The Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) will return to the Barwon region’s best Football & Netball facility with the 2024 Blood Toyota Grand Finals to be held at Kardinia Park, on Friday 27^th September (AFL Grand Final Public Holiday).

In developing this plan for 2024, significant discussions have transpired between AFL Barwon, the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) and the Geelong Football Club (GFC). The three parties share a collective approach that community Football & Netball Grand Finals deserve to be played at the best regional sporting precinct in Australia.

KPST last hosted the Geelong FNL Finals in 2019, and AFL Barwon has shared a mutually beneficial and community-focused approach to exploring a return to Kardinia Park in 2024. The AFL Barwon & Geelong FC Strategic Partnership launched in May 2023, has spring boarded collaboration between the three organisations and has produced several strategic outcomes, for the benefit of the region, community stakeholders and Clubs alike.

This strategic decision between AFLB, KPST & GFC is aimed to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike, setting the stage for an exciting and memorable event.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin was quoted, 

“The Trust is thrilled to again host the local 2024 Geelong Football Netball League Grand Final at GMHBA Stadium.”

“With the collaboration of our three organisations, we can have this aspect of community sport, both football and netball back into the precinct where they rightfully belong”.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson was quoted, 

““AFL Barwon shares incredibly strong partnerships with both the Geelong Football Club as well as Kardinia Park Stadium Trust. This announcement secures a future that promotes and elevates our region, to the platform it deserves. We’re grateful for the continued support of both GFC & KPST, and their community-focused mindsets to support the growth of both Football & Netball within the Barwon region. This tri-parity partnership is uniquely Barwon, and we look forward to collectively working together in years to come”. “

Geelong Football Club’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer and General Counsel, Marcus King was quoted,

“We’re pleased to support AFL Barwon in having the biggest day on the GFNL calendar return to Kardinia Park and to see community football Grand Finals played on the hallowed turf of GMHBA Stadium again.

 “We see GMHBA Stadium, and the Kardinia Park precinct, as the home of sporting and special events for the region, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and AFL Barwon to ensure a highly successful day for our community and all involved.