Ex-AFL Players Support Solar Energy for Portarlington Demons Club
The Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club is set to save £12,500 on their annual energy expenses thanks to the installation of a new solar and battery energy storage system (BESS), facilitated through Footy for Climate’s ‘Power Forward’ initiative.
Established in 2021 following the devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2020, Footy for Climate is a non-profit organisation founded by retired AFL players Tom Campbell and Jasper Pittard. The group is focused on addressing concerns regarding the future of both the planet and the sport.
Power Forward’s Ambitious Goals
The ‘Power Forward’ programme represents Footy for Climate’s flagship effort, aiming to implement solar panels, battery storage solutions, and other sustainability measures at over 500 clubs by the year 2030, with anticipated annual energy savings amounting to £5 million.
This weekend marks the official launch of Footy for Climate’s third Power Forward solar and BESS project at the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club, located on the Bellarine Peninsula, just 28 kilometres east of Geelong.
The club’s new solar system consists of a 47.5kW solar panel and a 50kWh battery, fully donated and installed by Resinc Solar & Battery, a company based in New South Wales. This initiative is expected to provide significant cost savings, resulting in a 94 per cent reduction in energy sourced from the grid.
Building Climate-Resilient Community Hubs
“Thanks to Power Forward, we are fostering a network of environmentally resilient clubs that stand to gain financially from substantial reductions in energy bills, thus helping them to remain operational and serve their communities, especially during extreme weather conditions,” he said.
Campbell added, “Clubs that invest in clean energy will be better positioned to act as crucial community support centres in times of weather-related crises.” He praised the programme, stating that it demonstrates that clean energy options are not overly complicated and represent a sound investment in the future.
Successful Project Launches
The Power Forward initiative’s inaugural solar and battery installation took place at the Mansfield Football and Netball Club in mid-2025. This system, comprising a 30 kW solar panel and a 40 kWh BESS, has enabled the club to slash its energy costs by nearly 90 per cent. Another solar and battery project was set up at the Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club in March.
In addition to providing financial relief, these solar and battery systems empower clubs to function as community resilience hubs during power outages.
As president Adam Kiss mentioned, “Our community and club are growing rapidly, with an influx of families moving here. We need to keep pace with increasing energy costs, and the savings from this solar and battery system will directly contribute to enhancing our facilities and supporting our newly established Women’s team.”
“Clubs like ours often face the brunt of storms and flooding triggered by climate change. I take pride in showcasing what practical climate action looks like,” Kiss concluded.
The new solar and BESS installation at the Portarlington Football Netball Club will be officially launched during this Saturday’s match, with Tom Campbell joining the local community and representatives from Footy for Climate and RESINC to celebrate the occasion.
