AFL Barwon is confident that holding GFNL grand final day at GMHBA Stadium is sustainable after announcing the venue will again host the showpiece event for local football and netball.
Working closely with the Geelong Football Club and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, AFL Barwon ticked off GMHBA Stadium in recent days.
The local governing body also confirmed West Oval would host the first three weeks of finals.
The return of last year’s decider to the Kardinia Park precinct for the first time since 2019 attracted a crowd of more than 10,000 people.
However, concerns over the viability of returning this year were raised after AFL Barwon reported a $170,000 loss for the 2024 season, with nearly half of that amount attributed to an increase in finals expenses of more than $80,000.
“While last year’s Grand Finals were a major success, it also highlighted some key challenges that we needed to address in order to proceed,” AFL Barwon Commission Chair Michelle Gerdtz said.
“We have undertaken thorough due diligence, working closely with the Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust to develop a sustainable model for 2025.
“The event simply wouldn’t be viable without their continued support and the valued contribution of commercial partners.”
“We’re appreciative to all involved for recognising the importance of delivering a high-quality
finals experience for our community.”
To be played on the AFL Grand Final public holiday, Friday, September 26, after being trialled in that slot last year, AFL Barwon has left the door open for a later start.
“AFL Barwon have not yet confirmed the start time for matches and continue to work with the
KPST on further enhancements to the experience. This will be announced in due course,” it said in a FAQ section of its media statement.
AFL Barwon also addressed questions regarding ground access for spectators, changeroom access for club supporters, the opening of ticketing booths to avoid the long queues experienced last year, and the opening of additional sections of GMHBA Stadium.
It states that a decision on spectators will be made closer to the date, based on weather and ground conditions, while capacity limits govern access to the changerooms.
Ticketing booths will be opened, and additional seating areas will be discussed between AFL Barwon and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.
Both the Cats and KPST welcomed AFL Barwon’s decision.
“We are thrilled to see the GFNL Grand Finals return to GMHBA Stadium in 2025,” Cats chief operating officer Marcus King said.
“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’re looking forward to seeing marquee community football and netball take centre stage in the precinct in September.”
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin said: “KPST is delighted to welcome back the local Geelong Football Netball League Grand Finals at GMHBA Stadium in 2025.
“It 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.”
2025 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Finals Series
Week 1 – West Oval
Saturday, September 6 – Qualifying Finals
Sunday, September 7 – Elimination Finals
Week 2 – West Oval
Saturday, September 13 – Second Semi-Finals
Sunday, September 14 – First Semi-Finals
Week 3 – West Oval
Saturday, September 20 – Preliminary Finals
Week 4 – GHMBA Stadium & Kardinia Park Precinct
Friday, September 26 – Grand Finals
X: @krockfootball
