AFL and Bunnings Launch Inaugural National Footy Sausage Sizzle to Support Grassroots Sport

The AFL and Bunnings have launched a  community initiative with the inaugural National Footy Sausage Sizzle. This event, taking place nationwide across the weekend of 11 and 12 July 2026, involves more than 260 community football clubs operating barbecues at Bunnings stores.

The initiative is a key component of Bunnings’ “Legends of the Tongs” campaign, which aims to celebrate and support the volunteers and clubs that underpin the grassroots sporting sector.

For the AFL, this partnership represents a tactical effort to support the ecosystem of 2,870 community football clubs, which collectively host over 625,000 registered participants and rely on the dedication of more than 200,000 volunteers.

Commenting on the initiative, AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon, said: “From the Bunnings car park to the boundary line, the sausage sizzle has long been a staple of community football, bringing people together while helping local clubs raise vital funds.”

“Community football is at the heart of our game, and it wouldn’t exist without the dedicated and passionate people who give their time every week to help the club thrive and create a strong sense of community.”

“We’re proud to partner with Bunnings on the National Footy Sausage Sizzle and encourage everyone to head down to store this weekend, grab a sausage and get behind their local club,” Dillon said.

Underscoring the commercial and social alignment of the initiative, Bunnings chief corporate affairs officer, Melissa O’Neill, added: “At Bunnings, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a sausage sizzle can have in helping local clubs raise much-needed funds, and we’re proud to partner with the AFL on the National Footy Sausage Sizzle to continue doing what they do best.”

“Community football clubs are so much more than a place to play sport – they’re at the heart of local communities, creating connection, a sense of belonging and opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

“This weekend, more than 260 community football clubs will fire up the BBQ at Bunnings stores across the country, and we encourage everyone to grab a snag and support the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep grassroots footy thriving,” O’Neill said. 

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