Outgoing league president Barry Crimmin said Warrnambool City Council approved the venue on Monday.

The ground – considered the south-west’s home of football – was ruled out for the preliminary final due to its condition. Inclement weather is predicted in the lead up to the decider but it was deemed the best fit for the league’s showcase.

“It’s got the best viewing area and footballers want to get on it and with the netball facilities and courts, it’s a win for us to get there,” Crimmin said.

“No matter what ground we play on, it’s going to be wet. The bonus here is there’s been nothing on the Reid for nearly a month. It’s full steam ahead now.”

Crimmin said he was hoping for a bumper crowd with seven of the league’s 11 clubs represented across both football and netball.

The grand final will be his last as president. He will step down at the annual general meeting in late October.

Crimmin said his two-year tenure had been testing and it was time for a fresh perspective.

“There’s too much bureaucracy stuff now,” he said.

“It’s gotten beyond volunteering your time to get a football game going and a netball game going.”

But Crimmin said the top job had its rewards.

“I have enjoyed when you see the passion of each clubs and getting around and seeing different games,” he said.