Frankston’s SkyBus Stadium to kick goals for AFLW season opener
Published on 20 December 2021
Frankston’s SkyBus Stadium will kick goals when it takes centre stage to host the Saints versus Tigers clash for the opening match of the 2022 NAB AFLW Season.
Frankston City Council Mayor Nathan Conroy joined Saints AFLW Captain Hannah Priest and dignitaries including St Kilda Football Club CEO Matt Finnis, the Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, the State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, and Council CEO, Phil Cantillon, as well as young supporters, to celebrate the match being hosted at SkyBus Stadium.
Mayor Conroy said: “We’re thrilled to showcase our state of the art SkyBus Stadium to Australia with the beautiful bay as a backdrop as elite women footballers compete for premiership points – a first for SkyBus Stadium.
“Football is an integral part of our community and we look forward to welcoming St Kilda members, supporters and our residents to SkyBus Stadium. I can’t wait to have SkyBus Stadium at full capacity!”
Mayor Conroy said Council has worked tirelessly with the State and Federal Governments to secure funding for major upgrades of SkyBus Stadium including broadcast quality lights and the two-storey Frankston Park Function Centre.
“The $2.8 million lighting upgrade is the catalyst for securing the 2022 NAB AFLW season opener and I look forward to SkyBus Stadium hosting more elite football action.”
Senator for Victoria, Senator the Hon Jane Hume, said: “The pandemic has highlighted just how important getting together to enjoy sport is to the entire community.
“The Morrison Government is proud to invest in support of AFLW, with broadcast quality lighting meaning that the opening match is held at SkyBus Stadium. A great win for Frankston, but for all of us who love AFLW. Go Saints!”
The Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, said: “This is very exciting for all the young women and girls playing footy locally, being able to see elite women’s football in our community is a powerful thing.
“The local women playing – Jess and Sarah for Richmond and Claudia for St Kilda makes it a home derby for the record books. The season opener at SkyBus Stadium will also showcase Frankston to the rest of Australia,” Ms Murphy said.
The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, said: “SkyBus Stadium has come such a long way thanks to support from the State Government. Get along on January 7 and see our beloved stadium come to life as the Saints and Tigers play for Premiership points.”
St Kilda Football Club CEO, Matt Finnis, said: “We’re embracing the opportunity to connect with fans across our southern heartland.
“SkyBus Stadium played a key role in the establishment of our women’s football program, so to be able to take a home and away AFLW match back to that venue and play under its spectacular new lights will be a very special occasion,” Mr Finnis said.
Saints AFLW Captain Hannah Priest said: “We’re so excited to bring elite football to SkyBus Stadium for the opening match of the 2022 NAB AFLW Season on Friday 7 January when the Saints and Tigers officially kick off the year. Bring it on!”
The AFLW Saints versus Tigers clash was held at SkyBus Stadium, corner Young Street and Plowman Place, Frankston, on Friday, 7 January, 2022, at 7.15pm.