sport
St Kilda Secures $12m to Return Training Base to Moorabbin
The St Kilda club has secured the investment needed to re-establish its training and community operations in the suburb.
How we reported this
St Kilda is returning its main operations to Moorabbin after winning $12 million in funding that will allow the club to re-open facilities at its historic home ground.
The decision comes at a time when several AFL clubs are looking to strengthen ties with their original suburbs. For Moorabbin residents this means the return of a professional football presence that once defined local weekends and school programs. The funding win removes a long-standing barrier that had kept the Saints training elsewhere for more than a decade.
Reviving the suburb's sporting heart
Moorabbin's sport scene has continued to grow through local clubs and school programs even while the Saints were based elsewhere. The return of the club's headquarters is expected to increase foot traffic at nearby ovals and create new opportunities for junior teams that already use the ground on weekends. Community groups in the area have long argued that a visible AFL presence helps keep young people engaged in organised sport rather than drifting away after primary school.
The $12 million commitment covers upgrades required to meet current league standards for training, medical and recovery facilities. The source article published on afl.com.au confirms the funding will bring the Saints back to the suburb they left in 2010.
Next steps for local clubs and residents
Work on the site is scheduled to begin once final approvals are completed, with the club aiming to be fully operational by the end of next year. Local junior clubs are already in discussion with the Saints about shared use of the upgraded change rooms and gym spaces on non-training days. Residents interested in volunteering or joining community programs can register interest through the Saints website or by contacting the club’s community team directly once the move is confirmed.
The funding outcome shows how sustained local advocacy can deliver tangible results for suburban sport infrastructure. Moorabbin now has a clear timeline to prepare for the increased activity that will follow the Saints’ homecoming.