Dayton District Open Space in Western Australia is a 2024 finalist for the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award. Picture: Supplied

The AFL is delighted to unveil the 2024 national finalists for the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award, which recognises best practice in community football facility development across the country.

Established in 2019, the award recognises the contribution of Ken Gannon, who spent nearly 10 years developing the AFL's interest and partnerships in the community facilities space, leading to outcomes of more than 800 community football facility projects.

After claiming the top prize in their state and territory, the seven finalists listed below have been nominated for the national award which will be announced ahead of the 2025 community football season.

  • NSW/ACT: Oakes Oval Upgrade
  • NT: Nightcliff Middle School Upgrade
  • QLD: Everleigh Sports Field Development
  • SA: Tanunda Recreation Park Redevelopment
  • TAS: Circular Head Recreation Ground Drainage Upgrades
  • VIC: Clyde Recreation Reserve Redevelopment
  • WA: Dayton District Open Space

The announcement of the national finalists follows a truly exceptional year in facility development in the game, which was highlighted by multiple state and territory projects.

A record number of more than 100 new grounds were made available to Australian Rules Football in 2024 with this significant number enabling the AFL to achieve another milestone – reaching more than 500 new playing fields for footy since the AFLW began in 2017.

Circular Head Recreation Ground in Tasmania is a 2024 finalist for the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award. Picture: Supplied

Facility upgrades are crucial to guarantee there are enough accessible grounds to support the significant participation growth the game sees year on year.

To ensure football is providing the most modern facilities, all finalists have been guided by the AFL's Preferred Facilities Guidelines which makes sure all facilities, new or refurbished, support the provision of well positioned, welcoming, accessible and fit for purpose to support our growing game’s strategic priorities.

Everleigh Sports Park in Queensland is a 2024 finalist for the Ken Gannon Community Football Facility Award. Picture: Supplied

To find out more information on past Ken Gannon Award winners, click here

For more information about facility development and management in Australian Rules Football, visit the AFL's Facility Management hub on play.afl.