WESTERN Bulldogs' AFL premiership player Dale Morris has re-confirmed Ballarat is home to the best playing surface in the league.
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Mr Morris' praise comes as Ballarat's Mars Stadium prepares to host at least two AFL matches within three rounds, including a last-minute call-up for the Greater Western Sydney-Gold Coast clash on Sunday.
The Mars surface has long been admired for its turf quality. Fellow Bulldog Easton Wood has lauded Mars as "absolutely pristine" in his time as skipper and Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has made clear he was fan.
Mr Morris, speaking in Ballarat on Wednesday night, told The Courier the ground truly did feel like a home to the Bulldogs, who enjoyed the unique atmosphere of their Ballarat kennel.
"The surface is probably the best in the AFL and while the weather at times can be quite cold, coming up to Ballarat can be a challenge for other teams," Mr Morris said.
"It's a pretty cool experience though with supporters standing on the wing - it almost feels like they're right on top of you, like a country football match."
Mr Morris, who retired in 2019, took up a development coaching role with the club until the COVID-19 pandemic gutted AFL football departments. He now works in an executive business role at the club.
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