Stage one of the significant Henson Park redevelopment was officially unveiled today as the AFL welcomed key stakeholders and a bumper crowd to open the historic King George V Memorial Grandstand at the NAB AFLW Sydney Derby IV.
Today’s derby – attended by over 7,100 people, a new record for AFLW at Henson Park – was the first cross-town clash to be played at Henson Park since the iconic Inner West ground underwent a significant, multi-million dollar redevelopment, designed to elevate the gameday experience for players, officials and fans.
On completion of the two-stage build, Henson Park will be considered one of the country’s gold-standard AFLW and community football venues located in the heart of Sydney’s inner suburbs.
Today, players from the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS prepared for their highly anticipated match up from purpose-built changerooms ushered in as part of stage one of the project, alongside a gym, community spaces and an extension of the grandstand.
Stage 2 – due to be ready ahead of the 2026 community football season – will include broadcast facilities, coaches boxes, a canteen and new public amenities.
AFLW General Manager Emma Moore said: “The opening of the first stage of Henson Park’s redevelopment is a major milestone for the AFL and AFLW to celebrate.
“The upgrades to the venue reflect the talent and momentum of the AFLW and Australian Rules Football in New South Wales more broadly and will help inspire the next generation of the state’s footy stars and fans.
“We are proud of the competition and investment we make into the AFLW, and are incredibly grateful to the Inner West Council, as well as the New South Wales and Federal Governments for their support in making this a premier venue for both players and fans to enjoy.”
The AFL has managed the construction of the facility upgrades and contributed $6.5 million to the project – the game’s single biggest investment into community infrastructure in New South Wales.
The redevelopment has also been funded by the Federal Government, Inner West Council and a $5 million grant from the New South Wales Government under the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.
The Hon. Steven Kamper MP, New South Wales Minister for Sport said: “The Minns Labor Government has a strong track record of supporting women’s sport.
“The completion of these upgrades at Henson Park provide a home ground and training base for the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS AFLW teams, enabling them to host AFLW matches that will broadcast this iconic sports ground across the nation.
“These upgrades are not just for elite sport, they will also provide long-term benefits to the many community and sporting groups that use the ground.”
The Hon. Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said: “Women’ sport has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and the NSW Government wants to capitalize on this momentum.
“Today’s opening of the upgraded facilities at Henson Park is part of our wider effort to provide facilities that meet the needs of women and girls so we can increase participation.
“It’s an exciting day for the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants AFLW players, as well as the local sporting groups, who have access to new inclusive, accessible and professional facilities.”
Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne said: “This $20 million investment will secure Henson Park as the home of the Newtown Jets and as a hub for AFLW.
“The crowds we have been attracting to the AFLW at Henson have been bigger and they’ll only grow as a result of this investment.”
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley also appeared at the opening alongside GWS GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews as they both took part in a dynamic panel discussion with Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, at the special opening about the upgrades’ impact on their club’s AFLW programs.
The AFL’s investment into the upgrade of Henson Park reinforces the AFL’s commitment to grow Australian football in New South Wales and ensures not only an elite venue for AFLW matches, but for community football too.
Henson Park boasts a long and storied AFL history, hosting Australian Rules Football matches since the 1940s, including community footy matches, AFL Sydney Grand Finals, U18s National Championship games, and since 2022, has become Sydney’s home of the AFLW.
Over 60,000 fans have poured through the gates at Henson Park since the ground hosted its first AFLW game in 2022, while 200 local footballers utilise the facilities each week.
Since the inception of the AFLW in 2017, women and girls’ participation in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory has surged, increasing by nearly 150%.
Concurrently, the AFL has committed over $28 million to facility upgrades across New South Wales, which has driven a 185% increase in female player changerooms and a 75% increase in playing fields with lights.
In 2025, there’s over 73,000 registered AFL participants in the state and territory – and that number continues to grow with still a term of the year to go.
Today's NAB AFLW Sydney Derby IV saw the GWS GIANTS stun the Sydney Swans with a seven-point victory during a tense and tight clash at Henson Park.
The AFLW is one of the most accessible and affordable, elite sports entertainment offering in Australia, with adult tickets to all AFLW matches $15 and under 18s free.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit afl.com.au/aflw.