NFL 2019: Eltham expected to play home games at Eltham Central Park during redevelopment works

by Tim Michell, Diamond Valley Leader

The Northern Football League is confident a solution will be found for games to be held at Eltham Central Park during 2019 as multi million-dollar upgrades take place.

Upon releasing its fixtures for next year, the NFL said “the venue for Eltham’s home games is yet to be confirmed”, with a $3.4 million ‘pavilion redevelopment’ taking place.

Nillumbik Council has listed the works as a ‘major revamp’ and says they will include the addition of female-friendly change-rooms.

The NFL has been working with Eltham and the council to ensure a temporary solution is put in place for next season.

“There will be some sort of temporary facilities in place, which means they will play all their games at home,” NFL chief executive Peter McDougall said.

“That was more dot the Is and cross the Ts perspective. It hasn’t been 100 per cent signed off.”

Asked whether alternative venues could be required, McDougall said: “I doubt that will be needed. The council is just working through trying to come up with the right set up at the minute.”

The Division 2 fixture has Eltham slated to play its first home match of 2019 on April 27 against Whittlesea.

The club has away games against Thomastown and Banyule in the opening two rounds.

Panthers president Michael Smith said the works would not impact on ground availability, adding they were unlikely to be finished by the end of the home-and-away season.

“The only aspect there is the NFL and the council have to approve the standard of temporary change rooms for both seniors and juniors,” he said.

Smith said the club “fully expected” to play each of its home fixtures at Eltham Central Park.

“None of our function rooms, social rooms or home change-rooms are affected at this point,” he said.

“What were the away changerooms and our gym will be fully rebuilt as the first phase of a total redevelopment based on a grant from the council and state government.

Eltham Central Park Pavilion Works Update 28.11.18

Change rooms works update:

  • Demolition 100% complete
  • Setup complete
  • Works to take place before Christmas include:
    • Main underground plumbing service installation
    • Strip footings
    • Block work