Hawthorn FC Opens Elite Training Facility, Expands Dingley Village Sports Access

Hawthorn Football Club opened its new $113 million Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley Village in November 2025, creating the first AFL club-owned training and administration base in the competition.

Relocation from Waverley Park

The club moved operations from Waverley Park to the Dingley site at the close of 2024. The new precinct sits on a former landfill site that has been converted into a dedicated sports training area. This shift centralises the club's activities in one purpose-built location within the local area.

Key Features of the Facility

The centre provides equal elite amenities for both the AFL Men's and Women's teams. It includes an MCG-sized oval, a 500-seat AFLW grandstand, an indoor training field, and a full aquatic recovery zone with a magnesium pool. These elements support year-round preparation and recovery for players at the highest level.

Funding and Development

The project received joint funding from the Australian Government, Victorian Government, AFL, Kingston City Council and the Hawthorn Football Club. This combination enabled the transformation of the site into a modern training precinct that serves the club and broader community needs.

Public Access and Inclusivity Measures

The Kennedy Community Centre welcomes visitors on Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 5pm. The club has also added a permanent sensory space designed to improve accessibility for a wider range of users.

Early pre-season work at the venue included managing a shoulder injury to midfielder Will Day. The facility continues to support the club's training requirements while offering scheduled public entry.

Residents and supporters can view the centre during the listed weekday hours to see the infrastructure firsthand. The venue remains available for these visits without further scheduled announcements at this time.