World Footy News

St Kilda has agreed to a new five-year deal to secure the Anzac Day fixture in Wellington, New Zealand until at least 2018.

The Saints hosted the first ever game for premiership points held outside Australia when it played the Sydney Swans at Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Anzac Day this year.

The club had initially agreed to play games in New Zealand for at least three years with the option of playing additional games from 2014.

The new deal confirms that the club will play one game on Anzac Day at Westpac Stadium each year until at least 2018.

St Kilda Chief Executive Officer Michael Nettlefold said the announcement was a vital step in St Kilda’s New Zealand venture.

“To have locked in this game at such a significant venue on such an important day on the Australian and New Zealand calendar shows the commitment St Kilda has to building a presence in New Zealand,” Nettlefold said.

“Making the deal even more momentous is the fact that 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing that stands as the most significant moment in the military histories of both countries.”

The five-year agreement reaffirms St Kilda’s commitment to build on the growing New Zealand interest in Australian football.

This commitment has been reflected in the club’s developing relationships with community and commercial partnerships throughout the country.

Commercial terms to this arrangement can be adjusted by either party at the end of 2015.

The historic match against the Swans in April this year was well-received in the New Zealand capital, with a crowd of 22,183 and an estimated $8.5 million tourism impact on the city of Wellington.

AFL International Development Manager, Tony Woods, said the extension of the agreement was built on the growing interest in Australian football from New Zealanders.

"Following the overwhelming success of this year’s Anzac Day match in Wellington and the support it received from New Zealand and Australian fans who both attended and watched the game, the AFL welcomes this long term agreement,” Woods said.

“Significantly, the five-year deal locks in the centennial anniversary of Anzac Day in 2015 which will be an important milestone in the national calendars of both countries.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of Wellington City Council and look forward to this agreement providing the basis for the future growth of Australian football in New Zealand.”

Acting Chief Executive of the Wellington City Council Derek Fry said he was thrilled the Saints had made the commitment to playing football in Wellington.

"We are delighted to be entering into a long term relationship with St Kilda and the AFL,” Mr Fry said.

“The inaugural match this year was a success in terms of economic impact and visitation from Australia, and we look forward to the ongoing success and opportunities of an annual Anzac Day event."