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Proud to be Preston: Three Clubs. United. One Jumper.

Preston Football Club endorses Preston Bullants Amateurs and Juniors as custodians of Preston City Oval.

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The past few weeks have been the most difficult in the proud 143-year history of the Preston Football Club (PFC), following the AFL's decision to revoke its licence next season. This has been a deeply challenging period for Preston's members, supporters, and the wider Preston community, who have carried the Bullant spirit with pride for generations.


PFC President Neil Howard has publicly stated that the famous PFC may return in the near future:


"While we will not be able to field a team next season, our Board of Directors and our stream of revenue will continue unfettered so that we may either re-enter the VFL competition in 2027 or 2028."


While this chapter has temporarily closed, the Board of the Preston Football Club's commitment to ensuring that the famous Bullant brand remains synonymous with Preston has never been stronger.


The PFC is calling on the Darebin City Council to grant the Preston Bullants Amateur Football Club (PBAFC) and the Preston Bullants Junior Football Club (PBJFC) custodianship and tenancy of the iconic Preston City Oval (PCO) whilst the club resets next season. The PBAFC and PBJFC represent the true heart of the Preston community: their players do not play for money, and over 80% of the players and their parents are Darebin ratepayers who deserve rightful access to this facility, unlike surrounding leagues or clubs outside the municipality of Darebin and have no affiliation to Preston.


The Bullant brand is more than just a football club. It is a symbol of a long historical Preston tradition and a source of local pride. By appointing PBAFC and PBJFC as custodians, Darebin City Council has the opportunity to secure a generational outcome that protects 143 years of history while ensuring the Oval continues to serve as a hub for community sport and connection.


The Preston Football Club fully endorses and supports PBAFC and PBJFC to carry this responsibility. We have complete confidence in their values, financial stability, and community focus to ensure that the Preston Bullants name, jumper, and logo will continue to be showcased on the jewel of Preston's crown, Preston City Oval.


PFC President Neil Howard said the club is delighted to see the Bullant identity remain central to the Oval’s future.


"The Preston Bullant legacy must not only be preserved; it must thrive. The Preston Football Club is thrilled that the Bullant logo and brand will be proudly maintained at Preston City Oval into the future. We have full trust and confidence in the Preston Bullants Amateur and Junior Football Clubs to uphold this legacy with pride. Their values, financial stability, and deep community connection make them the right custodians to carry forward the Bullant tradition at our historic home."


PBAFC President Damian Howard emphasised the responsibility and honour of the role.


"We take the caretaker role of Preston City Oval very seriously and are honoured that the Preston Football Club has endorsed and fully supported our club to be custodians of this facility. We will continue to wear the Bullant jumper and name brand with pride, just as Fitzroy Football Club has done at Brunswick Street Oval in the VAFA and YJFL—the same two leagues in which both of our clubs proudly compete."


PBJFC President John Pappas highlighted the importance of heritage for the next generation.


"For our young boys and girls, wearing the Preston Bullant jumper is about more than football; it’s about being part of a Preston tradition. Growing up playing in this iconic brand, with 143 years of history behind it, gives them a sense of pride and belonging. These kids will carry on the Bullant name and logo at its rightful home, playing at Preston City Oval."


The proposal supported by PFC, PBAFC, and PBJFC includes:

  • Preservation of Preston Football Club memorabilia and heritage displays at PCO

  • Recognition of PBAFC and PBJFC as custodians of PCO

  • Ongoing use of the Bullant logo as a symbol of local pride on PCO

  • Support for PCO facility upgrades and community partnerships

  • Continued sharing of PCO with other Darebin football clubs


As many clubs and leagues currently circle for access next season to the iconic venue, this shapes as a huge generational decision for the Darebin Council and one that will shape the future of football in Preston and ensure that the Bullant legacy thrives at Preston City Oval for decades to come.


Just as the Fitzroy FC and Brunswick Street Oval show what’s possible when councils and clubs work together, Darebin Council has the opportunity to make Preston City Oval the beating heart of the Preston Bullants for generations to come.

Media contacts:

Neil Howard

President

Preston Football Club


Damian Howard

President

Preston Bullants Amateur Football Club


John Pappas

President

Preston Bullants Junior Football Club

 
 
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