AFL news 2024: The league is considering changes to post-match press conferences under new media deal

After the loss to Sydney last year, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge used the Herald Sun’s Ed Bourke to send a message. Now, with the media policy again in the spotlight, change could be coming.

The AFL is considering a shake-up to senior coaches’ post-match press conferences including giving quicker television broadcast interviews straight after games.

The Herald Sun can reveal the league last week confirmed to club officials it was considering changes to the post-match press conferences to suit clubs, broadcast partners and print media.

One preliminary idea floated included putting up senior coaches for Channel 7 and Fox Footy straight after games for their immediate reactions to the result, and a separate interview opportunity for print media.

The immediate interview option on television could result in more emotional responses from the club’s most visible and under-pressure figures within minutes of the final siren.

Broadcast partners would be eager to have access to senior coaches immediately after the siren rather than waiting at least 20 minutes after the match.

Ken Hinkley during a press conference last season. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Options were discussed for consideration by coaches and league bosses in the lead-up to the new season.

But the conversations with club officials were only a starting point and more meaningful discussions will be held between league media bosses and key stakeholders including broadcast partners before the season.

Staging more player interviews were also discussed as a way to help promote and showcase the game’s stars and more marquee games, in particular, on a Thursday night.

After a week of pressure, Ken Hinkley was clearly relieved after Port Adelaide's tight win over St Kilda.

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The league has increased the number of Thursday night games in next year’s fixture to 23 as part of a fixture switch which has been warmly welcomed.

There were reduced numbers of journalists at some press conferences this year, which has, in conjunction with the new blockbuster broadcast deal, prompted the rethink about coach interviews.

The league has asked the clubs to come forward with their ideas for consideration in 2025.

Luke Beveridge called out the lack of media attendance at his press conference in round 20. Picture: Mark Stewart

Western Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge didn’t hide his bemusement after the round 20 loss to Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium when only News Corp’s Ed Bourke was present for the start of his post-match press conference.

“For you to be the only one here – I don’t know whether that is outstanding or it has just become the norm that there’s about 10 vacancies,” Beveridge said.

The league attempted to ramp up media access for its media partners as part of a beefed-up new media policy last year.

It meant every clubs’ senior players would be up for interview in the lead-up to each game barring extenuating circumstances.

There is scope in the new media policy to fine clubs which did not operate in-line with the new rules.

The league has tried to open up the game for its fans and media partners to help promote Australian Rules to every corner of the country, helping deliver record memberships and ratings as well as boom growth in Queensland.

Some clubs this year hosted Channel 7 and Fox Footy inside the club’s changing rooms and on ground to conduct interviews with coaches and players.