CEO Matthew Richardson, AFLW captain Justine Mules-Robinson and Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing the Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP proudly unveiled the facility on Tuesday. Image: Matt Sampson.

Port Adelaide Football Club CEO Matthew Richardson, AFLW captain Justine Mules-Robinson and Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing the Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP today officially opened the club's newly completed AFLW high performance and community facilities. 

Speaking to the media at Alberton, Richardson and Mules-Robinson thanked the South Australian Government for its continued investment in the facilities, with the latest stage of development now complete and already delivering benefits to AFLW players and the local community. 

The State Government grant, to be delivered over four years, supported the club's Stage 4 redevelopment, delivering world-class facilities for the club's AFLW program and new spectator seating to create a greater community experience. 

The latest stage of developments are complete and are already delivering benefits to AFLW players and the local community. Image: Matt Sampson.

The completed works include new AFLW changerooms, hot and cold baths, administration space, drinks stations and a new player run out, along with new terraced seating on the eastern boundary, following a period of planning, approvals and community consultation.  

New administration expansion includes multi-function meeting rooms, additional office space, a media studio, meeting rooms and reception area, have also been completed. 

"We're incredibly grateful to the South Australian Government for their support of these important projects," said Mr Richardson.  

"Their generous support has allowed us to provide world class facilities to our AFL and AFLW players, ensuring all our athletes and staff can now operate together within the magnificent MG High Performance Centre."

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Matthew Richardson, Justine Mules-Robinson and the Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP press conference - 21 July

Matthew Richardson, Justine Mules-Robinson and the Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP speak to the media at Alberton Oval after the opening of the club’s redeveloped AFLW change rooms.

The new eastern terraced seating is designed to make game day more accessible for families, with the club reporting some of the biggest AFLW crowds in the competition at Alberton over the last few years. 

"The new seating will significant improve the game day experience, especially for kids and families utilising the activation zones on the eastern side of Alberton Oval,” Richardson continued.

"This is one part of a much bigger and ongoing vision for Alberton Oval, we'll continue working with the State Government and partners on the next phase of development which includes the Port Adelaide Bowling Club and additional grandstand." 

Beyond match days, the completed facilities are being used by the wider community, with enhanced access for everyone to enjoy.  

The development helps to bring the men and women's programs closer together, whilst also providing greater experiences to the community. Image: Matt Sampson.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Hon Rhiannon Pearce said supporting the construction of world-class AFLW facilities at Alberton reflects the Malinauskas Government’s commitment to advancing women's sport throughout South Australia.  

“This development also delivers far-reaching benefits for the community, expanding this existing sporting precinct and community assets to support physical activity and social connection,” said the Minister. 

“This redevelopment will help our state maintain its position as a national leader in attracting and keeping elite sporting talent, while inspiring future generations of athletes and strengthening community connection.” 

The Hon Rhiannon Pearce says the development will deliver far-reaching benefits for the community. Image: Matt Sampson.

The pool and gym, now shared between the AFL and AFLW programs, along with the expanded administration facilities that support club programs, local sporting groups and community activities throughout the week. 

Justine Mules-Robinson, AFLW Captain says having these facilities available to our players is incredible. 

“Bringing the men’s and women’s programs closer together, is amazing. Combined with the community having daily access to Alberton Oval, it really shows what makes this project so special,” Mules Robinson said.

“Having our own changerooms alongside the men’s program, dedicated hot and cold recovery facilities, and a new player run out has made a significant difference to how we prepare and recover each week.

The facility's features are world-leading and will enhance the program's preparation and recovery. Image: Matt Sampson.

“We're incredibly grateful to both the Government and the club for their support of this project. These world-class facilities give us every opportunity to become the best athletes we can be, while also helping attract great talent to our program into the future.” 

Port Adelaide will host Melbourne in an official practice match at Alberton Oval on Saturday, July 25, with the first bounce at 11:30am ACST. Entry is free, with fans encouraged to come along, experience the club's new facilities.

Bookings are also available on the deck at the Port Club for those wanting to enjoy the match from one of the best vantage points at Alberton.