Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) turf manager Matthew Page has been appointed head curator at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Page will be responsible for the preparation of all cricket pitches at the MCG. He replaces David Sandurski, who last week returned to Brisbane to be head curator at the Gabba, and will relocate to Melbourne and commence in the MCG role early in the New Year.Page comes to the MCG with more than 20 years’ experience in turf wicket preparation and turf management.
He has spent the last seven years working for the WACA and the last four as turf manager, where he managed ground operations at the WACA Ground and Murdoch University Playing Fields.
He has also played a key role in the construction and maintenance of the portable pitches soon to be used at the new Perth Stadium.
“We are delighted to have secured the services of Matthew Page for such an important role at the MCG,” said MCC CEO Stuart Fox. “Matthew is highly regarded in the cricket industry and has extensive experience in preparing first-class cricket pitches.
“Although the movement of pitch curators around the country in the middle of a cricket season is not ideal, we are confident that through co-operation between all parties we can ensure that the usual high standard of cricket pitches in Australia can be maintained all summer.”
WACA CEO Ms Christina Matthews said: "We're thrilled for Matthew, because we know how much this opportunity would mean to him.
"It is of course bitter sweet for us, as we celebrate his success, but lose not only a curator of his abilities, but a person of his character.
"Matthew has led the Turf Team with great success and I thank him for his passion and devotion over the decades, on and off, of his involvement."
Page said: "I'm excited about this opportunity to work at one of Australia's premier stadiums across multiple sports, which is a challenge I've never experienced.
"In saying that, it's also very sad to leave the WACA, because it's where my journey began as a 14-year-old work experience student from Belridge Senior High School.
"It's been an exciting journey to date and I'm really looking forward to what the future holds."
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