Reclink Finals Take Over Werribee

In short:

Reclink Australia wrapped up its 2026 Footy League Grand Final Series at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee, bringing players, supporters and AFL stars together. The league uses accessible community sport to create connection, confidence and a sense of belonging.

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A Day Of Fun And Connection

Reclink Australia is celebrating the role community sport can play in bringing people together, following its 2026 Footy League Grand Final Series across Victoria.

The series wrapped up at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee on 16 September, with the Melton Lions taking on the Maryborough Ravens and the Wynbay Tigers facing Bendigo Gold.

The Werribee event also featured AFL legends Simon Madden and Billy Brownless, alongside current Geelong star Shaun Mannagh, who joined players, families and supporters for the grand final celebrations.

The Werribee matches followed earlier grand finals in Frankston and Coburg, bringing together players, families, volunteers, coaches and supporters from across the state.

For more than 35 years, Reclink Australia has used sport and recreation to create opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to participating.

Its programs are designed to be welcoming and accessible to people of different abilities, backgrounds, ages and genders, including those experiencing social isolation, economic disadvantage, disability and other personal challenges.

(Images: Les Hopper.)

An Initiative Bigger Than Sport

For participants, the organisation says getting involved can provide more than physical activity, helping create routine, confidence, friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

Reclink Australia CEO Dave Wells said accessible community sport could have an important impact beyond the playing field.

“Sport is much more than what happens on the field. For people experiencing disadvantage or barriers to participation, having somewhere accessible and welcoming to be active can provide an important pathway to better physical and mental health, social connection and a stronger relationship with their local community.”

Entry to the grand final events was free, with complimentary coffee, a BBQ and giveaways also part of the celebrations.

Reclink works with communities across Australia to make sport and recreation more accessible, with thousands of people participating in its programs each year.