AFL Stars Support Solar Energy for Portarlington Demons Club
The Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club is set to achieve savings of £12,500 on its annual energy bills, thanks to the installation of a new solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) supported by the Footy for Climate’s ‘Power Forward’ initiative.
Footy for Climate was established in 2021 following the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2020, spearheaded by retired AFL players Tom Campbell and Jasper Pittard. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to creating awareness among AFL players about environmental issues impacting both the planet and the sport itself.
Power Forward Initiative
The main focus of Footy for Climate is their ‘Power Forward’ programme, which aims to deploy solar technology, battery systems, and sustainable solutions at over 500 community clubs by the year 2030. This initiative is expected to yield an impressive cumulative annual energy saving of £5 million.
On the coming weekend, Footy for Climate will launch its third Power Forward solar and BESS project at the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club, located on the Bellarine Peninsula, just 28 kilometres from Geelong.
Significant Energy Savings
The club will benefit from a 47.5kW solar system paired with a 50kWh battery, entirely donated along with installation by NSW-based Resinc Solar & Battery. This new setup is projected to cut power bills by £12,500 annually, while reducing the club’s reliance on grid energy by a staggering 94%.
Tom Campbell emphasised the importance of community clubs in Australian sport, stating, “These clubs nurture the game we cherish. However, climate change and soaring energy costs are posing significant challenges to local clubs nationwide.”
He added, “Through Power Forward, we’re building a network of climate-resilient clubs that are not only more financially secure but also better equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions while serving their communities.”
Showcasing Practical Climate Action
The Power Forward initiative has already seen its first successful installation at Mansfield Football and Netball Club in mid-2025, which boasts a 30 kW solar setup and a 40 kWh battery system that has reduced their energy expenses by approximately 90%. The initiative continued with a second project at the Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club in March this year.
Not only do these solar and battery systems help clubs save on energy costs, but they also enable clubs to act as resilience hubs for the community during power shutoffs.
Adam Kiss, president of the Portarlington Football Netball Club, remarked on the necessity of these improvements, stating, “Our community and club are experiencing rapid growth, with an influx of families. This means we must adapt to increasing energy costs. The savings from our solar and battery system will allow us to enhance our facilities and support the growth of our newly established Women’s team.”
He further highlighted the urgent need for climate action, noting, “Clubs like ours are increasingly grappling with extreme weather events like flooding and violent storms. I am proud to demonstrate what practical climate action looks like.”
The Portarlington Football Netball Club will host an official launch of the solar and BESS installation during the match on Saturday, with Tom Campbell and representatives from Footy for Climate and RESINC participating in the celebration.
