All systems go

The countdown to tonight’s NAB Cup clash between Greater Western Sydney (GWS) and Brisbane Lions has almost finished as the redeveloped Robertson Oval was opened to the public for the first time yesterday evening.

A big crowd attended the official opening of Robertson Oval yesterday afternoon, before the Giants hit the oval for their final training session before tonight’s game.

The city’s next generation of footballers were the first to test out the surface, as hundreds of kids took part in Auskick clinics yesterday afternoon.

The time has now arrived for the big game and McPherson said everything was ready to go.

“It’s exciting, the time has come,” McPherson said.

“Twenty-one years has been too long to wait, but we’ve got a new club, a new facility and it’s all very positive for the future. It’s not just about the game (tonight), it’s about Wagga supporting Wagga.”

As of close of business yesterday afternoon, more than 5000 tickets had been sold for the NAB Cup round-two clash.

Tickets can still be purchased at the gate and organisers expect a crowd of up to 10,000 to witness the historic moment under lights.

“The preparation has been fantastic,” McPherson said.

“It’s been busy, all hands have been on deck, but it’s all ready to go.

“The scoreboard, the lights, we’ve had the test run, now we hope everyone turns up and supports it.”

The weather this week was cause for concerns as Wagga was hit with plenty of rain over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

McPherson said it worked out perfectly and did no harm, apart from reducing the car capacity on Bolton Park slightly.

“It helped the ground and the surrounds,” McPherson said.

“It was better that it did rain.”

The Giants arrived in Wagga yesterday morning and were busy yesterday visiting the city’s schools and the children’s ward at Wagga Base Hospital. McPherson had nothing but praise for GWS.

“They were outstanding,” he said. “I think they’re used to being in Sydney and being unknown, which helps keep their feet on the ground.”