Bunnings has launched the second year of its nationwide Legend of the Tongs search, a celebration of the “local legends who keep Aussie rules footy clubs running, one snag at a time”.

The retailer’s community initiative will run across 18 weeks of the 2026 AFL season, recognising the volunteers who turn up week in and week out to support their clubs.

With the campaign now underway, the first round of weekly BBQ ‘legends’ has been announced with Kayne Henman and Laura McCallum from Victoria, Jarrad Young from South Australia, Jackie Barrie from Queensland and Vance Bond from Western Australia, all recognised for the heart and soul they bring to their clubs. Each week five clubs will win a BBQ prize pack valued at over $585, including a Jumbuck 6 Burner BBQ and a Bunnings pop-up marquee.

Eight standout winners across the season will also score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final, with several shortlisted winners coming from a public ‘community choice’ vote.

One overall winner will be crowned the ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’, scoring $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their local club. In 2025, the title was claimed by 90-year-old Geoff Wills from Melbourne’s Bundoora Junior Football Club, recognised for 45 years of dedicated volunteer service.

Bunnings Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events, Michelle Walters, says the initiative celebrates people who make local footy possible.

“Legend of the Tongs is all about recognising the heart of Australian rules football – the more than 200,000 volunteers who show up week in, week out to support their clubs,” she says.

“Whether it’s firing up the BBQ, backing their teams or raising vital funds, these volunteers play a huge role in keeping community footy thriving.

“Following a hugely successful first year, we’re proud to bring Legend of the Tongs back in 2026, delivering practical equipment and support that helps grassroots AFL and AFLW clubs focus on what matters most – their people and their community.”

Returning as Legend of the Tongs ambassador is former Richmond legend Matthew ‘Richo’ Richardson who is joined this year by four times premiership AFLW player and commentator Libby Birch.

Nominations are now open with winners announced weekly. Entries will close on 16 August.