Home Ground Advantage: A New Perspective
In a recent segment on Zero Hanger’s The Outer Wing, Western Australian sports journalist Digby Beacham introduced a new feature called “Diggers’ list,” where he ranks the home ground advantage of three prominent teams. This segment, brought to you by TabTouch, offers an insightful look into how different stadiums can influence a team’s performance during the finals.
The Criteria for Ranking
Beacham’s rankings are based on several factors, including fan power and enthusiasm, stadium capacity, and historical precedent. These elements collectively contribute to the overall atmosphere and impact a home ground can have on a team’s success.
3. Sydney
The Sydney Swans’ home ground is the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), located in the inner eastern suburbs of Sydney, with a capacity of 48,000. While acknowledging that all teams benefit from a strong home ground advantage, Beacham placed the Swans at the SCG last on his list.
“Some will say that’s ridiculous given what the Swans have achieved at the SCG and when that joint starts rocking they can be very, very formidable,” says Beacham. However, he adds, “But I think off what we’ve seen and what we’re about to talk about, Sydney is third for me.”
2. Brisbane
Brisbane takes the second spot on Beacham’s list, with the Gabba, also known as the Gabbatoir, serving as their home ground. Located just outside of Brisbane CBD, the Gabba has a capacity of 39,000.
“It’s a formidable venue, it’s a very daunting ground and it gets very noisy. But it’s a ground that gets a little restricted in its capacity, a bit like the SCG,” says Beacham. Mark Stevens, co-host of the show, agrees, stating, “It’s impossible up there to win a final.”
1. Fremantle
Fremantle claims the top spot for home ground advantage, with Optus Stadium as their home ground. Located just outside of Perth CBD, Optus Stadium boasts an impressive capacity of 60,000. Beacham acknowledges that some might be surprised by this ranking but stands by his decision.
“There’s an element of thirst here because the Fremantle fans are still waiting for that maiden premiership,” says Beacham. He continues, “When they get to September and hopefully host a couple of finals, Optus stadium is going to be a very, very inhospitable place to play football if you’re not wearing purple.”
Conclusion
Beacham’s rankings highlight the unique characteristics of each stadium and how they contribute to a team’s performance. While the SCG and Gabba have their own strengths, Optus Stadium emerges as the most formidable home ground, thanks to its size, atmosphere, and the passionate support of the Fremantle fans. As the season progresses, these home grounds will play a crucial role in determining which teams can make a deep run in the finals.
