Opening in 1998, Spotless stadium has become the main home ground of Greater Western Sydney Giants since they entered the competition in 2012. Despite having a poor start to their time at Homebush, the Giants have recently turned the ground into something of a fortress, and only lost once at the ground in the 2017 season.
GWS’s first ever win at Spotless Stadium came on August 4, 2012, defeating Port Adelaide by 34 points. However, it would be naïve to suggest that the Giants immediately adapted to their new home. It was not only initial poor results that created this disharmony, but a Sydneysider (and slightly snooty) perception of the ground as inferior, and inextricably linked with the Sydney Royal Easter Show. More punters would be expecting to watch show jumping or precision driving at the ground than a game of AFL footy, a perception that is only recently starting to change with GWS’s recent success.
Measuring 160 metres long and 134 metres wide, Spotless Stadium has a decent sized playing surface. The Giants have become adept at using every inch of this space in their expansive, running-based game. Any team hoping to beat GWS at Spotless Stadium will need to out-work and out-hustle the fit side who are among the best runners in the competition.
With a capacity of 25,000 people, Spotless Stadium can fit the fewest number of patrons of any AFL club. However, this hasn’t been a concern so far, with the Giants yet to sell out a home game. They will be hoping to attract a bigger audience in years to come and establish Spotless Stadium as the most difficult road trip in the AFL.
