The Sydney Swans undertook training with a slight difference on Tuesday morning when they took to the artificial turf at Blackman Park, Lane Cove. 

Hundreds of fans watched on in their red and white during the open skills session at the home of the Lane Cove Cats.

Coach John Longmire forecasts a significant benefit to the use of artificial turf in local communities throughout Sydney.

“The boys have loved it and I think it’s a great surface,” Longmire told reporters.

 “We want to continue to support the use of synthetic surfaces, of different surfaces in sport, not just AFL football.

“We think this is a great opportunity for Sydney councils and governments to be able to support the use of multipurpose venues like this.

“I think it’s the way of the future. And particularly when land’s so scarce, to have venues like this and to be able to play as many sports as you can on it is great for the whole community.”

While a number of sports in Australia and overseas have long been played and trained on synthetic surfaces, Longmire warmed to the idea while watching English rugby union team Saracens do so a few years ago.