The redevelopment of the iconic and historic Henson Park in Sydney's Inner West is now complete, with Stage 2 of the significant project officially opened on Sunday, February 15.
Henson Park is the home of AFLW in Sydney and now – on completion of the refurbishment – the ground is considered one of the country’s gold-standard AFLW and community football venues located in the heart of Sydney’s inner suburbs.
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.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened the Stage 2 build alongside Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne and Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Henson Park is a part of who we are in the Inner West.
“Our support for an upgraded grandstand and new facilities – including women’s change rooms – will make such a difference.
“Whether it’s AFL, NRL or community sport this sets up Henson Park for future generations.”
Stage 1 of the Henson Park redevelopment was opened last season at the NAB AFLW Sydney Derby IV, which welcomed a bumper crowd of over 7,000 fans pack Henson's inconic hill to watch the cross-town classic.
Players prepared for their highly anticipated match up from purpose-built changerooms ushered in as part of Stage 1 of the project, alongside a gym, community spaces and an extension of the grandstand.
Now completed, Stage 2 unveiled broadcast facilities, coaches boxes, a canteen and new public amenities.
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.