AFL Victoria has announced a shortlist of finalists for the 2025 AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award, with four recently developed community football facilities projects in the running for the top honour.
The AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award is announced annually to recognise best practice in community football facility development across the state, along with the people, clubs and other stakeholders driving the best projects in Victoria.
The winner of the AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award will be announced at the end of each calendar year and put forward as the Victorian nomination for the national AFL Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award.
The 2025 winner will be selected by AFL Victoria and announced in the coming weeks.
2025 FINALISTS
City of Stonnington – Toorak Park Pavilion and Oval Redevelopment
Total project cost: $16.8 million
The City of Stonnington in Melbourne’s inner south-east redeveloped the existing oval at Toorak Park with new lighting, along with a new double storey pavilion to meet the demand of growing football participation at the reserve.
Prahan Junior Football Club, Prahan Football Club and Old Xavarians Football Club share use of the facility.
Prahran Junior Football Club representative Rob Lacey said the club is thrilled to have new facilities that better meet the growing needs of the clubs that share the oval and pavilion.
"With the fully upgraded oval, lighting, landscaping, and a fabulous new pavilion that boasts first class (and multiple) changeroom and training facilities for girls, boys, women and men, Toorak Park now offers our sporting groups, who are so important to the fabric of the local community, a great home base in an incredibly safe and flexible environment,” Lacey said.
“These new facilities enhance the ability for players to develop their skills, and the specifically designed flexible social spaces significantly increase community participation by providing spaces for members to meet, socialise and strengthen community.
“The additional access and improved functionality of the pavilion has facilitated more efficient management of the clubs, leading to stronger clubs with more resources for developing pathways and providing members, supporters and players with memorable and positive experiences."
Monash City Council – Mount Waverley Reserve Redevelopment
Total project cost: $12 million
Monash City Council’s redevelopment of the existing oval at Mount Waverley Reserve includes new lighting, along with a new double storey pavilion to meet the increased demand for football participation at the reserve, which is used by Waverley Blues Football Club.
A Monash City Council representative said the completed redevelopment will have a significant impact on the local community.
“This redevelopment is a game-changer for our community, delivering inclusive, modern facilities that support participation across all ages, abilities, and backgrounds,” they said.
“It’s a proud example of what can be achieved through collaboration and strategic investment.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council – Alexandra Park Pavilion Redevelopment
Total project cost: $10.5 million
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s redevelopment Alexandra Park includes a new two storey muti-use pavilion to meet the increased demand of football participation at the reserve, with Mornington Junior Football Club, Mornington Football Netball Club and the Peninsula Raiders AFL Masters teams sharing in the facilities.
Mick Wunderly, President of the Alexandra Park Project Group said the completed redevelopment is a proud moment for the local community.
“The Alexandra Park Pavilion is a fantastic achievement showing what can be done when the Community, Governments & Council come together to build such an amazing Community pavilion,” Wunderly said.
Southern Grampians Shire Council – Melville Oval and Pavilion Redevelopment
Total project cost: $8.3 million
The Southern Grampians Shire Council’s redevelopment of Melville Oval included upgrades to oval irrigation and drainage and restoration to the heritage grandstand, along with a new pavilion which will be used by the Hamilton Kangaroos Football Netball Club.
A Southern Grampians Shire representative said the project has been a landmark build for the Council.
“With facilities being completely rebuilt by local contractors spearheaded by Ultrabuild, including the restoration of the heritage grandstand, there was a significant focus on user group needs for both women and men’s sports – netball, football and cricket,” they said.
“The build has been an incredible partnership between local people delivering top tier facilities that will be a real standout in western Victoria.”
Past winners of the AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award include:
• 2024: City of Casey – Clyde Recreation Reserve
• 2023: Mildura Sporting Precinct *NATIONAL WINNER*
• 2022: Warrnambool - Reid Oval *NATIONAL WINNER*
• 2021: City of Moreland – Coburg City Oval
• 2020: Melton City Council – MacPherson Park *NATIONAL WINNER*