THE Melbourne Football Club is delighted by the Andrews Labor Government’s announcement of a $5 million investment into Casey Fields.

This funding will enable Melbourne to accelerate the expansion of AFLW at Casey Fields and create opportunities that will be delivered improved facilities and participation outcomes for women and girls in the Casey region. 

Chief executive Peter Jackson said the club was delighted with the Andrews Government’s commitment to Casey Fields.

“We think this is a great investment, not only for the City of Casey, but also for female football and for the further upgrade to the facilities at Casey Fields,” he said.

“We thank the Andrews Government and the City of Casey for their active role and commitment towards this project.”

“We think it’s really important for girls in the South East of Victoria to have a clear pathway to play elite football and this injection of funding for the facility at Casey Fields further strengthens our commitment in the area.”

Labor Member for Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said that outcome was a fantastic opportunity for the Melbourne Football Club and the City of Casey.

“This will build a true home for the Demons at Casey Fields, and boost the experience for their diehard fans,” he said.

“We’re investing in the future of sport in Victoria – from the suburbs to the ‘G.”

Casey Fields will be upgraded as part of the biggest investment in women’s and community sport in Victoria’s history.

More than 950 new female teams have joined football competitions across Australia since the inaugural AFLW season in 2017.

The upgrades are part of a $241.6 million boost for women’s and community sport in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.

The Victorian Budget will provide $15.4 million for upgrades at key suburban sporting precincts and $5 million for Community Sports Infrastructure Loans that will unlock up to $100 million for local clubs to upgrade their facilities.

The Labor Government has also signed a landmark deal with the AFL that will deliver major redevelopments of the MCG and Etihad Stadium Precinct, and guarantee the AFL Grand Final will be played in Victoria for the next 40 years.