A new venue brings bold horizons for the two Albion Park clubs that will call it home.
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The Rail Cricket Club failed to win a match last season, but hit the reset button with Brett Gilly returning to the club as captain, as well as the excitement of a brand new facility, delivered as part of the Albion Park bypass project.
And when the winter months return next year, the Albion Park Crows will run out to play, as part of an ambitious project to launch into the AFL South Coast senior ranks.
The Rail committeeman and junior secretary Simon Pearse is confident the Croom Regional Sporting Complex development will begin a new era.
"I've never been more excited about a season," he said.
"There's a lot to look forward to with the new ground and we're looking forward to getting some new and former players involved and being competitive.
"It's like a new car, everyone wants to drive, so we all can't wait to be playing at the new ground."
A junior club for 11 years, the Crows dipped their toe in the water of the senior ranks this year with a women's team.
President Craig Pusser said the venue will be the cornerstone to what they hope will be a men's team next season, providing a pathway for their juniors.
"It's a huge step for us and the facilities offer a huge opportunity for us," Pusser said.
"We've worked really hard to build a club and bring through some great junior players and now we're working towards building a senior club so the kids can stay with us and play."
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