Home of the Matildas’ hybrid grass thrives under Matthew Dowlan’s watch
Matthew Dowlan, Operations and Renovation Manager at Green Turf, ensures that the HERO Hybrid Grass pitches installed by HG Turf Group at the recently opened State Football Centre VIC – Home of the Matildas are maintained to deliver optimum training and playing conditions for Australia’s Matildas and future generations.
Dowlan began his career as a turf curator at Melbourne's Royal South Yarra Tennis Club in the mid-90s. After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture, he developed a passion for well-maintained turf and seized the chance to work as a curator and groundsman at Wimbledon's All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club from 2001. Upon returning to Melbourne, he joined the local and state governments, enhancing sports turf services and being instrumental in selecting the HERO Hybrid Grass pitch at Lakeside Stadium.
Green Turf recently secured the maintenance contract for the Home of the Matildas, which includes two state-of-the-art HERO Hybrid Grass pitches, giving Matt and the Green Turf team the opportunity to showcase their hybrid grass maintenance capabilities over the next six years.
On what gets him excited about the Home of the Matildas venue…
I strive to provide athletes with a premium playing surface that enables them to perform at their best. By ensuring the pitch is in perfect condition, free from any issues like hardness or traction control, I create an environment where players can focus on perfecting their skills. As I refine my own abilities, I aim to create a surface that facilitates their skill development.
On feedback from training teams so far…
The feedback's been overwhelmingly positive from the players. They've expressed utmost satisfaction with the quality and consistency of the playing surface. And the HERO Hybrid Grass has well and truly proven itself. The players are happy with a surface that reduces the risk of injury and allows them to express and perfect their skills without limitations.
“We can expect a higher standard of football at this year’s World Cup as players showcase their conditioning and mastery of the ball’s movement on these exceptional pitches, and beyond.”
On why HERO Hybrid Grass was chosen for two of the pitches for the Home of the Matildas…
HERO Hybrid Grass was selected for its superior performance. It has premium fibres that are knitted in an open grid, which ensures the best agronomic and playability performance, creating a consistent playing surface with enhanced durability. This durability allows the pitch to withstand heavy usage without compromising performance. Its unique knitted construction allows it to bounce back quickly, unlike other grass varieties that can take a significant amount of time to recover from damage caused by heavy foot traffic.
On a typical day at the Home of the Matildas in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cup…
I oversee maintenance activities: managing tasks such as mowing, irrigation, fertilizing and pest control. We closely monitor pitch conditions, making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal playing characteristics to meet the FIFA Standards required. We have a dedicated team and we implement long-term turf management strategies to maintain excellent conditions for athletes. Regular testing and reporting to FIFA includes updates on grass health, moisture content, surface traction and surface hardness, plus we follow FIFA's specific mowing patterns and line-marking guidelines to guarantee that the pitches are in fantastic aesthetic condition.
On the differences he’s noticed between hybrid grass and natural grass…
The superior durability and consistent growth patterns of the HERO Hybrid Grass minimize maintenance needs, such as top dressing and fixing wear spots. It ensures quick recovery from heavy usage, reducing downtime and extending usage opportunities. The stability and predictability of the playing surface provide a solid footing for players, enabling them to push their limits with confidence. This enhanced performance and overall football experience contribute to improved skills among players who have trained on the HERO Hybrid Grass. We can expect a higher standard of football at this year's World Cup as players showcase their conditioning and mastery of the ball's movement on these exceptional pitches, and beyond.
“HERO Hybrid Turf made sense in terms of player welfare and performance and sustainability. It’s the hi-tech solution to maintaining standards in a top-class facility and will support the current crop of Matildas, not to mention future champions.”
On what other events and venues would benefit from hybrid grass…
Australian stadium venues are multi-purpose and used year-round. Venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, for example, host multiple sports and non-sports events, causing year-round wear and tear in different areas. Hybrid grass’s durability and quick recovery benefit these venues by allowing quicker surface restoration. This flexibility allows for more frequent games and events at multipurpose stadiums. And this resilience is crucial for accommodating big concerts like Ed Sheeran's and Taylor Swift's, where damaged turf can be replaced with ready-to-play hybrid grass and sport can be back on the ground immediately after installation.
On the benefits that hybrid grass will bring to the Home of the Matildas?
The HERO Hybrid Grass pitches at the Home of the Matildas will enhance the standard of play for both national and local teams, professional and amateur. This facility will create pathways for grassroots players, supporting the development of youth teams, empowering girls and boys of all ages to train on elite quality hybrid grass surfaces. Compared to local community grounds, the pitches here will allow for skill refinement and reduced injury risk, potentially inspiring future Matildas. Additionally, the durability and quality of the pitches will attract more teams and players, increasing opportunities for play and development.
On how hybrid turf makes sense for stadium and event owners…
HERO Hybrid Turf made sense in terms of player welfare and performance and sustainability. It’s the hi-tech solution to maintaining standards in a top-class facility and will support the current crop of Matildas, not to mention future champions.
Yes, the initial installation cost of a hybrid pitch is higher, due to the inclusion of synthetic fibres in the technology. However, this leads to reduced maintenance expenses over time, such as turf replacement and topdressing, and devoting less labour. With less maintenance required, venues can allocate more time for bookings, enhancing revenue and functionality. Additionally, by streamlining maintenance to five or six hours instead of the usual seven or eight, venues can accommodate more players and explore additional usage opportunities, ultimately increasing their bottom line.