Player payments and points allocations, the impact on volunteer numbers, and maintaining community connection between clubs have emerged as key issues from a meeting to discuss AFL Barwon’s proposed restructuring of local football and netball.
As K rock Football revealed earlier this week, members of the AFL Barwon executive and commission and representatives from the 22 BFNL and GFNL clubs met for the first time since a third forum on December 5 to discuss the restructuring proposed by the local governing body.
Clubs were also asked to provide an indicative position on the proposal, with the statement from AFL Barwon revealing support from seven clubs; Bell Park, Geelong West, Ocean Grove, Portarlington, South Barwon, St Joseph’s and St Mary’s.
However, the level of support varies among those clubs, with some wanting adjustments.
The statement also claims support for upward and downward movement (promotion/relegation) was supported by half of the clubs.
“Following Tuesday night’s meeting, AFL Barwon acknowledged there is more work required to further develop and support the structures that assist in addressing equalisation, sustainability of APPs (Allowable Player Payments) and Player Points, as well as the support to Clubs with volunteerism and other strategic challenges whilst providing a landscape that allows new Clubs to enter in the future, which supports growth opportunities, and prioritises Club sustainability,” the statement said.
“The AFL Barwon Commission is due to meet on several occasions in the coming weeks and will continue (an) open dialogue with all Clubs (inc. GDFNL & Junior-only Clubs), with continuous updates on the progress of the AFLB Future of Football and Netball Project.”
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