Perth Stadium presents a big step forward for everyone involved at the Fremantle Dockers, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
When seeing the stadium for the first time on Monday, Lyon toured Fremantle’s change-rooms, recovery and strapping area, warm-up room and coaches’ box.
Lyon also gained a perspective of what is on offer for Fremantle’s members and supporters, from the top of the stands to ground level.
“I’m taken aback. It’s a very impressive world-class stadium,” Lyon said.
“It’s a really cutting-edge facility and the fan engagement and interaction with the team is very exciting.”
Thanks to the steep grandstands, Lyon says fans can create an intimidating atmosphere at Fremantle games.
“With how the stadium is designed, the seating is so close,” Lyon said.
“Where we’re standing now, it’s almost like they’ll be on ‘The Hill’ at the SCG, they’ll be that close and down within four metres of the action.
“There’s plenty of great viewing and it’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone.”
Lyon and his coaching staff will enjoy more space and access to the latest technology in the coaches’ box, however, Lyon said this won’t lead to an expansion of his coaching team.
“It’s very special, there’s plenty of room (in the coaches’ box),” Lyon said.
“We’ll probably have too much going on as we’re looking to go the other way and minimise a bit, but it’s wonderful viewing and there’s great access for coaches with lift access to the ground.
“It’s a wonderful facility and so it should be, it’s been designed from the ground up with the WAFC and in consultation with the Fremantle Football Club, so it should be good design.”
The ground dimensions move away from the long and narrow Domain Stadium and closer to the wider expanses of the MCG.
Perth Stadium will be 10 metres shorter and eight metres wider than Domain Stadium and five metres longer and 11 metres narrower than the MCG.
“As it’s a world-class facility, there's no excuses (for the players) but the ground’s 165 by 130 (metres),” Lyon said.
“It’s 10 metres shorter than our current stadium so they’ll appreciate that and it’s a little bit wider.
"It’s not as wide as the MCG, but there’s a bit more width on it which is something you’ll experience when you play at other venues, so I think that’s advantageous as well.”
