Game over: Port Phillip Council pulls the plug on TV games at North Port

The City of Port Phillip has blocked Port Melbourne from hosting broadcast matches at North Port Oval – because the teams involved, including Collingwood and Richmond, aren’t local.

Ex-Bomber Dyson Heppell runs out for Port Melbourne for a night match this season.

A local council has pulled the plug on three games slated for Channel 7’s Saturday night broadcast of the VFL, delaying the release of the fixture for the second half of the season.

The City of Port Phillip has blocked Port Melbourne from hosting the under-lights matches because they involve AFL and other non-local clubs.

It says it can only support “local community sport’’.

The move has stunned the Borough, who say they will miss out on much-needed revenue at the gate and food and drink sales.

It’s also held up the VFL confirming fixtures from Round 14 onwards as league officials scramble to lock in other venues for the TV coverage.

Their only options now are Frankston and Whitten Oval, with a limit on night games ruling out Carlton.

The Round 12 match between Casey and Essendon will go ahead at Port’s ETU Stadium after being ticked off by the council earlier in the year.

Port Melbourne playing a night game at home this year. Pic: Port Melbourne FC

But the City of Port Phillip is now waving away requests to have three late-season TV games played at the iconic North Port Oval.

Collingwood, Geelong and Richmond were among the teams set to feature on Channel 7.

The council has cited “community impact’’ for denying use of the ground.

But Borough CEO Sophie Williams said Port Melbourne was the only tenant at North Port Oval and no other clubs or organisations would be affected by other VFL teams playing the Channel 7 games.

She said Port had worked “diligently and in good faith with council to manage ground usage’’.

Williams said the club moved VFL and VFLW training to other venues in the lead-up and during the 2025 season to accommodate Port Phillip’s turf management strategy.

She said the decision would have “immediate financial ramifications’’ for Port.

The AFL could take the VFLW grand final elsewhere, as well as withdrawing “significant funding’’ earmarked for crucial upgrades to the heritage-listed grandstand and surrounds.

“These funds would have addressed longstanding usability and safety concerns improving access and overall enjoyment for the public,’’ Williams said.

“Instead of bringing families together to enjoy high-quality football featuring current, future and former AFL players, the council has turned away a community-building initiative that would cost residents next to nothing and offer enormous return.

“We’ve always welcomed local schools, junior football clubs, and community groups to share the stage with our teams. The Port Melbourne Football Club remains committed to its role as a key member of the local community but feels this decision undermines that objective and the vibrancy of the suburb it serves.’’

Port Melbourne celebrates a win under lights at North Port Oval this year.

Williams said the decision not only limited opportunities for the club but “overlooks a significant chance to reinvigorate the local Port Melbourne community and business precinct’’.

“At a time when the Bay Street shopping and hospitality strip is struggling, with traders calling for initiatives to attract foot traffic and visitors, the council’s rejection removes a key opportunity to showcase the area to broader audiences. Broadcast matches would have brought exposure and potential patrons into the suburb – creating economic and social benefits far beyond the boundary lines.’’

The council has told the club it has only a small number of sports grounds and needs to balance their use across a range of sporting and community groups and uses.

It therefore gave priority to “local community sport’’ rather than other clubs with no direct connection to Port Phillip.

Port Phillip Council has not responded to questions.

Originally published as Game over: Port Phillip Council pulls the plug on TV games at North Port