The Essendon District Football League has today announced that iconic Kensington venue, the Doutta Galla Hotel, has come on board as the EDFL’s exclusive bar and pub venue for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Currently owned by publican Craig Shearer of the Kickon Group, alongside former AFL players Luke Hodge and Andrew Walker, Maribyrnong Park President Luke Livingston, local investor Jayson Watts, and a team of other proud locals, including pub manager Ben Lougoon, the Doutta Galla Hotel on Racecourse Road first opened its doors in 1889.
A passionate supporter of local sport and community, Craig and the team are proud to back grassroots football through the venue’s partnership with the EDFL. The Doutta Galla will support clubs with fundraising opportunities and reward outstanding on-field performances, while providing all EDFL members with a fantastic local venue for family meals, post-game footy debates, and quality pub dining seven days a week.
The two-year partnership sees the Doutta Galla Hotel launch the monthly ‘What The Doutta Can Do For You’ club fundraising initiative, offerings clubs and teams from across the EDFL the chance to fundraise for new equipment, facilities, tours, and more via the Hotel’s meat raffle.
As presenting partner of the league’s Player of the Match award, the Doutta Galla Hotel will give EDFL senior players the chance to win up to $400 in vouchers with its new spinning wheel game. The hotel’s all-star cast of AFL legends will also regularly appear on the league’s social channels reacting to the best plays across the EDFL.
As the league’s go-to venue, The Doot will become the new official pre and after party venue for its Senior Presentation night, and offer event and hospitality hosting to all clubs, teams, and committees. First up will be the league’s media day on Sunday March 22, which will include a live recording of the EDFL Tonight Podcast with a host of special guests from clubland previewing the 2026 season.
Doutta Galla Hotel owner and Maribyrnong Park President Luke Livingston commented, "The EDFL has been an integral part of the local sporting community for 96 years, so partnering with the league was a no-brainer for us.
"Footy clubs are built on community spirit, on and off the field, and we’re proud to be part of that. We look forward to welcoming all EDFL players, families, and friends into the DG for a good feed and a cold beer after the game.”
EDFL CEO Andrew Johnston added, “It’s great to have the Doutta Galla Hotel onboard rewarding outstanding players on the field and supporting club development off it.
“We’re excited for the league to enter into a partnership that will give our member clubs and their supportors access to an incredible venue, great food, and friendly staff, while supercharging our award-winning content output, club fundraising, and volunteer recognition.
"Being in the heart of the league region is important and we are proud to support them going forward.”
What The Doutta Can Do For You
The Doot is proud to support the EDFL sporting community and offer a range of ways to work together with clubs and teams.
The venue has multiple function spaces available, making it the perfect spot for team dinners, awards nights, season launches, bonding nights, and club celebrations. They can cater for groups of different sizes and help create a great atmosphere for players, coaches, families, and supporters to come together.
The Doot also offers fundraising opportunities for clubs, including raffles and meat trays. They work with a local butcher to provide the meat trays and work with other suppliers for awesome prizes, which can be used to help raise funds for your team or club throughout the season.
Where possible, The Doot may also be able to explore opportunities to involve sporting personalities such as Andrew Walker and Luke Hodge in certain events or club functions.
Everyone at The Doot is incredibly excited to provide support and work with the teams both on and off the field this footy season.
Nominations for clubs and teams to fundraise via the Doutta Galla Hotel’s meat raffle can be submitted HERE.
