Moorabbin Oval — St Kilda’s 1966 Premiership Home
Moorabbin Oval was St Kilda’s home from 1965 to 1992, and Saints fans have a complicated relationship with it. A heritage suburban ground in inner-south Moorabbin, hosting the Saints from 1965 to 1992, Moorabbin was the venue where St Kilda won their only VFL premiership (1966) — and then proceeded to spend the next 26 years at the same ground without winning another one. The ground survives as the Saints’ training base and a community sporting venue. The 1966 premiership memorial is genuinely beautiful.
The History: 1965 and St Kilda’s Move
Moorabbin Oval was developed as St Kilda’s new home after the Saints relocated from Junction Oval in 1965. The new venue was in inner-south Moorabbin, closer to the Saints’ growing outer-suburban supporter base. The ground had previously been used for community football and cricket.
Initial development included:
- Capacity expansion to ~32,000
- Modern grandstands
- AFL-grade infrastructure for the era
The Footy: St Kilda’s Only Premiership
St Kilda played at Moorabbin from 1965 to 1992 — 27 years of continuous VFL/AFL home-ground occupation. The Saints won one VFL premiership during this era — 1966. The 1966 flag was won by 1 point over Collingwood at the MCG; the home-ground form at Moorabbin was the launchpad.
The Saints’ continuing struggles after 1966 became a defining narrative. 26 years at Moorabbin without another premiership; the inevitable financial distress; and the eventual move to Marvel Stadium / Waverley Park in 1992.
The Move to Waverley and Marvel
By the early 1990s, Moorabbin’s corporate facilities were dated for AFL standards. The Saints transitioned through Waverley Park (briefly) and then primarily to Marvel Stadium from 2000. Moorabbin reverted to community football and Saints training base use after 1992.
Famous Moments
- 1965 inaugural St Kilda VFL fixture at Moorabbin.
- 1966 premiership home-ground form — built largely on Moorabbin dominance.
- Tony Lockett’s career — substantially played at Moorabbin, 1983–1994.
- 1992 farewell fixture — Saints’ final AFL match at Moorabbin.
- The 1971 St Kilda vs Hawthorn fixture — drew a record Moorabbin crowd.
The Stadium Itself (Then and Now)
Moorabbin Oval in its heyday had concrete grandstands, an open grass embankment, and modest corporate facilities. The 1966 Premiership Stand is heritage-listed. The venue today operates as the Saints’ training base, VFL home, and AFLW home ground.
Trivia for the Pub
- St Kilda played at Moorabbin for 27 unbroken VFL/AFL years (1965–1992).
- The Saints won one VFL premiership during the Moorabbin era (1966).
- Tony Lockett’s iconic career was substantially played at Moorabbin.
- The 1966 Premiership Stand is heritage-listed.
- Moorabbin is now the Saints’ training base and VFL/AFLW home ground.
- Lockett’s league-record 1,360 career goals began at Moorabbin.
- The 1966 premiership — by 1 point over Collingwood at the MCG — was largely built on Moorabbin home form.
The Rumours
The persistent rumour: St Kilda returning to Moorabbin for AFLW finals. Has been canvassed; some VFL/AFLW fixtures are hosted here.
The other rumour: major heritage redevelopment. Has been mooted; funding has not landed.
The Verdict
Moorabbin Oval is St Kilda’s premiership-era home. The 1966 flag was built here; Tony Lockett’s career was here; the Saints’ identity was substantially formed here. The ground retains heritage character; the supporter base remains parochial; and the Saints continue to use Moorabbin for VFL, AFLW, and training. The 1966 Premiership Stand is one of the most-photographed heritage features in suburban AFL. Long live Moorabbin.
