Gosch’s Paddock and Olympic Park Oval

Gosch’s Paddock

Gosch’s Paddock is a large tract of land bordered by Batman Avenue/Monash Freeway, Punt Road, Olympic Boulevard and AAMI Park.

Known simply as ‘Cow Paddock’ back in the 1870s when the land was used for grazing, nearer the turn of the century the land was leased by the Melbourne City Council to William Henry Gosch as a holding area for his local transport company’s horses.

For many years it has been used for various recreations and organised sports such as cricket, football, soccer, rugby and touch football.

In 2008 Gosch’s came under the management of Melbourne and Olympic Parks, having previously been under the control of the City of Melbourne.

Over 2009/10 the Number 2 Oval was upgraded for the benefit of Melbourne Football Club, Melbourne Storm and Melbourne Victory. The Number 1 Oval served as Collingwood Football Club’s training ground between 2007-12.

Collingwood’s 2010 Grand Final training sessions, followed by their post Premiership celebrations, really put Gosch’s Paddock on the map when tens of thousands of Magpie fans flocked to see their heroes.

Now, with Collingwood utilising the new Olympic Park Oval, Gosch’s Number 1 oval is Melbourne Football Club’s training oval.

Olympic Park Oval

Officially opened on 11 April 2013, Olympic Park’s AFL training ground and public sport and recreation space is the latest phase in the site’s considerable history.

Collingwood Football Club has now opened its new community facilities at the Glasshouse and the redevelopment of Olympic Park Oval is now complete. The facilities include a running track around the oval’s perimeter and excellent new public amenities which are open 24 hours a day.

Usage

Gosch’s Paddock and Olympic Park Oval remain public parkland and are available to the general public during times when the fields are not being used for official training sessions. However, due to the high investment and demands in maintaining the turf to the required standard, M&OP reserves the right to restrict usage at our discretion. Groups should seek approval before using the training field areas for games or training purposes.