The move comes after the AFL deemed the surface at Henry Street Oval in Northam would not meet the standards required for an AFL fixture.
AFL General Manager Broadcasting, Scheduling and Legal Affairs Simon Lethlean said the WAFC, the Shire of Northam and the AFL’s turf consultants had all put in considerable work in preparing the surface for a potential match.
“Whilst the turf works had improved the playing surface there was still significant work and investment required for the surface to meet AFL standards,” Lethlean said.
“At this stage it could not be guaranteed that this could be achieved in time.”
The AFL has resolved to postpone a NAB Cup game at Northam until the 2014 pre-season.
The Fremantle/Western Bulldogs NAB Cup match will bounce down at 3.30pm local time at Rushton Park.
“Rushton Park will be ready to host this match on Saturday 9 March for Fremantle and the Bulldogs and, coupled with West Coast’s visit to Northam, enables regional fans in different parts of the state to access the two WA clubs before the premiership season,” Lethlean said.
Lethlean also thanked competition partner NAB, the two clubs, the Shire of Northam, the WAFC and City of Mandurah for their support in enabling the alteration to the pre-season match schedule.
Tickets for the match are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Fremantle fans can purchase online at ticketmaster.com.au, by phoning 1300 136 122 or visiting any Ticketmaster outlet.
Fremantle's 2013 NAB Cup Fixture is:
Round 1 - Saturday 16 February
Patersons Stadium
Game 1 - 4:40pm WST Fremantle v Geelong Cats
Game 3 - 6.50pm WST Fremantle v West Coast
*two 17.5-minute halves, with 2.5 minutes where time-on is taken into account
Round 2 - Saturday 2 March
Etihad Stadium
7:40pm EDT - Carlton v Fremantle
*four 15 minute quarters, with 7.5 minutes where time-on is taken into account
Round 3 - Saturday 9 March
Rushton Park, Mandurah
3:30pm WST - Fremantle v Western Bulldogs
*four 15 minute quarters, with 7.5 minutes where time-on is taken into account
