Giant move as GFNL finals head to Geelong West

AFL BARWON has announced the relocation of this year’s Geelong Football and Netball League (GFNL) finals and grand finals.

It has been confirmed that the Geelong West Giants’ home venue West Oval will be the location of all remaining football and netball post-season games.

This year’s GFL Grand Final will be played away from GMHBA Stadium for the first time since 1998, but AFL Barwon acting regional manager Sean Atkinson said West Oval provided a wonderful alternative.

“We are excited to see the 2021 GFNL Grand Finals in action at the recently redeveloped West Oval. These first-class facilities and support from the Geelong West Giants will ensure an excellent experience for finals teams,” Atkinson said.

“Whilst we are disappointed to be unable to use GMHBA Stadium, it has provided a fantastic opportunity to use these new facilities at West Oval.

“This will ensure the participating football and netball clubs will enjoy the proper showcase they deserve.”

Giants chairperson Sarah Naylor said the club was extremely pleased to be able to host this year’s event, with exciting new facilities on offer at the newly chosen venue.

“We are thrilled to be able to host the finals this year for the GFNL, we can’t wait,” Naylor said.

She also noted the ground would have plenty of room for spectators to view the football matches, with a new pavilion completing the ground’s viewing profile.

“This year we just got the new facilities like the two-story pavilion. So, there is viewing from upstairs on the balcony, but then we still also have the grandstand and viewing from both hills at each end of the ground as well,” she said

Naylor said the club has COVIDSafe policies in place already for the club, but these would be reviewed closer to the weeks leading up to the finals, depending on restrictions at the time.