Training Ground?

[Supreme_Demon 3,899]

I understand the eternal bonds with our heritage at the MCG.

However, I am now convinced that the Caulfield Racecourse is the most plausible option and we need to forge ahead with that. Regardless, of any news articles to the contrary.

I would of loved the Jolimont Train Station project to succeed. To me, it was perfect. That would of been ideal. Unfortunately, that was scuttled.

So unless a generous and eccentric billionaire comes along who wants to build the Melbourne Football Club a home base, we gotta face reality and hope we can make a deal at the Caulfield Racecourse.

Besides winning more Premierships, a home base for the Melbourne Football Club must be a priority.

[No. 31 1,309]

2 hours ago, Jontee said:

and of course GSAC for swiming etc, and the upgraded Carnegie Memorial Swimming which hopefully will be open by the end of the year and the recently ugraded facilities in Lords reserve; and Caulfield Park and EE Gunn Reserve not to mention all that land freed up with Sky Rail....where Glen Eira does need more open space is down towards Elsternwick...

Anyway Caulfied is a very large site and I think it should be able to accommodate most people.

Agree with all of that (I am a Glen Eira resident) and throw in a velodrome at Packer Park in Carnegie South and an Athletics stadium (with a host if adjacent netball courts) in Murrumbeena. Glen Eira is pretty well served with such infrastructure.

[Demon Disciple 12,273]

4 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Sure did. Good training size

Rather it be true G dimensions (which Casey is thank god).

Might as well get a second oval at Caulfield with the dimensions of Kardinia Park, given how often we play down there too

Edited February 28 by Demon Disciple

[ElDiablo14 5,002]

3 hours ago, Supreme_Demon said:

I understand the eternal bonds with our heritage at the MCG.

However, I am now convinced that the Caulfield Racecourse is the most plausible option and we need to forge ahead with that. Regardless, of any news articles to the contrary.

I would of loved the Jolimont Train Station project to succeed. To me, it was perfect. That would of been ideal. Unfortunately, that was scuttled.

So unless a generous and eccentric billionaire comes along who wants to build the Melbourne Football Club a home base, we gotta face reality and hope we can make a deal at the Caulfield Racecourse.

Besides winning more Premierships, a home base for the Melbourne Football Club must be a priority.

Let's become Melbourne Red Bulls 😜, isn't Trac one of their major endorsees in Australia?

[Kent 2,914]

9 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

And there is already a purpose built fenced dog play area on the western perimeter of Caulfield Racecourse. (Search "Pawfield Park Fenced Dog Park" on Google Maps.)

 

Don't worry the Vic government can borrow what ever they want fir these projects just add it to the debt

[Demonland 73,140]

The race by all 18 AFL clubs to provide world class facilities has never been more competitive. By the end of 2030 over $1.15 billion dollars is anticipated to have been spent since 2011 on AFL high-performance and community infrastructure across all clubs.

Begging the question, who is providing the best of the best and more importantly equipped for the future?

 

Criteria (out of 5 rating for a total out of 20 score)

Location - Proximity to the club’s traditional fan base and locality.

Building Age - How long since the most recent redevelopment.

Community - Community benefit, opportunities and amenity.

Facilities - The high-performance infrastructure provided.

 

---

Hawthorn – Waverley Park | (13)

Location – 30min drive from Hawthorn.

Building Age – Waverley Park was last redeveloped in 2006 when the club relocated from their traditional homeland at Glenferrie Oval.

Community – Waverley Park has been developed over time into a surrounding housing estate.

Facilities – Ground has broken on the club’s $100 million transformational project and new home The Kennedy Community Centre. The precinct is part of the club’s vision to build an elite environment that connects with past players, members, fans and the local community.

The Future – The new development in Dingley is pivotal to the Hawk’s providing a high-performance, community integrated environment. Whether or not the South-East location connects with its Hawthorn fan base only time will tell.

 

Melbourne – Casey Fields, Gosch’s Park, AAMI Park, MCG | (13.5)

Location – Casey Fields is a 60min drive from AAMI Park & MCG.

Building Age – A new 800m2 Aquatic Centre was completed this year at Casey Fields bringing their total facility spend to $38 million.

Community – Melbourne are the only club with dispersed player and staff facilities.

Facilities – Combined across all sites Melbourne have elite facilities including an Indoor Training Centre, Gymnasium and Aquatic Recovery at Casey, rehabilitation, staff and player lounge areas at AAMI Park and staff administration at both AAMI and MCG.

The Future – With their dispersed facilities Melbourne have the biggest challenge of all the AFL clubs to unify the club together under one roof. A feasibility study to establish a home at Caulfield racecourse is currently in progress with the locality of “Melbourne” and connection to club a critical consideration.  

 

Adelaide – Football Park | (14.5)

Location – 25min drive from City Centre. 

Building Age – Adelaide last undertook facility development at Football Park in 2013 with a new $100 million facility at Thebarton Oval earmarked for the club.

Community – Football Park is primarily used by Adelaide & SANFL.  

Facilities – High Performance Indoor Open Training, Gymnasium, Administration, 25m recovery pool.

The Future – The Thebarton Oval is pivotal to the Crow’s providing a high-performance, community integrated environment.

 

Greater Western Sydney – VAILO Community Centre | (14.5)

Location – Sydney Olympic Park in western Sydney. 

Building Age – GWS have the second oldest redeveloped facility in the AFL with their $11.5 million facility completed in 2013.

Community – The Giants are based out of Homebush at Sydney Olympic Park.

Facilities – 8 metre high Indoor Gymnasium area with mini-training Field, Gymnasium and indoor 25m swimming pool. Recovery areas as well as player lounge, auditorium and meeting rooms.

The Future –  The Giants site at Sydney Olympic Park will require innovative thinking to develop facilities for their future or the exploration of another suitable site for an expanded training base would need to be considered.

 

Essendon – NEC Hangar | (16.5)

Location – 20min drive from Essendon.

Building Age – A recent Stage 2 development was completed at the end of 2021.

Community – A total of $45 million has been spent to relocate the club’s facilities from the traditional home of Windy Hill.

Facilities - High Performance Indoor Gymnasium, Aquatic Recovery, Administration including auditorium and conference meeting spaces, retail merchandise, museum and Jack Jones café. Facilities strategically aligned with Paralympics Australia and the Essendon District Football League and Riddell District Football Netball Leagues.

The Future –  The Bomber’s strategic decision to relocate allows with considered planning for a growing precinct and future facilities.

 

Gold Coast – Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre | (17)

Location – A short 5min walk to Heritage Bank Stadium and 15min drive to Broadbeach.

Building Age – The Suns $22 million training facility was completed in 2017.

Community – The Suns training base is part of the larger Sports and Leisure Centre precinct with club specific integration.

Facilities – High Performance Indoor Open Training, Gymnasium and Aquatic Recovery. Administration including open plan staff areas, conference and meeting spaces.

The Future –  Located within the Gold Coast Sports Precinct any future development for the Suns will be a part of a strategic masterplan which incorporates Heritage Bank Stadium and surrounding sports precinct.

 

Richmond – Swinburne Centre | (17)

Location – Punt Road, Richmond.

Building Age – Richmond have the oldest high-performance building with the Punt Road development completed in 2012. A $65 million revitalisation of the Jack Dyer Stand is currently in progress in addition to the $11 million development completed in 2011 the oldest of all redeveloped facilities.

Community – Punt Road is not only connected to its historical surrounds in Richmond it is deeply connected with the community. Swinburne University utilise the facility has part of a Diploma offering with the club supporting the Korin Gamadji Institute and providing after hour indoor space for local sporting organisations.

Facilities – 2,000 Capacity playing oval, Indoor Training facility, Indoor Gymnasium, Aquatic and rehabilitation facilities, auditorium and a 125 seat function space.

The Future – The redevelopment of the Jack Dyer Stand is the last piece of the puzzle to realising the clubs dream of establishing a complete high-performance, community precinct at Punt Road.

 

Brisbane – Brighton Homes Arena | (18)

Location – 35min drive from City Centre. 

Building Age – Brisbane moved into their new home training facility in late 2022 – early 2023.

Community – A premier football & community precinct with destination facilities.

Facilities – The $80 million AFL Precinct has a 10,000 seat capacity, High Performance Indoor Open Training, Gymnasium, Aquatic Recovery, Administration including auditorium and conference meeting spaces, retail merchandise and café as well as cooperate partner commercial spaces.

The Future – With a Stadia home the Lions are future proofed to accommodate for the growing outer-west community of Brisbane.

 

Collingwood – AIA Centre | (18)

Location – 5min drive from City Centre, 10min drive to Collingwood heartland at Victoria Park.

Building Age – Refurbishments to the internal hardcourt area undertaken over the summer take total facility spend to just under $35 million, the last major development at the club was in 2015 when the Glasshouse was constructed to support the clubs growing administrative and training requirements.

Community – A Collingwood FC precinct within Melbourne & Olympic Park.

Facilities - 7,200 Capacity playing oval, High Performance Indoor Gymnasium including climate control environment, Aquatic Recovery, Administration including auditorium and conference meeting spaces, retail merchandise, museum and café.

The Future –  Landlocked and with the AIA Centre heritage-listed (originally the pool for the 1956 Olympic Games) Innovative and strategic planning will be required to accommodate future club growth which would most likely incorporate Victoria Park of which the club still utilises for its AFLW program.

 

Fremantle – Cockburn ARC | (18)

Location – 20min drive from Fremantle. 

Building Age – The original $100million was constructed in 2017 with a $20 million expansion currently in progress.  

Community – Uniquely placed as a Community recreation venue that integrates high performance sport, home to both the Dockers and Curtin University as well as providing aquatic and indoor facilities for the City of Cockburn.

Facilities – Community and High-performance aquatic and indoor facilities with 7 aquatic pools including 50m outdoor, heated 25m and recovery pools and a 6 Court Indoor Stadium with community and club specific Indoor Gymnasium facilities. Administration and associated player amenities, as well as a retail merchandise and café areas.

The Future –  The Cockburn site was designed with the current expansion in mind and will allow the Dockers to construct a new Indoor synthetic grass training facility in the future.   

 

Carlton – Ikon Park | (18.5)

Location – Ikon Park, Carlton North.

Building Age – Carlton has recently completed a three-staged $50 million redevelopment of Ikon Park with the most recent development completed in 2023.

Community - A premier football precinct.

Facilities - 13,000 seat Precinct, High Performance Indoor Open Training, Gymnasium, Aquatic and Hydrotherapy Recovery, Administration including auditorium and conference meeting spaces, retail merchandise, museum and café as well as cooperate partner commercial spaces.

The Future –  With one of the best precincts in the AFL, Carlton have the ability to adapt and integrate their site to accommodate future club and community needs.

 

North Melbourne – Arden Street | (19)

Location – Arden St, North Melbourne.

Building Age – Stage 2 Arden Street redevelopment was completed in early 2023.

Community – North Melbourne’s $26 million facility is entrenched within the Arden Precinct with a rich history at the site and amenity that offers facilities for local schools, sporting clubs, universities and residents through their active community programs.

Facilities – 4,000 Capacity playing oval, Indoor Gymnasium, aquatic, climate control and rehabilitation facilities, player lounge and dining, administration and community spaces including the award winning AV Visual Education space “The Huddle”.

The Future –  With its urban siting future growth at Arden St will require innovative thinking with any development to be considered as part of the Arden Precinct masterplan.

 

St Kilda – RSEA Park | (19)

Location – RSEA Park, Moorabbin.

Building Age – The last redevelopment undertaken at RSEA Park was the development of the Danny Frawley Centre completed in 2022, with total construction spend totalling $55 million.

Community – Community integration is underpinned by the wellbeing programs provided within the Danny Frawley Centre, utilised by schools and community programs. 

Facilities – 8,000 Capacity playing oval, Indoor Basketball Court, Gymnasium, Aquatic and hydrotherapy pool, rehabilitation and mental health facilities, administration and auditorium amenities.

The Future – RSEA Park with the undertaking of a masterplan process has the capacity to grow sensitively given its proximity to Moorabbin Reserve parkland. Similarly to Port Adelaide the site is situated within a residential context so a strategic vision would need to be undertaken. 

 

West Coast – Mineral Resources Park | (19.5) 

Location – Lathlain Park, Perth. 10min drive to City Centre

Building Age – Mineral Resources Park was constructed in 2019.

Community – The $100 million facility is home to the Waalitj Foundation which provides support to Indigenous Australians and ECU University collaborative programs which supports analysis and sports science research.

Facilities – 6,500 Capacity playing oval, 60m High Performance synthetic Indoor Training Field, High performance Gymnasium, Aquatic and hydrotherapy pools, Sports Science analysis facilities, 250 seat function room, player and social lounge spaces. Administration spaces include an auditorium, meeting and conference rooms as well as a media and broadcasting studio.

The Future –  Already a premier precinct in the AFL the Eagles are fortunate, despite their residential context to still have opportunity to grow. 

 

Geelong – GMHBA Stadium | (19.5)

Location – 5mins from Geelong Waterfront

Building Age – The recently completed Joel Selwood Stand is the last as part of the stadiums 5 Stages of development.

Community – The Cats have an edge on the competition as the only club that call their home ground home with administration, training and game day all at the same venue, meaning they provide a true heartland for their supporters and the broader community of Geelong.

Facilities – $100 million has been spent to redevelop the Stadium to a 40,000 seat arena, High Performance Gymnasium and Aquatic Recovery centre, including the Sunrise Centre which supports specialist community rehabilitation. Conference and meeting spaces, retail merchandise and café as well as cooperate partner commercial spaces.

The Future –  The Premier Stadia associated with a club in the AFL. GMHBA Stadium is the sporting precinct of Geelong and in turn future strategic planning developments including any future Indoor Training Facility will be well supported moving forward. 

 

Port Adelaide – MG High Performance Centre | (20)

Location – Alberton Oval, Port Adelaide.

Building Age – The $30 million facility redevelopment was recently completed in early 2023.

Community – Port Adelaide have developed a precinct within their heartland that future proofs their connection to community and activation of site.

Facilities – 11,000 Capacity playing oval, High Performance Indoor Open Training facility, with two international standard basketball courts and synthetic field surfaces, Indoor Gymnasium, aquatic, climate control and rehabilitation facilities, Player Lounge and Dining. The precinct also includes adjacent community fields and allows access for after hour community use.  

The Future –  The Power’s recent development has utilised the entirety of their site, as a precinct for the future. Any new major build would most likely require the demolition of an existing facility, or a strategic purchasing of adjacent land given the sites residential context.

 

Sydney – Sydney Swans HQ | (20)

Location – Moore Park, Sydney. Adjacent to the SCG.

Building Age – The Royal Hall of Industries redevelopment was completed in 2023 at a cost of $70 million. 

Community – Sydney Swans HQ part of The Royal Hall of Industries is home to Red Cross blood donation centre, GO Foundation, 98 Gym and Hoops Capital East which is a strategic organisation alliance with the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames.

Facilities – High Performance and Community Indoor Training Field, Basketball Court, Gymnasium, Aquatic and hydrotherapy pools as well as climate control rooms, Dining room with player and social lounge spaces. Administration spaces include an 80 seat auditorium, meeting and conference rooms as well as a production media green room, public retail and museum.

The Future –  The Swans world-class sporting and community hub has been developed within the iconic Royal Hall of Industries, any required new development would most likely be associated with the adjacent Tramway Oval or separate Henson Park which is home to the Swans AFLW matches.

 

Western Bulldogs – VU High Performance Centre | (20) 

Location – Whitten Oval, Footscray.

Building Age – The redevelopment of the Bulldog’s traditional home was completed in 2023 at a total cost of $77 million.

Community – Student’s from Victoria University will utilise the strength and condition resources as part of the studying.

Facilities – 10,000 Capacity playing oval, 50m x 35m High Performance synthetic Indoor Training Field, Gymnasium, Aquatic and hydrotherapy pools, endurance heat chamber, medical and condition facilities, as well as player and social lounge spaces.

The Future –  Construction continues as part of Whitten Oval’s precinct redevelopment with the delivery of the 1,500 seat Grandstand the final piece of the puzzle for completion upon which the site will rival Punt Road as the AFL’s best suburban oval precinct.

Ranking - AFL Club facilities

*Denotes new facilities planned for construction

[Diamond_Jim 12,627]

32 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Begging the question, who is providing the best of the best and more importantly equipped for the future?

Not sure I agree with the criteria

They missed the two ovals and the indoor high performance training centre. Richmond has a pocket handkerchief facility by comparison to Essendon

Edited March 4 by Diamond_Jim

[Grr-owl 1,251]

I live in Caulfield South and the local member [no censorship, please] has been calling for comment, claiming that the move of the MFC to Caulfield would reduce green space in the area and shut the community out by putting the land in the hands of private clubs. Us locals need more green space, apparently, than Glenhuntly Park, EE Gunn Reserve, Packer Park, Princes Park, Caulfield Park and Lord Reserve/Koornang park, with Elsternwick Park, Duncan McKinnon Reserve and Yalukit William Nature Reserve plus a few others not much further away. I let David know - as he seemed not to realize - that the facilities the MFC would use would bring more of the community in than the few dog walkers, joggers and snake hunters using it presently by providing more of the very green sporting and leisure facilities he seems to think we lack.

Next time I might let him know that I didn't vote for him because there was a candidate on the ticket who had luscious long red locks, for which I am a sucker. In other words, he needs to do something positive to get my vote, and being another NIMBY ain't going to get him over the line against a smiling redhead. 

Note: Had no idea of her politics. Just dug her hair.

[old dee 23,872]

After reading articles on the up coming state budget I am confident that the Caulfield move will not happen this decade.

Casey it is for the forceable future. Get used to it everyone. 

[No. 31 1,309]

10 hours ago, Grr-owl said:

I live in Caulfield South and the local member [no censorship, please] has been calling for comment, claiming that the move of the MFC to Caulfield would reduce green space in the area and shut the community out by putting the land in the hands of private clubs. Us locals need more green space, apparently, than Glenhuntly Park, EE Gunn Reserve, Packer Park, Princes Park, Caulfield Park and Lord Reserve/Koornang park, with Elsternwick Park, Duncan McKinnon Reserve and Yalukit William Nature Reserve plus a few others not much further away. I let David know - as he seemed not to realize - that the facilities the MFC would use would bring more of the community in than the few dog walkers, joggers and snake hunters using it presently by providing more of the very green sporting and leisure facilities he seems to think we lack.

Just out of curiosity, anyone know who David S. supports in footy? 🤔

[Grr-owl 1,251]

3 minutes ago, No. 31 said:

Just out of curiosity, anyone know who David S. supports in footy? 🤔

Being a politician, it changes depending on the majority within company at any given moment. If you watch him closely as he enters a room, he does quick calculations based on the appearance of the folks therein. If they have teeth, it's not Collingwood. If they're stoned, West Coast. If they've got their snouts in the buffet, the Cats. Etc... 

[Moonshadow 17,677]

11 hours ago, Grr-owl said:

I live in Caulfield South and the local member [no censorship, please] has been calling for comment, claiming that the move of the MFC to Caulfield would reduce green space in the area and shut the community out by putting the land in the hands of private clubs. Us locals need more green space, apparently, than Glenhuntly Park, EE Gunn Reserve, Packer Park, Princes Park, Caulfield Park and Lord Reserve/Koornang park, with Elsternwick Park, Duncan McKinnon Reserve and Yalukit William Nature Reserve plus a few others not much further away. I let David know - as he seemed not to realize - that the facilities the MFC would use would bring more of the community in than the few dog walkers, joggers and snake hunters using it presently by providing more of the very green sporting and leisure facilities he seems to think we lack.

Next time I might let him know that I didn't vote for him because there was a candidate on the ticket who had luscious long red locks, for which I am a sucker. In other words, he needs to do something positive to get my vote, and being another NIMBY ain't going to get him over the line against a smiling redhead. 

Note: Had no idea of her politics. Just dug her hair.

Exactly. There's a s*** load of parks and open spaces in the burb. 

It gets on my 🐐 that these attention seeking lightweight pollies can feign outrage about an issue without facts or a grip on the balanced bigger picture 

[Roost it far 8,582]

The only people against such a development in that location are people who oppose any and every development, usually boomers who’ve made a truck load of money raping and pillaging the planet. The other type are the vested interests group, also Boomers but boomers who want to make money out of any development that happens. The third and final are the old crew who just don’t want any more green space buried under concrete. I like the idea but don’t see where the money will come from.

[hemingway 7,631]

1 hour ago, old dee said:

After reading articles on the up coming state budget I am confident that the Caulfield move will not happen this decade.

Casey it is for the forceable future. Get used to it everyone. 

Not far wrong OD. 

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,909]

3 hours ago, old dee said:

After reading articles on the up coming state budget I am confident that the Caulfield move will not happen this decade.

Casey it is for the forceable future. Get used to it everyone. 

What may help is that the State Government could see an opportunity to take the state seat of Caulfield. It's currently held by David Southwick, the deputy leader of the Liberal party (the party currently in opposition). Whether the temptation is enough for the Government to throw some dollars at Caulfield Racecourse remains to be seen.   

[Demon Disciple 12,273]

1 hour ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

What may help is that the State Government could see an opportunity to take the state seat of Caulfield.

yeah I doubt that. The Libs are doing a great job on their own remaining irrelevant.

Why would Labor interfere with a burning building when they want it demolished anyways?

[Demonsone 2,043]

https://www.facebook.com/share/FPrcAgJhFTunV9UB/?mibextid=WC7FNe
 

260 mill from state gvt yet no  location available for the oldest afl club  which bears the name of the city .. 2024 and we are still no guarantees at Caulfield 

Edited March 13 by Demonsone

[kev martin 10,411]

Unsubstantiated rumour.

Talked to someone, who asked and talked to someone, who mentioned that it is unlikely we will move into AAMI if the Rebels leave.

They said we would also need Victory and Storm to move out. There is not enough space for administration. To use the facilities they have to request, and is based on scheduling with the other clubs. Not enough flexibility, not enough room.

If this is the case, then they want to be solely in control of the area.  

[TeamPlayedFine39 8,510]

Was buying some guest passes for the Hawthorn match this Saturday when I saw this donation link for their new facility.  There must be a massive amount of casual money being donated to their club through this method, yet I have never been asked for a single dollar from the MFC to fund, or find our new home base (wherever and whenever that may be).
When I see almost every club in the league forging ahead with their new training bases, some of which are now on their second training bases, I fear we are a long, long way off anything concrete.

Why are we not rattling some tins and generating some buzz and excitement?

 

 

[bluey 1,117]

Hawthorn riches are derived from Pokies.

[roy11 3,893]

I'm sure we'd be rattling some tins if there was a location, would be hard pressed to find people wanting to donate large sums for more feasibility studies i reckon. 

[Demon Disciple 12,273]

1 hour ago, bluey said:

Hawthorn riches are derived from Pokies.

The family club……..pfft

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

My understanding is, we are just crossing some Ts for Govt funding / approval.

All going well there should be an aannouncement by the end of this year.

Assuming it gets the go ahead, we are on track to commence building of the facility at the Heath sometime in 2025.

[whatwhat say what 22,939]

7 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

My understanding is, we are just crossing some Ts for Govt funding / approval.

All going well there should be an aannouncement by the end of this year.

Assuming it gets the go ahead, we are on track to commence building of the facility at the Heath sometime in 2025.

the notion of having multiple training ovals for our four sides is such a huge change

i'm very curious to see how the filth, the tiggas, and the baggers manage it all with just the one oval available to them; i imagine the filth will just take over gosch's area again, while highgate in craigieburn was meant to provide those future ovals for the tigs - a facility that hume council spent massive $ on back in late 2000s only for gale etc to turn their noses up at

our 30 year lease with casey is such an important part of the future strategic footballing direction of the club and our four sides

[Lou C. Fur 1,009]

On 27/02/2024 at 19:12, Demonland said:

 

Thanks for sharing. As has been noted by a previous post, no mention at all of plans for MFC in this story.

Edited March 22 by Lou C. Fur