With the 2022 AFL season underway, here are the latest commercial partnerships.

Western Bulldogs:

The Western Bulldogs have announced they will receive AU$15million from the Australian Government to fund the redevelopment of their Victoria University Whitten Oval home.

The funding will contribute to extending the Bulldogs’ community foundation centre and will help establish a women’s health and leadership hub, with both facilities complementing stage two of the club’s wider redevelopment project.

Wester Bulldogs CEO, Ameet Bains, added: “Our Whitten Oval precinct redevelopment is one of the more ambitious undertakings by an AFL club, and we’re extremely appreciative of the Federal Government for their support of our community ambitions.”

“This important investment ensures we can deliver on the full potential of the precinct, helping bring people together to access social programs and services which can have a real and meaningful impact on the lives of people living in our backyard and beyond.

“As one of the AFLW’s inaugural clubs with such strong female representation across every layer of our business, including at Board level, we’re excited to be investing further into developing programs which break down barriers of disadvantage, and creating pathways into education and increased participation,” he said.

Stage two of the redevelopment plan is set to cost AU$73.9 million.

Hawthorn Hawks:

The Hawks have announced a new lighting and LED signage partner, VALO.

The partnership will see VALO branding on the AFL and AFLW team polos, jumpers and jacket sleeves.

Commenting on the deal, Hawthorn Hawks chief executive officer, Justin Reeves, said: “We’re really excited to be launching this partnership.”

“Hawthorn and VALO both share similarly strong visions for their respective futures and the way in which we can both have a positive impact on our communities,” he said.

VALO CEO and founder, Aaron Hickmann, added: “We are proud to be an official AFL Partner and inaugural AFLW Partner for the Hawthorn Football Club.”

“Both VALO and the Hawks are forward-thinking, committed to sustainability and have a strong ethos of inspiration and performance.

“Quality stadia lighting is crucial in elite sport, and we’re looking forward to profiling our Australian product,” he said.

Sydney Swans:

The Swans have partnered with Down Syndrome NSW, with the organisation being part of the club’s next diversity plan.

In 2017, the Swans released their commitments to four key pillars: disability empowerment, LGBTIQ+ pride, multicultural inclusion and advancement of women, now the club aims to partner with like minded organisations for each key pillar.

Commenting on the partnership, Sydney Swans CEO, Tom, Harley, said: “Just like our football club, Down Syndrome NSW has an absolute passion for its members and plays a key role in advocacy.”

“Our partnership will see us work together to deliver on our commitment to make our club more accessible, including through employment opportunities. At the same time, we will work with Down Syndrome NSW to raise awareness and funds, to assist their important work.

“Our DAP was born from a vision to ensure our games and our football club offer a safe and welcoming environment – we want everyone to feel included. We look forward to working with Down Syndrome NSW to deliver on that vision,” he said.

Down Syndrome NSW president, Lorraine Clark, added: “Partnering with the Sydney Swans represents an alignment of our values and vision that all people with Down syndrome in NSW will achieve their full potential in all life stages, are valued and take their rightful place in the community.”

The Swans’ next diversity action plan is to be unveiled later in the year.

Port Adelaide:

Port Adelaide have announced a partnership with Saab Australia, promoting STEM careers to the next generation.

The partnership will see Saab graduates, along with Port Adelaide players and staff, attend schools to deliver interactive STEM lessons and share knowledge of pathways to a STEM career.

Commenting on the partnership, Power Community Limited general manager, Jake Battifuoco, said: “Partnering with the Sydney Swans represents an alignment of our values and vision that all people with Down syndrome in NSW will achieve their full potential in all life stages, are valued and take their rightful place in the community.”

“To have that sort of knowledge supporting CYP’s STEM lessons will no doubt encourage the next generation of engineers or project managers to follow that path and take up jobs in the state’s continued reputation for delivery of defence jobs and career opportunities,” he said.

Saab Australia managing director, Andy Keough, added: “This partnership will encompass two of three streams of Saab’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, including STEM support and Indigenous community support.”

“We look forward to realising the opportunities this partnership will bring, as we work together to encourage students to get excited about STEM and provide our staff with an opportunity to engage with our South Australian Indigenous community,” he said.

To see the previous edition of the top AFL commercial partnerships, click here.