After what can only be described as a turbulent first half of the AFL North West season, the Moree Suns will finally return to some normality after the Moree Showground has been cleared for play for the rest of the season.
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The issues began in round three when the Suns were scheduled to play the Kangaroos, and the Tamworth side deemed the ground unsafe causing the game not to be called off, with a rematch scheduled in the coming weeks.
An inspection was conducted by an AFL North West representative following that match, deeming it still unfit for playing, forcing the Suns to take their next home game against the Gunnedah Bulldogs back to Taylor Oval.
Now, after another inspection by an AFL NSW/ACT representative, the ground has finally been cleared.
"It's nice to have that level of reassurance that we have a home ground that's been cleared by an AFL representative, so we know that it's definitely up to scratch and meets the required standards," Moree Suns secretary Annette Hadley said.
"Obviously it's been a bit unsettling in the interim period and if it wasn't (cleared) we'd have to move.
"Now I think we can settle and move forward knowing exactly where we're going to be and not having to worry week to week where our home ground will be."
Hadley said it's great to have some stability while they wait for their new facility to be built at Ron Harborne Oval.
Back in October 2018, Moree Plains Shire Council received $1.5 million in state government funding to upgrade the precinct, and Council has told the club the new ground should be completed by 2021.
In the meantime, the Suns will continue to play and train at the Moree Showground.
"It's obviously a much better facility than Taylor Oval," Hadley said.
"The ground is adequate, it's a proper AFL ground size, which gives the guys a more authentic AFL experience.
"We have to review the license agreement at the end of 2019 but Crown Lands are open to us staying at the Showground for a future tenure.
"We're just hoping we should be able to liaise with the other groups (who use the facility) to ensure the season runs smoothly."
The Suns are preparing to host the New England Nomads for the sides' first meeting of the season this weekend.
Under-17s kicks off at 12pm while opening bounce for the senior men will be at 2pm. Canteen facilities will be available.
