SANFL opens Australian-First $25M High Performance Centre

SANFL has officially unveiled its $25.3 million High Performance Centre at West Lakes, setting a new national benchmark for talent development in Australian football.

The state-of-the-art training facility for South Australia’s elite male and female underage talent is the first of its type in Australia and an embodiment of SANFL’s proud and long-standing legacy of developing Australian football talent.

Jointly funded by SANFL, Federal and State governments and the AFL, the new centre at Footy Park Precinct includes:

• Unisex player changerooms, strength and conditioning areas and indoor turf training area
• Sport science office, coaching and education rooms and new offices for SANFL’s Talent department.
• Rehabilitation suites with hot/cold baths, and athletes’ lounge with kitchenette
• Coaches, multi-media and observation areas overlooking the oval
• Allied health suites available for public appointments
• The Oval View Room – a multi-purpose function centre for up to 150 guests overlooking Football Park, run by The Mosaic Hotel

The facility aims to enhance pathways for talented players to progress to SANFL and AFL levels and will also serve as the base for First Nations and multicultural talent programs.

The project is the League’s largest ever single infrastructure investment in player development, with $13 million coming from State and Federal funding and $250,000 from the AFL.

“We’re extremely proud to be opening the SANFL High Performance Centre which represents a powerful statement of SANFL’s commitment to providing the best pathways and programs for football talent in SA,” SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said.

“More than 300 players each year will benefit from not just industry-leading facilities but the very latest in sports science and tailored programs to nurture their physical, mental and personal development and provide them with the best opportunity to play at the highest level.

“In addition, hundreds of other emerging junior players from SANFL clubs will have the opportunity to utilise the centre on an annual basis.

“SANFL is extremely grateful for the support from government, the AFL and project partners in helping us realise this exciting milestone and delivering an asset for football and the broader health and wellbeing of the community.”

SANFL last year secured a non-exclusive license from the City of Charles Sturt for use of the adjoining Football Park oval, to be used for State under-age talent training and trial matches, with community access available at all other times.

The SANFL High Performance Centre is a centrepiece of the broader Footy Park Precinct – a multi-use destination for the community incorporating the Mosaic Hotel, X-Golf and Hey Caddy indoor mini golf.

All profits from the SANFL controlled operations are reinvested back into football in South Australia.

The 2026 SA Under-18 Academies for boys and girls will commence using the centre from December 15.

Senator Karen Grogan, Senator for South Australia said:

“Whether it’s Barrie Robran, Gavin Wanganeen or Matilda Scholz, South Australia has produced some of the greatest AFL footballers in the history of the game.

“This centre means that young people from right across state can pursue their dreams to become elite footballers right here in South Australia.”

Member for Hindmarsh The Hon Mark Butler said:

“For nearly 150 years the SANFL has given the state of South Australia a reason to cheer and get behind their local footy talent.

“We’re proud to honour that long history and be part of the next chapter, where we’ll no doubt see the next generation of South Australian footballers develop at the SANFL High Performance Centre.”

South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing The Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP said:

“This new SANFL High Performance Centre marks a new era for footy at West Lakes and will help build on our state’s reputation for producing some of the country’s best footballing talent.

“The South Australian Government is pleased to support the development of the centre which will in turn support countless boys and girls to achieve their dream of playing football at an elite level.”

AFL Executive General Manager, Game Development Rob Auld said:

“On behalf of the AFL, I’d like to congratulate the SANFL on the official opening of the High Performance Centre at West Lakes,” Auld said.

“This world-class facility is a testament to SANFL’s commitment to nurturing development, providing young players with a state-of-the-art environment to enhance the skills and knowledge needed to progress to SANFL and AFL levels.

“We commend SANFL on this landmark achievement and thank them for their dedication to the pathway programs, ensuring the next generation of players have every opportunity to pursue their football dreams.”

Commercial & General Group Executive Chairman Jamie McClurg said:

“Commercial & General and Tandem Building are thrilled to have delivered this state-of-the-art facility – honouring the long legacy of AFL at West Lakes and enriching the WEST community for the future.”

SANFL High Performance Centre Funding Partners