The Bob Saker Oval in Forest Hill is one bloody nice oval. Don’t think patchy grass, muddy goals or uneven surfaces — this place is a hundred steps above. The oval itself is well preened and looked after. The grass is a luscious green and there is a fence that marks out the boundary. There is something about ovals with fences that really makes me love them even more. I know, that’s a little strange but I guess it’s something to do with how it defines the space. Also fences are really useful at keeping soccer balls from racing miles away after a wayward kick. But back to the oval. There are tall white goals at each end and the fence has gates that can be locked. During the day on weekdays the oval is pretty quiet and is a great spot to let your dog off the lead for a run, or practise your footy skills. On weekends and weeknights there is often teams here playing games or training so unless you are part of them — don’t rock up at those times! Another plus is that there are drinking taps nearby.
