AFL Barwon clubs meet to discuss restructure

AFL BARWON is continuing discussions with its member clubs about the proposed promotion-relegation model, but only a third of clubs support the restructure at the moment.

On Tuesday this week, the governing body of local footy met with presidents and representatives of BFNL and GFNL clubs to discuss the Future of Football & Netball Project proposal they received on December 5 and to, according to a statement released by AFL Barwon earlier today (Friday, February 16), “discuss their indicative positions on the proposal, providing AFL Barwon with collective feedback as to their points of satisfaction and contention”.

Key themes of the meeting were, according to AFL Barwon:

• Upward and downward movement between leagues/divisions was a supported concept across half of BFNL and GFNL clubs
• Volunteerism numbers and workload a challenge and a consideration for this within the proposal
• Concerns on future APPs (Allowable Player Payments, i.e. the salary cap) and Player Points allocations (i.e. Total Team Points) – how these should be structured and where maximums and minimums should be set
• Strong desire to maintain history and community connection between clubs across the Bellarine and Geelong, and
• Acknowledgement that new Senior Clubs need a secure and sustainable pathway to participate in the future.

In response to the proposal as presented to clubs on December 5, seven clubs were in favour:

• Bell Park FNC,
• Geelong West FNC,
• Ocean Grove FNC
• Portarlington FNC
• South Barwon FNC,
• St. Joseph’s FNC, and
• St. Mary’s SC.

However, 15 clubs were not in favour:

• Anglesea FNC
• Barwon Heads FNC
• Colac FNC
• Drysdale FNC
• Geelong Amateur FNC,
• Grovedale FNC
• Lara FNC
• Leopold FNC
• Modewarre FNC
• Newcomb FNC
• Newtown & Chilwell FNC
• North Shore FNC
• Queenscliff FNC
• St. Albans FNC, and
• Torquay FNC.

“Following Tuesday night’s meeting, AFL Barwon acknowledged there is more work required to further develop and supporting the structures that assist in addressing equalisation, sustainability of APPs & Player Points, as well as the support to clubs with volunteerism and other strategic challenges, while providing a landscape that allows new clubs to enter in the future, which supports growth opportunities, and prioritises club sustainability,” AFL Barwon stated.

“The AFL Barwon Commission is due to meet on several occasions in the coming weeks and will continue open dialogue with all clubs (including the GDFNL and junior-only clubs), with continuous updates on the progress of the AFLB Future of Football & Netball Project.”