The Centrals Football Club in Mundijong is set to take on South Mandurah in a historic game on April 1.
For the first time in the club’s 106-year history the lights, which were installed on August 2016, will be used for the first game of the season.
The installation and use of the lights has been ten years in the making and they have already made a huge difference to the club.
Club president Bert Easthope said the lights were a culmination of many years of hard work.
“I was talking to a gentleman the other day that was here back in the 70s and 80s,” he said.
“They had only two lights and could only train in the daylight.
“With the new lights we’ve had better use of the oval, its’ been good all around and we’ve been able to practise more game simulations at right rather than previously were its been difficult to see, particularly at the end of the oval.”
Mr Easthope said the club has come a long way and hoped the players responded to the new lights ahead of Saturday’s game.
“We would like to start the season with a win,” he said.
League coach Toby Mcgrath said when it got dark the ground was hard to see but the lights provided access to everything and made training better and last longer.
“It is exciting times being at the club,” he said.
“We now get 40, 50, 60 guys training but last year we struggled to get teams out on the field.”
Colts captain Jayden Clatworthy said he is excited about Saturday’s game and is hoping for a win against South Mandurah.
“It’s a good club to be a part of,” he said.
“The lights are terrific and helps us a lot.”
Federal member for Canning Andrew Hastie was one of the many individuals who assisted with funding for the lights.
Through the Stronger Communities Program Mr Hastie donated $14,929.
He will be at the game on Saturday and said he could not wait to get back to Canning as he has been in Parliament for the last two weeks.
“Local footy is a great way to unwind,” he said.
“This is a historic event for the Centrals on the anniversary of their last league win and maybe the new lights won’t be the only history made this year.
“I’m looking forward to a cracking game between Centrals and South Mandurah.”
