Exerp
Exerp is a global IT specialist in member management software for the fitness and leisure industry. By focusing on the needs of large enterprises, where streamlining, control and scalability are…
read moreNorth Melbourne has announced that is has finalised a deal to play two regular season ‘home’ fixtures in Western Australia for each of the next three years.
The Kangaroos will host one match at Optus Stadium and one at Bunbury's Hands Oval against Perth-based clubs Fremantle and West Coast from 2025-2027.
The new fixtures, which the club advise will “secure its financial future” are part of a strategy to exit Tasmania, where it has played at least two home matches each year since 2012.
With the Tasmanian Government backing its new Devil licence, set to enter the competition in 2028, North Melbourne will not play any more home games in Tasmania after next year, having played four a year at Hobart's Bellerive Oval in recent seasons.
Two of those home matches will return to Victoria from 2026 onwards, the other two will see the Kangaroos host West Coast and Fremantle in either Perth or Bunbury across 2025, 2026 and 2027.
In 2025, North Melbourne will host the Eagles in Bunbury in Round 13 and Fremantle at Optus Stadium in Round 14.
Kangaroos Chief Executive Jennifer Watt said the agreement with the AFL, the Western Australian Government and Tourism WA will provide significant benefits to the club, noting in a statement “this is a great outcome for the club in that we are able to bring two games back to our Melbourne heartland supporters while securing our financial future.”
She added “the club began planning for our post-Tasmania future once Tasmania was granted an AFL licence.
"Having explored a number of options, this three-year agreement stood alone in delivering multiple benefits to the club, our members and supporters."
Reaffirming the club’s commitment to North Melbourne, while also noting that Western Australia has the largest number of Kangaroos supporters outside of Victoria, Watt went on to say that its Arden Street precinct remains North Melbourne's "forever home", stating “enhancing our facilities and expanding our footprint within the Arden Precinct will always be at the heart of our long-term strategy.
"From a financial perspective, this opportunity in Western Australia will go a long way to ensuring we can continue to do that alongside fully funded football departments.
"Underpinning the club's finances also enables us to refocus and invest in talent identification and fan development in our Next Generation Academies.”
Watt emphasised that the new deal will help to ensure the Arden Street precinct remains North Melbourne's "forever home".
"Enhancing our facilities and expanding our footprint within the Arden Precinct will always be at the heart of our long-term strategy," Watt said.
"From a financial perspective, this opportunity in Western Australia will go a long way to ensuring we can continue to do that alongside fully funded football departments.
"Underpinning the club's finances also enables us to refocus and invest in talent identification and fan development in our Next Generation Academies.
Tourism industry welcomes new fixtures
Tourism Council WA has welcomed the matches the Kangaroos’ matches heading to the state.
Tourism Council WA Chief Executive Evan Hall said the two annual games would generate approximately $4 million in visitor spending in both Perth and regional WA, creating approximately 30 new full-time equivalent jobs in the local community.
Looking forward to the fixtures, Hall advised “the tourism industry will work to encourage Roos fans to stay on and holiday in the South West, and turn a one match visit into a one week stay.
“We will encourage them to stay longer and spend more, creating more economic benefits and jobs, particularly in the South West.
“It’s great to see an influx of interstate visitors into regional WA, particularly during the slower winter in the south.”
Images: North Melbourne will play two regular season ‘home’ fixtures in Western Australia for each of the next three years (top, credit: Shutterstock) and AFL at Optus Stadium (below, credit: VenuesLive).
10th November 2024 - Tourism Excellence recognised at Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards
28th October 2024 - Blockbuster Bledisloe Cup returns to Optus Stadium in 2025
25th October 2024 - Blockbusters at Perth venues contribute to $286 million boost for Western Australian economy
16th October 2024 - Perth’s Optus Stadium set to host first test in 2025/26 Ashes series
9th October 2024 - New valuation of AFL and NRL brands shows Collingwood as Australia’s most valuable property
20th August 2024 - Coldplay, WWE, FIFA deliver $105 million into the Western Australian economy
3rd August 2024 - AFL Club Membership reaches all time high
8th July 2024 - Western Australia Government paid $8 million subsidy to Live Nation Entertainment for 2023 Coldplay concerts
7th July 2024 - Concept designs released for Hobart’s new AFL Stadium
17th April 2024 - Sensory Room at Perth’s Optus Stadium gets official unveiling
13th January 2023 - Additional funding secures redevelopment of Bunbury’s Hands Oval
2nd February 2022 - North Melbourne announces Presidency transition as Dr Sonja Hood replaces Ben Buckley
24th January 2022 - YouGov survey reveals AFL as Australia’s most popular sport
29th July 2016 - New home for sporting teams at Bunbury’s Hay Park
4th June 2016 - New deal keeps North Melbourne playing AFL fixtures in Hobart for five more years
22nd March 2015 - Etihad Stadium Chief Executive responds to North Melbourne after ‘world’s worst deal’ claim
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Click here to view our subscription options.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Exerp is a global IT specialist in member management software for the fitness and leisure industry. By focusing on the needs of large enterprises, where streamlining, control and scalability are…
read moreInterQuad (International Quadratics) With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…
read moreAPT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…
read moreWe live for media production and global events, providing real-time networks for video, audio, data and communications.
read moreThe world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreGeoff Ninnes Fong & Partners (GNFP) is a structural, aquatic and civil engineering consultancy with broad experience in the design of new municipal and institutional swimming pools, hydrotherapy…
read moreWith its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…
read moreWe are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!