UNDER a wide blue sky, the Mansfield Recreation Reserve, home of the Eagles, welcomed a new set of gleaming goal posts last week, their fresh white frames standing tall over the lush green oval.

The hum of council workers sweeping the footpaths and the smell of freshly mowed grass added to the energy in the air, as a concrete truck rumbled beside the posts, pouring footings to secure each one firmly in place.

For three decades, the old goal posts had stood tall and seen it all—nail-biting finishes, jubilant victories, and hard-fought battles in every season.

They’d heard the roars, sighs, and wild celebrations of footy fans on all sides.

But time had taken its toll.

Driven to provide players and fans with something new and resilient, the Mansfield Eagles FNC rallied to fund the upgrade, enhancing facilities for local football and creating improved infrastructure for visiting AFL clubs looking to train while passing through the area.

At a cost of $21,000, the project came to life with contributions from the Mansfield Eagles FNC, the Mansfield Junior Football Club, and Mansfield Shire Council, each pitching in $7000.

Additional support came from local businesses Alpine Civil and Taylor Engineering + Design, who provided crucial in-kind contributions, grounding the new posts firmly in Mansfield’s sporting future.

“The goalposts were due for renewal and council is really grateful for the football clubs arranging and contributing to their replacement," said council CEO, Kirsten Alexander.

Council has removed the old goalposts and plans to refurbish them and find a suitable location where they can continue to be used.