THE Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) Grand Finals are returning to Kardinia Park, with AFL Barwon confirming the venues earlier today (Saturday, July 26).<\/p>\n
The footy and netball finals, to rake place in GMHBA Stadium and the Kardinia Park Precinct respectively, will also be again held on AFL Grand Final Friday, which this year falls on September 26.<\/p>\n
The first three weeks of finals will be played at West Oval in North Geelong.<\/p>\n
Last year’s GFNL Grand Finals saw more than 10,000 people come to the stadium precinct.<\/p>\n
“This strong community engagement highlighted the broad appeal of the region\u2019s premier football and netball competitions and reinforced the need for a venue capable of accommodating a crowd of this scale, both in terms of capacity and supporting infrastructure such as parking and event operations,” AFL Barwon stated.<\/p>\n
To avoid the long queues experienced at the 2024 Grand Final and improve access this year, ticket booths will be open and pre-purchased tickets will also be “available and encouraged” to fast-track entry into the venue.<\/p>\n
Some other specifics are yet to be confirmed, including what time the game will start, if and how spectators will be allowed onto the ground, whether supporters will be allowed to enter the changeroom after the match, and whether more of the stadium will be opened this year.<\/p>\n
AFL Barwon Commission chair Michelle Gerdtz said the return of the Grand Finals to GMHBA Stadium followed a comprehensive review of the 2024 event, including a detailed analysis and
\nlogistical evaluation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile last year\u2019s Grand Finals were a major success, it also highlighted some key challenges that we needed to address in order to proceed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have undertaken thorough due diligence, working closely with the Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) to develop a sustainable model for 2025. The event simply wouldn\u2019t
\nbe viable without their continued support and the valued contribution of commercial partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re appreciative to all involved for recognising the importance of delivering a high-quality finals experience for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geelong Cats chief operating officer Marcus King said the club was thrilled to see the GFNL Grand Finals return to GMHBA Stadium in 2025.<\/p>\n
“The Kardinia Park precinct plays host to a number of major sporting and entertainment events for the region and along with Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and AFL Barwon, we\u2019re looking forward to seeing marquee community football and netball take centre stage in the precinct in September.\u201d<\/p>\n
KPST CEO Gerard Griffin said the trust was delighted to welcome back the GFNL Grand Finals.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been fantastic to see the collaboration between our organisations to make this event happen again this year, and to ensure these flagship community sport events remain within the Kardinia Park Precinct.\u201d<\/p>\n