The upgrade of Jack Edwards Reserve is well and truly underway, and the project, which is set to be completed at the end of 2025, is one that will improve multiple aspects of the club from increased attendance to unlocking important facilities for a women’s team in the near future.
The budget for the project is $14.73 million which is broken down through $4 million from State Government, $2 million from the Federal Government, $530,000 from the Oakleigh Cannons Football Club and $8.2 million from Council.
The key features of this mega project include:
– Construction of a safe 500 seat grandstand
– Instalment of 550 lux sports lighting for the main pitch
– Fencing & Pathways
– New pavilion and changing rooms
Soccerscene spoke with General Manager & Director of Football at the Oakleigh Cannons, Aki Ionnas to discuss what it looks like for the future of the club.
The progress at the ground has been steady thus far and it’s a project that has been in the talks for a long while, starting in September of 2021 with the State Government’s financial contribution before it officially began construction back on May 17th of 2024.
“It’s going fantastic, the works have started, and everything is going really well,” Ionnas said.
With a massive Australia Cup fixture on the horizon versus Sydney FC, the team they beat famously in the 2022 Quarter Finals at Jack Edwards Reserve, the move to Bundoora for this huge match is only going to be temporary.
After upgrades, Jack Edwards Reserve is sure to be ready to host these exciting, popular fixtures that will attract thousands into the stands and boost the already intimidating atmosphere.
“It’s at The Home of the Matildas because the club haven’t got lights to host night games at the moment but the first thing that will be installed will be the lights in November,” he said.
The new pavilion and grandstand supports the club’s goals to cater for a female team as well as host men’s and women’s double headers.
With a club of this size lacking an NPL Women’s side and the women’s game booming in popularity, Ionnas spoke on the importance of bringing one in, especially with the targeted upgrades.
“The club have talked about it quite a bit actually, it’s still a work in progress and it’s a goal of ours to have a team absolutely,” he said.
According to Ionnas, the project’s success and generous funding from multiple parties is a result of the hard work of Club President Stan Papayianneris and Chairman Kon Kavalakis, who lead this push for an upgrade that will shape the future of Oakleigh Cannons Football Club.
“This project has been a milestone, and I want to mention our Chairman Kon Kavalakis and our President Stan Papayianneris who have been instrumental in this project, it’s been a huge work in progress.”
“The person that started this was Kon Kavalakis who worked very closely with the local council and the state government to get this funding for the project. Stan Papayianneris has been working closely with Kon as well to get it over the line.”
This is a transformative project for the club, spearheaded by key figures in Kon Kavalakis and Stan Papayianneris. It promises to deliver in many aspects for the Cannons and solidify their future as one of Melbourne’s most successful football clubs.
