Omeo District: Swifts Creek $2m new changerooms to be used for first time

Swifts Creek will get a home-ground boost as new changerooms are ready for a blockbuster clash and historic finals return.

Swifts Creek will have access to $2m replacement changerooms at its home ground for the first time on Saturday against another Omeo District league finals contender.

The Demons and visiting teams have been using makeshift tents to change in for the first five home matches this season including a recent win against flag favourites Swan Reach.

The new changerooms have been under construction since the end of last season by East Gippsland-based Design Co Builders and will be officially handed over to the town’s recreation reserve committee of management on Thursday.

Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve's new $2m changerooms and netball court upgrades will host the 2025 Omeo District grand final. Picture: Jason Darby

Swifts Creek is home to Bruthen on Saturday and is also hosting its first grand final in 25 years in early September.

“It’s been lucky we haven’t had any big rains on the days we’ve played at home or it could have been a lot worse,” Swifts Creek co-president Steve Crellin said.

“I also do the taping for players and first aid.

“All my stuff is in a few bags and have had to keep moving them in and out.

“But having benches and shelving in the new building will be good.”

Funding partners include the state government and the Swifts Creek recreation reserve committee.

Ensay hosted the grand final between 2005 and 2016 before a rotation system among member clubs was reintroduced.

Benambra beat Omeo by two points in the last grand final played at Swifts Creek in 2000.

Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve's new $2m changerooms will be used for the first time on Saturday. Picture: Jason Darby

Meanwhile, the Murray league grand final is staying at Moama this season after being played at the venue since 2022.

“Moama Recreation Reserve has consistently proven to be the premier venue for major events within the competition,” Murray general manager Dale Norman said.

“Over the past three seasons, attendance records for the grand final have been surpassed.”

The Ballarat league is also sticking with the City Oval for its grand final.