AFL Reacquires Historic Waverley Park from Hawthorn

The AFL has repurchased Waverley Park from the Hawthorn Football Club as the Hawks prepare to move to their new $100 million John Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley later this year. The deal, for an undisclosed sum reportedly below $20 million, provides a significant financial boost to Hawthorn and allows the AFL to retain control of the historically significant venue, which was the first stadium built specifically for Australian Rules Football and hosted numerous VFL/AFL games including the 1991 Grand Final. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon emphasized that the purchase supports talent pathways, community football, and umpire development programs, aligning with the league's ambitious goal to add two playing ovals per week over the next five years to accommodate growing participation. Hawthorn COO Jacob Attwood expressed confidence that the stadium’s cultural heritage will be preserved under AFL ownership. The site, once capable of holding over 90,000 spectators, had been partially demolished after the last AFL match in 1999, and the AFL plans to work with stakeholders on its future use. The deal also prevented other interested buyers, including a private school, from acquiring the property.