The shortlisted facilities for the 2025 Ken Gannon Football Facilities Award have been announced, with the upgraded Bob Prenter Reserve at Macquarie Fields named as New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory’s finalist for the awards.
The Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Awards recognises the projects that set the benchmark in best-practice design and development to support the continued growth of Australian Football.
As the league works towards its goal of one million participants by 2033, high-quality community facilities are essential to supporting the game’s continued growth. In 2025 alone, more than 100 new playing fields have been activated, reflecting the strong demand for accessible and fit-for-purpose venues.
The Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award recognises projects that deliver modern, inclusive facilities – whether through new developments or major upgrades – ensuring local clubs and communities have the infrastructure needed to support growing participation.
Each State and Territory selected its leading community facility project for 2025, with those recipients progressing as national finalists for the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award.
The AFL congratulates the following 2025 national finalists of the 2025 Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Awards:
NSW/ACT: Bob Prenter Reserve Facility Upgrade
NT: Maningrida Sports Upgrades
QLD: Iona College – Breaking New Ground Partnership
SA: Barossa Park Development
TAS: Windsor Park Oval Redevelopment
VIC: Alexandra Park Pavilion Redevelopment
WA: Halesworth Park Development
AFL Head of Venue Network Enhancements and Partnerships Shayne Ward congratulated the 2025 national finalists.
“The strength of our game at the grassroots level heavily relies on the quality and accessibility of our facilities, so it’s fantastic to see more than 100 new playing fields unlocked in 2025 alone,” said Ward.
“Congratulations to our 2025 finalists – the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award celebrates projects that don’t just meet demand, but set new benchmarks in design, accessibility and inclusion.
“As we continue our journey towards one million participants by 2033, investment in modern, welcoming and fit-for-purpose facilities will remain critical to ensuring every player, volunteer and fan has a place to belong.”
The upgrades to Bob Prenter Reserve involved the development of a brand-new amenities block, including four gender-neutral player changerooms, a dedicated umpires room, and an upgraded clubroom.
The clubroom refurb featured a new bar and commercial kitchen, while the project also saw upgraded venue lighting and improved spectator amenities.
Delivered in collaboration between the AFL, Campbelltown Council and the ground’s community AFL club – the South West Sydney Blues – the project has seen Bob Prenter Reserve become a vibrant community hub, with the new-look ground set to host its first game since its significant refurbishment when the best U22s of AFL Sydney and AFL Canberra Men’s and Women’s teams meet in a Representative AFL Summer Series match on Saturday, March 14.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said: “The redevelopment of Bob Prenter Reserve is a major investment in the future of AFL in South West Sydney.
“As participation continues to surge across the region, having modern and inclusive facilities is critical to supporting players, volunteers and families, and ensuring everyone feels welcome and included in our game.
“The upgrade sees Bob Prenter Reserve become one of the premier facilities across Sydney and will play a key role in our ambition to connect more people across South West Sydney to our game.”
Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound said: “This project has delivered world class facilities that will help the South West Sydney Blues foster the development of junior players in Campbelltown while providing seniors with a great place to play and train.
“The fantastic design of the female-friendly change rooms has raised standards to ensure this regional facility will cater for the growing participation of women in local sport.”
Introduced in 2019, the winner of the Ken Gannon Football Facility Award is expected to be announced in the coming months.
All finalists have been developed in line with the AFL’s Preferred Facilities Guidelines, ensuring facilities are well designed, accessible and aligned with the league’s long-term priorities.
For more information on the Ken Gannon Football Facility Award, visit here.