Every time a goal is scored in Australia, whether in AFL, netball, or soccer, from professional stadiums to local schoolyards, it is likely through Australian-made goal posts. Abel Sports, a Melbourne-based manufacturer, has been producing aluminium poles from its Sunshine West factory for over 30 years, cornering the nation's goal post market against international competitors.
From Flagpoles to Goal Posts
The company initially started by manufacturing flagpoles before expanding into goal posts for AFL, rugby, soccer, netball, and hockey. Abel Sports also produces netting, footings, and base plates tailored to each pole's use and location. Its products are installed at major sporting venues including the MCG, AAMI Park, Adelaide Oval, The Gabba, Sydney Cricket Ground, and Perth Stadium, as well as at local council grounds and schools. The company employs 15 staff at its factory and continues to make flagpoles for many of the same venues.
Quality and Local Support
General Manager John Cann attributes the company's success to its high-quality products and local service. “Our strength is we’re local, and the reason these stadiums use our product is because they know they’re well made, engineered, made for purpose, and go up and down easily,” he says. “Because they’re Australian-made, clients have local support and backup if they need anything.” For stadiums, Abel Sports engineers posts to suit local conditions, including geotechnical reports and wind pattern analysis.
Flexible Design for Multi-Sport Use
The goal posts are designed to be removed without compromising integrity, allowing grounds to host multiple sports or events like concerts. “Because we’re building information from supplying these major stadiums, our knowledge and expertise then goes into the councils and schools buying our goal posts,” Cann says. If repairs are needed, the company can respond quickly due to its Australian base. “We do compete with imports from overseas, particularly England, China, and Europe, especially with soccer goals. But what we offer is locally made, so if anything goes wrong—like a tractor hitting a goal post—we can replace or fix it within 24 hours. If you’ve bought something from overseas, you can’t fix it quickly.”
Supporting Local Industry
Abel Sports uses Australian aluminium, primarily sourced from Capral Aluminium, along with other local suppliers, further supporting Australian companies and workers.
