AFL sends money to country clubs hurting after bushfires

Grassroots football and netball clubs in fire-ravaged country areas are sharing in $700,000 worth of grants, to help them rebuild and support struggling members thanks to a lifeline from the AFL.

Jim Davidson, Caleb Ingram and Cam Edwards who all play for Buchan are pumped with the grant from the AFL. Picture: Michael Klein

Country footy clubs facing a tough season after the bushfires have been handed a lifeline by the AFL.

Grassroots football and netball clubs in fire-ravaged areas are sharing in $700,000 worth of grants to help them rebuild and support struggling members.

Some clubs have received $5000 cheques while others are getting $2500.

Buchan Football and Netball Club president Matt Whelan said the $5000 it received would be used to help members whose properties and livelihoods had been devastated by the fires.

Some club members had “lost pretty much everything”, he said.

Buchan players and their families are pumped about the AFL grant. Picture: Michael Klein

One family of six had lost their home and farm, so the money would allow the club to kit out the four boys and their dad — all of whom pulled on the boots for Buchan — with footy gear.

Many businesses and farms that traditionally supported the club were battling and the grant meant they would not have to be approached for sponsorship this year, he said.

The grants are part of the AFL’s $1.5 million Community Relief Fund, with 225 country clubs and 40 Auskick clinics given money.

In Gippsland’s Swifts Creek, the funds have delivered some fat calves a temporary reprieve from the saleyard, says president and team manager Neil Crabtree.

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There had been talk of selling some stock to raise money for the club but the AFL’s gift meant that wouldn’t be necessary, he said.

“I nearly fell over when I saw that cheque,” Mr Crabtree said.

Originally published as AFL sends money to country clubs hurting after bushfires