Picola District Football and Netball league cuts ties with AFL Victoria

ONE of country Victoria’s largest and most successful leagues will save almost $80,000 a year after dramatically cutting ties with the AFL.

A POWERFUL country football league will save almost $80,000 a year after it dramatically cut ties with the AFL.

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Critics have warned a decision by AFL Victoria to expel the Picola District Football and Netball League from competition could have huge ramifications as other leagues look for ways to save cash and keep control of the grassroots game.

PREVIOUSLY: Country leagues ready to turn back on AFL as negotiations reach deadlock

Country AFL clubs taking a stand against restructure

Waaia Bombers players Ryan Sprout, 23, Bill Brown, 22, Ryan Trimby, 22, and Jesse Trower, 18. The Bombers are part of the Picola District Football Netball League that will go it alone in 2018. Picture: Mark Stewart

The PDFNL, which consists of 17 clubs, refused to sign an affiliation agreement on Monday that would have seen it relinquish administrative control to AFL Goulburn Murray, one of 13 region commissions set up under recommendations from a review into country footy in 2011.

Talks continue with a string of country leagues including Sunraysia, Bendigo, Murray, Central Highlands, Ovens and Murray and Nepean.

In a statement to its members on Tuesday the PDFNL claimed its insurance costs would drop from $117,000 to just $39,000 by going it alone.

However, it will lose access to TAC Pathway programs for promising seniors and Auskick support for juniors.

The issue could be further complicated if clubs within Picola decide they want to break away from the league and affiliate with AFL Goulburn Murray.

The Herald Sun understands staff from AFLGM were calling parents of junior players late on Tuesday and encouraging them to swap to an affiliated league.

“Country footy is at a crossroads,’’ Picola operations Manager Shane Railton said.

“Fines, ongoing requests and escalating costs, well beyond triple CPI, has removed people’s interest and willingness to be a part of the game.

“Other leagues will face the same ultimatum and fully intend to follow the same path.’’

AFL Victoria boss Steven Reaper said of the 71 leagues in country Victoria only a handful were yet to sign affiliation agreements, “demonstrating that the vast majority’’ were supportive.

He also clarified that in addition to insurance, the $117,000 annual bill covered football development management services, education and training, player pathway programs, the creation of statewide policies and funding opportunity costs.

Waaia Bombers players Ryan Trimby, 22, Ryan Sprunt, 23, Bill Brown, 22, and Jesse Trower, 18. Picture: Mark Stewart

He defended the actions of staff claiming AFL Goulburn Murray had been “proactive’’ following the league’s decision to split.

But the situation wasn’t sitting well with legends of the game on Tuesday.

Footy great Mal Brown was among those who warned the AFL must quit meddling with country and regional competitions.

“Most of these people running football are educated derelicts,’’ he said.

“The AFL is trying to take full control of the game but ultimately it will tear apart the fabric of community.’’

Victoria University Institute of Health and Sport research fellow Dr Matthew Klugman said Picola set an example that other leagues could follow.

“At the moment it’s a restructure from the top down and they (AFL) don’t appear to be listening or meeting the needs of clubs at the bottom,’’ Dr Klugman said.

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