A Shorten Labor Government will supercharge footy on and off the field by funding a world-class research centre to help our elite athletes perform even better.

Under the plan, Labor will invest $15 million to help develop a state-of-the-art medical research, rehabilitation and injury prevention hub partnering with Collingwood Football Club and Monash University to deliver Victoria Sport.

“These new facilities will give our footy players access to the best sports medicine, coaches, clinicians and research so they can keep kicking goals,” Mr Shorten said.

“As a proud Victorian, there is no doubt our state is the home of Aussie Rules. It only makes sense that we build the world’s best sporting research hub here.”

Collingwood President Eddie McGuire welcomed the funding saying it was a measure of Victoria Sport’s  potential that it has bi-partisan political support.

“This project will draw together elite sport, cutting edge sports science research, education and clinical services to deliver benefits for the entire community,” McGuire said.

“We expect that elite athletes will benefit enormously through the services provided by Victoria Sport and through them best practices will filter down to all levels of sport.”

The centre will also have a focus on specialist skills training, and support for women’s footy at both elite and grassroots levels.
A Shorten Labor Government will work with the Andrews Government on making sure Victoria Sport cements our reputation as the world’s sporting capital.

The centre will also support other codes, including netball, swimming, wheelchair AFL and feature a rehab gym plus a visitor centre to compliment the Melbourne & Olympic Parks Precinct.