Brookvale Oval Vision Could Reshape Manly’s Long-Time Home

Brookvale Oval could be reshaped under Manly’s $160 million redevelopment vision, with the club proposing a larger boutique stadium and broader precinct uses aimed at keeping the Sea Eagles at their traditional Northern Beaches home.



Brookvale Oval Proposal Focuses On Long Term Renewal

Manly’s latest concept for Brookvale Oval, known commercially as 4 Pines Park, outlines a major redevelopment of the ageing venue into a modern stadium with capacity for about 22,000 to 23,000 spectators.

The ground currently holds about 17,000 people and has been the Sea Eagles’ home since 1947. While the venue remains closely tied to the club’s identity, its older infrastructure has become a central issue in long-running redevelopment discussions.

The current proposal is framed as a vision rather than a confirmed build. Further approvals, financial steps and wider engagement would still be needed before work could begin.

Manly Sea Eagles
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Older Stands Would Be Replaced Under The Manly Vision

The Bob Fulton Stand would be retained under the concept. The stand includes the club’s Centre of Excellence, which opened in 2022 after a $30 million upgrade.

Other older sections of the venue would be removed. The Jane Try, Ken Arthurson and Lyons-Menzies stands would be demolished and replaced with new undercover seating wrapping around the ground in a horseshoe-style layout.

The proposal also includes upgraded amenities, improved corporate areas and better facilities for women’s sport, junior sport and community use. The concept identifies growing maintenance demands, gaps in current facilities and the risk of the venue falling behind modern NRL requirements as issues the redevelopment would seek to address.

Housing and Classroom Ideas Broaden The Brookvale Plan

The proposal extends beyond match-day seating. Two residential towers are included on the eastern side of the precinct, with the possibility of affordable housing and homes for first responders forming part of the concept.

Education facilities are also being considered. Classroom space could be included beneath a new western stand, with St Augustine’s College and Brookvale Public School identified as nearby schools that could potentially use the space.

Manly plans to finance most of the estimated $160 million redevelopment while seeking an additional contribution of about $40 million to $50 million. The mixed-use model marks a shift from earlier redevelopment attempts that relied more heavily on outside funding.

Brookvale Oval
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Sea Eagles May Need Temporary Home During Works

If the project proceeds, construction could begin after the 2027 NRL season and may take one to two years to complete.

During that period, Manly would likely move home games away from Brookvale Oval. Allianz Stadium has been identified as the likely temporary venue for most matches, while some games could be taken to other markets, including New Zealand.

The push for renewal comes as the Sea Eagles continue to draw strong home crowds. The club has reported sellouts at 18 of its past 24 home matches, strengthening the case for more capacity and improved facilities.

Previous redevelopment ideas for Brookvale Oval have not progressed, including a $150 million proposal in 2011 that involved a 31,000-seat stadium, retail uses and residential development, followed by another major rebuild proposal four years later.



The latest vision is another attempt to modernise one of the NRL’s recognised suburban venues while preserving Manly’s connection to its long-time base on the Northern Beaches.

Published 10-June-2026

Brookvale Oval to Honour Max Krilich’s Sentimental Wish

Retired Manly Sea Eagles great Max Krilich made an emotional request for his ashes to be scattered at Brookvale Oval, where he built his legacy. When the time comes, the rugby league icon, who captained Australia to a World Cup victory, wants his final resting place to be at the spiritual home of Manly. 



Mr Krilich, a stalwart of the Manly Sea Eagles, played 215 games for the club between 1970 and 1983. As a fierce competitor and natural leader, he captained Manly and the Australian national team, securing a World Cup triumph in 1982. Brookvale Oval, now known as 4 Pines Park, was the stage for many of Mr Krilich’s greatest achievements.

Beyond his playing career, Mr Krilich remained respected in the Manly community. He advocates for the club and supports its future generations. His request to have his ashes scattered at Brookvale Oval is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the Sea Eagles and their home ground.

Max Krilich
Photo Credit: Sea Eagles

Ken Arthurson’s Push for Brookie Hill Tribute

Rugby league administrator and former Manly coach Ken Arthurson has backed the idea of honouring Mr Krilich at Brookvale Oval. Mr Arthurson is campaigning for ‘Brookie Hill’ to be named after Mr Krilich and fellow Manly legend Roy Bull, recognising their immense contributions to the club’s history.

Mr Arthurson, widely regarded as the ‘Godfather of Manly,’ believes that renaming the iconic hill would provide a lasting tribute to two players who defined the club’s success in different eras. The push has gained traction among Sea Eagles fans and former players, who acknowledge the importance of preserving the club’s rich heritage.

The Emotional Support from Family and Fans

Mr Krilich’s wife, Irene, has voiced her support for his wish, understanding how much Brookvale Oval meant to him throughout his life. She shared that his deep attachment to the ground was not just professional but personal, with countless memories made both on and off the field. Fans have also rallied behind the idea, recognising the significance of granting one of their greatest captains his final wish.

A Career of Dedication and Excellence

Mr Krilich was a two-time premiership-winning player who played 215 first-grade games for Manly after making his debut in 1970. Before leading the unbeaten 1982 Kangaroos, he served as a reserve-grade hooker under club captain Fred Jones, honing his skills before assuming the top role. His leadership in the 1978 grand final victory and subsequent international success cemented his reputation as one of the game’s greatest captains.

Max Krilich Brookvale Oval
Photo Credit: Sea Eagles

In total, Mr Krilich played a record 334-grade games for Manly and later transitioned into administration, becoming a club chairman and life member. His contributions to the Sea Eagles extended beyond the field, ensuring the club’s legacy remained strong.

Between playing in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mr Krilich balanced his rugby league career with an apprenticeship, eventually becoming a qualified plumber and running his own business, Max Krilich Plumbing Pty Ltd. In retirement, he remains an active club ambassador and an avid golfer, continuing to be involved in the Manly Sea Eagles community.

Next Steps: Honouring a Rugby League Icon



Discussions are ongoing regarding Mr Krilich’s request and the potential renaming of Brookie Hill. While official approval is yet to be granted, momentum is building within the Manly Sea Eagles community to ensure that one of their most revered figures is given a fitting tribute at the ground where he made history.

Published 19-Feb-2025