AFL Stars Support Solar Energy for Portarlington Demons Club
The Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club is set to achieve significant savings of £12,500 annually on energy bills by adopting a new solar and battery energy storage system (BESS), made possible through the Footy for Climate initiative’s ‘Power Forward’ programme.
Founded in 2021 following the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2020, Footy for Climate is a non-profit organisation established by retired AFL players Tom Campbell and Jasper Pittard, motivated by concerns for both the environment and the future of Australian football.
Footy for Climate’s Ambitious Goals
The cornerstone of Footy for Climate is its ‘Power Forward’ programme, which strives to equip over 500 clubs with solar power panels, battery storage systems, and sustainable solutions by 2030, aiming for cumulative annual energy savings of £5 million.
This weekend marks the official launch of the third solar and BESS project under the Power Forward initiative at the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club, located on the Bellarine Peninsula, roughly 28 kilometres east of Geelong.
The system being installed comprises a 47.5kW solar array and a 50kWh battery, fully donated by Resinc Solar & Battery, a solar company based in New South Wales, which also covered all installation expenses. This initiative will lead to an impressive 94 per cent annual reduction in energy drawn from the grid.
Community Impact and Future Resilience
“Community football clubs are the cornerstone of Australian sport,” stated Tom Campbell, who concluded his 14-year career across four clubs in May. “They nurture our beloved game. However, the challenges of climate change and surging energy expenses are straining clubs nationwide.”
“Through Power Forward, we are establishing a network of clubs that are not just environmentally resilient but also financially sound, allowing them to remain operational and serve their communities during extreme weather events.”
“Clubs equipped with clean energy resources can better support their communities through future weather extremes,” he added. “The Power Forward programme demonstrates to other clubs that embracing clean energy is straightforward—it is a sensible investment in their future.”
Success Stories from Other Clubs
Footy for Climate’s Power Forward programme made its first solar and battery installation at the Mansfield Football and Netball Club in mid-2025, where a 30 kW solar system complemented by a 40 kWh BESS has reportedly slashed the club’s energy expenditure by around 90 per cent. A subsequent installation was carried out in March at the Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club.
The benefits of these solar and battery systems extend beyond just cost savings; they empower each club to act as a resilient hub for the community during power outages, while also enabling funding for improvements and initiatives within the club.
Local Community Growth and Environmental Action
Adam Kiss, President of the Portarlington Football Netball Club, remarked, “Our community and club are experiencing rapid growth, with an increasing number of families relocating to the area. This necessitates an adjustment to soaring energy costs. The savings from the solar and battery system will facilitate enhancements to our facilities and support participation in our recently established Women’s team.”
“Clubs like ours are at the forefront of climate-induced extreme weather events, encountering challenges like flooded ovals and severe storms. I take pride in showcasing what effective climate action can look like.”
The solar and BESS installation at the Portarlington Football Netball Club will be officially inaugurated during the Portarlington Seniors match this Saturday, with Tom Campbell joining local enthusiasts alongside Footy for Climate and RESINC representatives in a celebration of this promising development.
