The St Kilda Football Club alongside the State Government today officially opened the club’s new AFLW facilities.

The state-of-the-art warm up area, locker room player lounge and administrative facilities have established the club as one of the best-equipped in the AFLW competition, with the Saints set to join the league as part of the 2020 season.

“These facilities will ensure that for years to come, female St Kilda players will want for nothing,” Saints CEO Matt Finnis said.

“We conducted a lengthy consultation process with our current VFLW players when it came to the design, all the while ensuring that our facilities not only met the agreed-upon league standards, but considerably exceeded them.

“Melbourne’s south is the most dense area in the country for female football participation, and we wanted to provide a clear pathway from grassroots football all the way up to AFLW.

“These facilities form such an important part of the journey toward our inaugural AFLW season, and it would not have been possible if not for the generous support of the State Government.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula agreed, adding that the facilities will now enable the club to host AFLW games at RSEA Park.

“These terrific new Moorabbin facilities will provide female footballers at both the elite and grassroots level with the opportunity to be their very best,” Min Pakula said.

“We’re proud to be bringing elite footy back to Moorabbin Oval, the home of the St Kilda Football Club, as the AFLW Saints prepare to join the national league.”

Inaugural St Kilda AFLW Senior Coach Peta Searle said the facilities represented so much more than a training base.

“It’s really important for us to create an environment where our players feel like they belong,” Searle said.

“These facilities give the girls a place of their own and the space to carve their own paths here at the Saints.”