Country football teams in Victoria will receive a bonus $18 million in funding from 2020 to 2022 as AFL drops affiliation fees and slashes cost of playing apparel.
A large part of the funding, provided by the AFL and the Victorian state government, will come in the abolishment of AFL Victoria affiliation fees, saving country clubs $3.22 million a year.
“We understand the challenges faced in Victorian country football communities, especially with a change in demographics and community expectations,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.
The funding announcement comes after former AFL Gippsland commissioner, John White, called on the AFL for an independent review into how AFL Victoria governs the game. A petition started by White attracted over 2,000 signatures, Peter Rolfe reported for the Herald Sun today.
AFL Goldfields (which includes Ballarat and Maryborough in central Victoria) is the biggest benefactor, saving $471,097 a year, scaling down to AFL Sunraysia (Mildura and the north-west corner of the state), who will no longer have to pay $61,404 in fees.
AFL Outer East is the fourth-largest benefactor with savings of $397,359 a year.
Umpire registration fees will also be scrapped, while the cost of club apparel will be reduced significantly.
“This is a great initiative for grassroots footy and I’m really pleased the government is able to play a part in supporting our hard-working volunteers and players across the state,” the state minister for tourism, sport and major events Martin Pakula said.
Funding of $950,000 will be made available to help club volunteers through digital and in-person support with administration, policy and breaches involving safeguarding children, social media and vilification.
Close to two million dollars will also be dedicated to a Strategic Community Investment fund and Village Hubs, which will assist with club needs as well as working towards aligning schools with community and AFL clubs.
With the AFL splashing money on its latest franchises Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney, and also playing games in China, country clubs had become disenchanted, believing they were a low priority for the League. But McLachlan disagreed.
“We’re managing a lot of different things at the AFL and if you’re not growing the top line, we’re not able to make these investments. Part of our job is to balance it all together,” he said.
“Today addresses some emerging needs in regional Victoria which have been reasonably recent in a lot of areas. People can debate timing but we’re here investing in regional football …
“I’ve been really clear from day one that our game doesn’t exist without community football, without strong community clubs, without volunteers.
“This is in response to clear calls recently that regional community is hurting as demographics change and communities change. It’s a very direct response and I think it’s a great announcement.”
The Victorian state government will provide almost $1 million over the three-year period.
McLachlan cited the example of the Bacchus Marsh club, which would next year save more than $10,000 in affiliation fees alone.
He also thanked the 50,000 volunteers across regional Victoria and all those around Australia for their sacrifice, dedication and commitment to the game.
| AFL Barwon | $ 404,010 |
| AFL Central Murray | $ 73,607 |
| AFL Central Victoria | $ 229,480 |
| AFL Gippsland | $ 284,662 |
| AFL Goldfields | $ 471,097 |
| AFL Goulburn Murray | $ 210,207 |
| AFL North East Border | $ 235,230 |
| AFL Outer East | $ 397,359 |
| AFL South East | $ 450,743 |
| AFL Sunraysia | $ 61,404 |
| AFL Western District | $ 254,886 |
| AFL Wimmera Mallee | $ 80,237 |
-With Sarah Black, AFL Media and Peter Rolfe, Herald Sun.
AFL Outer East and Kinglake Football/Netball Club were contacted for comment. AFL OE did not respond before publication. (It’s understood AFL Outer East officials are currently attending a meeting with the AFL).
