Footy Day 2025 at Bayley House

The week before the AFL Grand Final is always one of our favourite times of the year. We bring the fun to the oval near Middle Crescent with skill stations, friendly matches and plenty of cheering. It is relaxed, real and led by the people we support, with staff, families, friends and community guests jumping in for a great day out.

This year had extra buzz thanks to comedian Dave Hughes, alongside a brilliant line up of community guests who are well known in their own right. Together they helped make the day a huge success. Over recent years we have also welcomed footy great Brendan Fevola. He could not be with us this time due to AFLW coaching commitments on the day, but he remains a firm favourite and we hope to see him back soon.

Community guests and supporters

A huge thank you to everyone who came and contributed:

• James Newbury MP
• Katie and Abu M from Bayside Hockey. Abu has played professionally for Pakistan
• Guy McKenna, former West Coast Eagles player and a parent of one of the people we support
• Football legends Sophie and Ally from Sandringham VFLW
• AFL Victoria representatives Grace, Nathan, Nick, Teagan and Patrick
• Mary from Coles for donating all the hot dogs
• Serena and Renae for cooking and serving the hot dogs
• Our maintenance team Steve and Dave for set up and pack down
• Laprini for all her work organising the day
• Matt Walsh for doing a brilliant job as MC

Most of all, thank you to all staff and the people we support who were out on the oval giving it their all. Your energy and teamwork are what make Footy Day special.

We are already looking forward to next year. Until then, thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate connection, inclusion and the joy of sport.