GMHBA Stadium will be home to GFNL Grand Final Day for the next three years after AFL Barwon reached an agreement with Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and the Geelong Football Club.
After Kardinia Park hosted most grand finals between 1979 and 1991, and every year from 1999 to 2019, the region’s showpiece day found itself at St Albans Reserve in 2022 and Leopold Memorial Park the following year.
AFL Barwon made the bold call in 2024 to hold the day on the AFL Grand Final Public Holiday, which impacted the local governing body’s bottom line that year, when it posted a $170,000 loss.
However, it remained at GMHBA Stadium in 2025, with the combined success of the GFNL and Bellarine finals producing a $70,000 increae in finals income, which offset a $44,000 rise in finals costs, contributing to a $34,000 profit for last year.
“We’re in such a fortunate and unique position, being the only region in Victoria with an AFL club,” AFL Barwon CEO Kate Patterson said.
“Through this partnership with the Geelong Cats and KPST, we’re able to offer our clubs, players and supporters the chance to celebrate their biggest moment on a world-class stage.
“It’s an opportunity very few community football and netball leagues ever get, and we’re incredibly proud to be
able to bring that experience to the GFNL.”
This year’s decider will again be played on the public holiday (Friday, September 25).
“At Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, community is one of our core pillars, so we are thrilled to support the Geelong Football Netball League Grand Finals at the Kardinia Park precinct over the next three years,” CEO Gerard Griffin said.
“This event is a highlight in our calendar and is the only community league football match to be held at an AFL stadium in Victoria.
“We’re proud to partner with AFL Barwon and Geelong Football Club to help deliver such a memorable experience for the players and community.”
The GFNL Grand Final will follow the Cats’ now traditional AFLW clash with Hawthorn the previous night.
“We’re excited to see the GFNL Grand Finals returning to GMHBA Stadium and the broader Kardinia Park precinct for the next three years.” Geelong’s chief operatiing officer Marcus King said.
“Community football and netball is such a significant part of our region, and it is fitting that local football and netball grand finals will continue to be showcased on the biggest stage in Geelong.”
With the AFL considering moving next year’s grand final to the first weekend of October (Saturday, October 2), AFL Barwon is expected to canvass GFNL clubs’ views on whether they’re willing to push the season’s conclusion back a week.
An announcement on the location of the Bellarine Grand Final is expected by the end of the week, with Newcomb believed to be the frontrunner for hosting rights for a third straight year
X: @krockfootball
