a valued asset of our community, as is community sport, and this upgrade, including the addition of high-class turf, will ensure the needs of the local community and our growing population can be met now and into the future.” said Maribyrnong Mayor Anthony Tran

Source: Skinner reserve upgrade nearing completion

“We’re excited to have access to a high-quality training oval for our men’s and women’s teams, which is close to VU Whitten Oval and has historical significance to our people.” said Chief executive officer of the Western Bulldogs Football Club Ameet Bains

Source: Skinner reserve upgrade nearing completion

Thanks to SPORTENG’s holistic design approach, covering everything from agronomic assessments to detailed construction documentation, the new Skinner Reserve supports both performance and participation for years to come.