Essendon Football Club coach John Worsfold says The Hangar is now a facility all Bomber people can identify with.
Speaking to media on Friday, Worsfold said allowing members to name the club’s facilities helps reinforce Essendon’s inclusive nature.
“This is about the Essendon Football Club, not just about the players,” Worsfold said.
“It’s a big family (with) a big supporter network, we’re rapt to have been able to have the opportunity to let our members name it.
“This (facility) has had a commercial name for a number of years and now it has an Essendon-branded name, which is wonderful for the footy club.”
Captain Dyson Heppell said it was important to solidify the club’s connection to its members.
“I think it’s fantastic to have the name synonymous with our members,” Heppell said.
“They got to decide on what we named it and I think The Hangar is quite fitting with the Bombers theme as well.”
Essendon VFLW player and line coach Lauren Morecroft described The Hangar as an “elite” facility and has been impressed with the professional program set up for her team.
“The amount of resources and the facilities at the start has been really great for us,” Morecroft said.
“We’re pretty much pumping out an AFL program here.”
Morecroft – who played with the Western Bulldogs in 2017 – said she hasn’t been surprised by the club’s willingness to throw its support behind the new team.
“I think Essendon has got a really genuine support for female development in AFL, so I think we’re in the right spot,” she said.
“Having the options of two grounds and the indoor facility I think is outstanding for female footballers.”