A one-stop AFL shop was high on the agenda for Maitland Saints president Kevin Greaves when the federal opposition youth and sport spokesman Luke Hartsuyker visited the city on Thursday.

Greaves spoke about the growth of the club since forming six years ago and the possibility of turning the facilities at Max McMahon Oval into a central hub for the sport in this region while ­standing on the Saints’ home ground with Mr Hartsuyker, The Nationals’ Hunter candidate Michael Johnsen and Maitland junior Nathan Merrick.

“We now have two senior teams, eight junior teams, an AusKick ­program, umpire training and representative team sessions all out of here,” Greaves said.

“That is more than 1000 users on the ground each week and it can be difficult to fit them all in.

“In terms of improvements we are looking to work on drainage for the ground in conjunction with Maitland City Council plus we would like to widen the ground, upgrade the lights, refurbish the pavilion, look at putting a second storey in, redo the canteen and extend the car park.

“This wouldn’t just benefit us but everyone who uses the ground and if everything goes according to plan this facility could be used as a meeting point for Aussie rules for the Hunter, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.

“It is central to everything.”

Greaves said another benefit for upgrading the facilities would be the prospect of attracting carnivals to Maitland. 

Mr Hartsuyker said quality facilities were an integral part of regional ­sport for any code at any level but stopped short of making any pre-election promises.

“It is important to have good facilities and it has become something of an expectation for players and spectators alike,” he said.

“The issue is that we have a tight budget and there aren’t that many federal dollars around for funding.

“But from the Coalition perspective we see the benefit in supporting sport at a local level with clubs such as the Saints.”