Back in AFL hands: League buys Waverley Park from Hawks

June 24, 2025
by deepakkumar

The AFL has officially regained control of historic Waverley Park as Hawthorn prepares to move to its new Dingley base. The League plans to use the venue to support grassroots footy, talent development, and umpire programs.

Guess who’s back in AFL hands? That’s right — Waverley Park, the iconic footy ground, is officially returning to the League after a deal was struck with the Hawthorn Football Club. With the Hawks gearing up to move into their brand-new $100 million Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley, the timing couldn’t be better.

READ MORE : Rybakina reflects on Halep loss in Dubai: ‘I learned a good deal’

If you’re a long-time footy follower, Waverley Park probably brings back some pretty unforgettable memories. After all, this iconic venue was the very first sporting ground designed specifically for Australian Rules Football. From 1970 to 1999, it hosted a whopping 732 VFL/AFL matches — including 70 finals and, most notably, the 1991 AFL Grand Final where the Hawks triumphed over West Coast.

But it wasn’t just footy that made Waverley legendary. Who could forget that wild night in 1996 during a match between Essendon and St Kilda when a blackout plunged the ground into chaos? Fans stormed the field, lit fires, and even pulled out point posts. The game had to be wrapped up the following Tuesday. Absolute scenes.

And Waverley wasn’t just about sport — it also rocked to the sound of music legends like KISS, David Bowie, U2, and Simon & Garfunkel. Plus, it hosted World Series Cricket matches between 1977 and 1979. This ground truly has seen it all.

Since 2000, most of the stadium has been demolished, but the heritage-listed Sir Kenneth Luke Stand remained and was converted by Hawthorn into a modern training and admin facility. This was the base where the Hawks built their modern dynasty, winning premierships in 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2015 under the leadership of coach Alastair Clarkson.

Now that Hawthorn is ready to spread its wings and fly to Dingley, the AFL saw the opportunity to reclaim this cherished piece of footy history — and they grabbed it.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon shared that the acquisition isn’t just about nostalgia. Waverley Park is set to become a valuable space for developing the game through talent pathways, community footy, and umpire training programs.

“We need two ovals a week, every week for the next five years just to keep up with participation,” said Dillon. “Bringing Waverley Park back into the fold is a rare and timely solution. It gives us the greenspace and heritage to build for the future while honouring the past.”

Dillon also thanked everyone involved in the deal — from Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein and COO Jacob Attwood to the team at Colliers and AFL EGM Matthew Chun — for ensuring that this footy landmark remains an active part of the AFL landscape.

As for the Hawks, they’re looking ahead. COO Jacob Attwood said the deal puts the club in a strong financial position as they prepare to move into their state-of-the-art facility in Dingley later this year.

“With the AFL taking over Waverley Park, we’re confident that its rich history will be preserved. And for us, it’s a new chapter at the Kennedy Community Centre — one that we’re incredibly excited about,” Attwood said.

So yes — Waverley Park is back in AFL hands, ready to serve the game once again. From legendary matches to music mayhem and now, a bright future for up-and-coming players, this ground continues to be a special part of Australia’s sporting story.

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a wealth of valuable content across our platform, but for a quick overview, explore the FAQs below to find answers to the most common questions about online betting and promotional offers.

What is the best betting site?

How do I get started with a betting site?

Are betting sites trustworthy?

Which betting sites should I avoid?

Can betting sites ban you?

How do I find a betting site that suits me?

Which is the best betting bonus?

What betting sites offer free bets?

What is the best betting site?

The “best” betting site depends on what you value most—odds, bonuses, live betting options, or payment methods. At Willbet, we compare top-rated sites and recommend trusted names with great offers and reputations.

How do I get started with a betting site?

Choose a reputable site from Willbet, sign up, verify your identity, deposit funds, and place your bets. Always read the terms and conditions before you start.

Are betting sites trustworthy?

Many betting sites are licensed and regulated, making them secure. At Willbet, we only feature bookmakers with proper licensing and fair play policies.

Which betting sites should I avoid?

Avoid unlicensed or poorly reviewed sites, especially those with unclear terms or delayed withdrawals. Willbet provides up-to-date reviews so you can steer clear of unreliable operators.

Can betting sites ban you?

Yes, sites can suspend or ban accounts for reasons like bonus abuse, fraudulent activity, or breaking their terms of service.

How do I find a betting site that suits me?

Think about what’s most important—sports covered, payment methods, bonuses, or app usability. Willbet offers filters and comparison tools to help you find the perfect fit.

Which is the best betting bonus?

The best bonus depends on your goals. Some prefer large welcome bonuses, while others like free bets or cashback offers. Willbet highlights the top bonuses with clear terms so you can choose wisely.

What betting sites offer free bets?

Many popular sites have free bet promotions for new and existing users. Check Willbet regularly to see the latest free bet offers and promo codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to BookiesBonuses.com – your go to destination for expert insights on betting sites and bonuses. We offer a wealth of valuable content across our platform, but for a quick overview, explore the FAQs below to find answers to the most common questions about online betting and promotional offers.

What is the best betting site?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean aliquam neque ut rutrum fringilla. Vestibulum et accumsan tortor, varius facilisis nulla. Sed tempor posuere arcu a posuere. Aliquam sollicitudin, dui pulvinar venenatis lacinia, lorem massa iaculis magna, at eleifend arcu sapien vel sapien. Cras ut justo in sem interdum iaculis.

Praesent elementum velit orci. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. In at enim id orci laoreet aliquet ac eu quam. Aenean lectus orci, maximus ut sodales ac, faucibus eget ex. Aenean et faucibus sapien.

How do I get started with a betting site?

Are betting sites trustworthy?

Which betting sites should I avoid?

Can betting sites ban you?

How do I find a betting site that suits me?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Which is the best betting bonus?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

What betting sites offer free bets?

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Rafael Mendelson

Betting Expert

As a staff writer, Jimmy offers his expertise in all things gambling, contributing to a number of topics on BetZillion.com, including our betting site reviews and strategy guides. Jimmy is also an avid sports fan, with a strong interest in NBA and Premier League betting.

Jayden Daniels and Commanders Eye NFL’s Best Offense in 2025

All Posts
Betting Types & Strategies
Bonuses & Promotions
Latest News
Sport-Specific Betting
Sports Betting Basics

WANT THE LATEST news?

Get exclusive betting news and the latest odds from top-rated sportsbooks, straight to your inbox and social feeds.