Box Hill Hawks Draw Major Attention at City Oval

Box Hill Hawks Football Club returned to action at its home ground when Box Hill City Oval reopened on May 16, 2026, for the first home VFL/VFLW game after redevelopment. The club plays in the Victorian Football League and maintains an affiliation with the Hawthorn Hawks.

Why the Oval Matters Now

The reopening followed a $28 million investment in the precinct. Box Hill Hawks Football Club and Box Hill Cricket Club reached an agreement to jointly manage the site. This arrangement gives the club a stable base for its VFL and VFLW programs at a time when local facilities are being updated.

Local Programs Tied to the Club

Box Hill Senior Secondary College Sports Academy, which began in 1995, offers elite coaching in basketball, AFL/AFLW and tennis. Students receive weekly strength and conditioning sessions during regular school hours. Box Hill High School runs three whole-school sport events each year, with results used to select students for interschool teams in sports that include AFL. Box Hill Athletic Club, founded in 1932, trains at Hagenauer's Park and has long been part of the same local network.

Supporting Infrastructure Details

The May 16, 2026 reopening included a new playing surface, synthetic exercise track and upgraded pavilions. Construction on a new two-storey West Pavilion is scheduled to finish in mid-2027. These upgrades directly affect the day-to-day operations of the Box Hill Hawks at the oval they share with the cricket club.

Next Steps for Interested Athletes

Hawthorn College of Sport, run with Box Hill Institute, offers a dual diploma in Sport and Leadership/Management. Expressions of interest remain open for the February 2026 intake. The program includes a pathway to Deakin University that grants eight credit points toward relevant degrees. Athletes can contact the college directly for current enrolment information.