A call has gone out for urgent upgrades to the home ground of the Ferny Grove Falcons, as ongoing drainage problems continue to disrupt AFL activities at the local AFL club.
Longstanding Drainage Problems Impact Club Operations
Drainage issues at the Ferny Grove Falcons’ home ground have persisted throughout 2025, with waterlogging frequently rendering the fields unplayable. In March, heavy rain led to cancellations of juniors training, AusKick, SuperKick, and multiple senior sessions. The club had to redirect players to alternative venues, relying on coaches to manage rescheduling.
Despite past efforts to manage the situation internally, the problem has continued through the year, affecting training consistency and match scheduling for juniors, seniors, and masters competitions.
Ongoing Challenges and Limited Progress
By July 2025, the club had entered discussions with AFL Queensland and local representatives, with volunteers like Vik contributing manual labour to maintain basic field conditions. However, no formal resolution had been reached. Drainage infrastructure remains inadequate, and wet weather continues to cause repeated disruptions to the fixture.
The issue has affected not only home teams but also visiting clubs, with multiple age divisions impacted during peak participation periods. The increased number of teams, particularly in women’s and girls’ divisions, has placed further strain on available space and scheduling.
Petition Demands Action for Ferny Grove Fields
In response to the stalemate, the club launched a petition in late July 2025 seeking immediate action. The petition calls for either comprehensive drainage upgrades or access to alternate facilities suitable for the growing AFL program. It has been directed to local and state authorities, along with sporting bodies.
Recent support from residents and members of the wider South East Queensland sporting community has driven signatures into the hundreds. Community members have highlighted safety concerns and the broader impact on youth participation, game development, and weekend family engagement.
Next Steps for Ferny Grove Falcons
As of August 2025, the issue has received local media attention. The Falcons continue to monitor field conditions and update players through social media and team platforms. The club remains committed to restoring home ground access for all divisions and is maintaining communication with relevant stakeholders while awaiting formal intervention.
Published 4-Aug-2025
