Every time a goal is scored in Australia, whether in AFL, netball, or soccer, from professional to schoolyard level, it is likely through Australian-made goal posts. Abel Sports has been manufacturing aluminium poles from its Sunshine West factory for over 30 years.
From Flagpoles to Goal Posts
The company began by making flagpoles before expanding into goal posts for AFL, rugby, soccer, netball, and hockey. It also produces netting, footings, and base plates tailored to each pole's use and location. As a partner of Back Australia, Abel Sports emphasizes local manufacturing.
Major Stadiums and Local Grounds
Its posts are installed at Australia's 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 locations.
General Manager John Cann says Abel Sports is chosen as a preferred supplier due to its high-quality product and 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 they go up and down easily," he says. "Because they're Australian-made, clients have local support and backup if needed."
Engineering for Local Conditions
For stadiums, Abel Sports engineers posts to suit local conditions, including geotechnical reports and wind pattern analysis. After manufacturing, the company contracts state-based installers to create footings and insert the posts. The goal posts are designed to be removable 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 explains. If issues arise, the Australian-based company can respond quickly. "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, we can replace or fix it within 24 hours. If you've bought something from overseas, you can't fix it quickly."
Abel Sports uses Australian aluminium, sourcing most from Capral Aluminium, and other local suppliers, further supporting Australian companies and workers.
