Larger dimensions and a new surface will also benefit the wider community with the Olympic Boulevard oval available for public recreation year-round when not in use by professional clubs.

The Government will kick in $2 million towards the redevelopment of Gosch’s Paddock oval, with the AFL and Melbourne combining to contribute $1 million.

The oval is currently shorter and narrower than the MCG, where the Demons’ AFL team plays the majority of its home games.

This project will increase the dimensions of the oval to better match the measurements of the MCG and Marvel Stadium as well as creating a surface to meet AFL/AFLW standards. Lighting will be improved and behind-goal netting and camera posts installed.

Extensive pre-planning has ensured the reconfiguration can be completed with no loss of trees. Work is due to start this month and be completed before the start of the 2022 AFL premiership season.

The Victorian Government has funded a series of facility upgrades at AFL training bases, with many providing improved facilities for elite female players and all carrying significant community benefits.

These include major works at Geelong’s Kardinia Park, Carlton’s Princes Park, the Western Bulldogs’ Whitten Oval, St Kilda’s Moorabbin Oval, Essendon’s Tullamarine base, North Melbourne’s Arden Street HQ, Richmond’s Punt Road Oval and Collingwood’s Victoria Park AFLW home.