Magazine - Shed Raider at Etihad Stadium

By Rob Jenkins in Shed Raider on 10th Nov 2009 6:00

Shed Raider Etihad Stadium (Docklands Stadium)
Manager Name: Gavin Darby
Number of Staff: 4 ~ Danial Bridges, Justin Lang, Dallas Voss, Troy Jordan

Etihad stadium is an icon over Melbourne's Docklands, it's also arguably Australia's most futuristic stadium with it's large retractable roof which sits120ft above the playing surface. The stadium also features movable seating allowing it to be a rectangular stadium for sports such as soccer, however it's generally an oval ground for its major tenant holder the AFL.

The stadium has a capacity of 56,347 and cost $450 million to build. Construction started in 1997 before its completion in early 2000.

As well as the being a major AFL ground the stadium is used by the Melbourne Victory in Football (soccer) and the Melbourne Storm (Rugby League). It also hosts one off games of Cricket, Union and League.

Etihad has been the number one choice for big concerts with names such as AC/DC, Robbie Williams, Kiss, Bon Jovi, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, U2 and Pearl Jam all playing large concerts at the Stadium.

Now join us as Pitchcare Oceania raids Etihad's shed.


List of main machines
1x 3300  Toro Pro workman
1x e2065 Workman
1x PhantomCore Mark II
2x Sidewinders 3100
1x Speedseed 6000 by Redexim Charterhouse
1x Toro Rake -o- Vac
1x 1250 Multipro spray unit
1x Tycrop propass 180
13x SGL Concept MU360 (light rigs)
2x SGL Concept MU18 (light rigs)
1x John Deere Tractor with Bucket









Hardest working machine: Our Spray Rig which is a Toro 1250 Multi Spray.
What's the favourite: The boys love the Toro Propass it does a great job.
Oldest Machine: Most of our gear is all new it got purchased December 2005.
What's on the wish list: More Gro Lights for the grass.
Best manufacture: SGL concepts who make the Gro Lights.
Most Helpful machinery company: Toro are pretty good to us. I'll throw some love their way.
How old are your sheds: As old as the stadium which opened in 2000









Gavin runs a tidy ship, the shed boasts nice new equipment that is cared for very well. 'Meticulous' like the team has to be on the manicured surface out on the park is a great word to describe these sheds, with nothing out of place and the machines all gleaming from a polish. Being a big fan of a tidy workplace, the team cleans out the sheds weekly and the machines are always well cleaned and maintained after their work.

The shed was very red, mainly Toro equipment with a John Deere tractor. It was good to see Turf Tec whose reels are a great little item, easy to store and easy to use, being able to hook them on your towball and move around is a great idea. Etihad was also the first stadium in Australia to purchase the massive Gro Lights which Gavin believes have made a bih difference to the surface.

Etihad was another stadium to make use of wall space with hanging room for the tools. Not only is it a neat look it makes life easier. The workshop was well equipped with everything the team need. All in all it's very hard to pick a fault on the professional set-up these guys run.

When it came to grading I could sense the competitive edge from Gav as I had compared the shed to ANZ Stadium in Sydney, this tight knit team doesn't like coming second!

I know however if grade Etihad higher I will be in danger from either ANZ or Ethiad, which is why I have decided to sit on the fence and score them the same. Weak Rob! Yes you may be right, but you try and separate them!

Overall Grade: A
Nice work guys, my grade has you sitting equal top, I'll leave it to the members to pick this year's number one shed!

Read more articles in Shed Raider, by Rob Jenkins or from November 2009.