The 2025 finalists have been announced for the Ken Gannon Football Facilities Award, recognising the projects that set the benchmark in best-practice design and development to support the continued growth of Australian Football.
As the league works towards its goal of one million participants by 2033, high-quality community facilities are essential to supporting the game’s continued growth. In 2025 alone, more than 100 new playing fields have been activated, reflecting the strong demand for accessible and fit-for-purpose venues.
The Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award recognises projects that deliver modern, inclusive facilities – whether through new developments or major upgrades – ensuring local clubs and communities have the infrastructure needed to support growing participation.
Each State and Territory selected its leading community facility project for 2025, with those recipients progressing as national finalists for the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award.
The AFL congratulates the following 2025 national finalists of the 2025 Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Awards:
NSW/ACT: Bob Prenter Reserve Facility Upgrade
NT: Maningrida Sports Upgrades
QLD: Iona College – Breaking New Ground Partnership
SA: Barossa Park Development
TAS: Windsor Park Oval Redevelopment
VIC: Alexandra Park Pavilion Redevelopment
WA: Halesworth Park Development
An exciting new era for Aussie rules football at Iona College began in 2025, with an historic new partnership with the AFL delivering floodlights to St Eugene’s Park.
This major investment in the code at Iona is part of a Queensland-first partnership with the AFL to increase Aussie rules infrastructure in schools.
Iona College is the first school in the state to partner with AFL Queensland through the “Breaking New Ground’ program which assists with the planning, design, and development of Australian football facilities at schools and other innovative locations.
This project will see the installation of lights over the MCG sized oval for the use of the school and the local AFL community, allowing for this great space to be utilised for longer every day.
AFL Head of Venue Network Enhancements and Partnerships, Shayne Ward congratulated the 2025 national finalists.
“The strength of our game at the grassroots level heavily relies on the quality and accessibility of our facilities, so it’s fantastic to see more than 100 new playing fields unlocked in 2025 alone,” said Ward.
“Congratulations to our 2025 finalists - the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award celebrates projects that don’t just meet demand, but set new benchmarks in design, accessibility and inclusion.
“As we continue our journey towards one million participants by 2033, investment in modern, welcoming and fit-for-purpose facilities will remain critical to ensuring every player, volunteer and fan has a place to belong.”
Iona College Principal Trevor Goodwin said the partnership with AFL Queensland and the installation of the lights would be a boost for the College’s students and families, as well as the local community.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Iona, and our wonderful relationship with AFL Queensland has now grown into a true partnership through the Breaking New Ground’ program,” Goodwin said.
“This partnership is the result of a lot of hard work from both sides. The end result is not only a first for schools in Queensland, but supports the growth of the game and greater opportunities for our students and the local community.
“Iona is delighted to be at the forefront of this initiative, and very proud of our strong relationship with the AFL to deliver this project for our community.”
Richard Wittig, Board Member (Infrastructure & Grants) Morningside Football Club said their players are enjoying the benefits of the increase in available hours to use the field.
“This is a real game changer for Morningside, this infrastructure investment," Wittig said.
"It is so exciting, but we couldn’t be growing at the level we are without the support of the school as well as the AFL.”
The AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund is an $8 million partnership between the Queensland Government and the AFL, which is part of the legacy of hosting the historic 2020 AFL Grand Final at the Gabba. Introduced in 2019, the winner of the Ken Gannon Football Facility Award is expected to be announced in the coming months.
All finalists have been developed in line with the AFL’s Preferred Facilities Guidelines, ensuring facilities are well designed, accessible and aligned with the league’s long-term priorities.
For more information on the Ken Gannon Football Facility Award, visit here.