Football in Victoria is in a precarious position, but for those of us involved in the game in the suburbs and regional areas, it appears the AFL doesn’t care. And it’s not just the future of Aussie Rules in danger, but the health of our communities.
During my decades in the game I’ve played around 300 games of VFA, VFL and country football. I’ve worked as a physical education teacher, coached, and served on the Echuca Football/Netball committee for many years, including five as president. Along with others I talk to, I’m worried about where our game is going.
Country footy isn’t just a place that AFL footballers start out, it’s a place where discipline is developed and lifelong friendships are formed. Credit: Joe Castro
The AFL may well expect record crowds for this weekend’s preliminary finals at the MCG. Millions of Australians will watch the games on TV. But I see danger signs at the grassroots level – the clubs and communities that provide our top players.
I’m seeing our best country teams, ones that would field three teams without fail each week, forfeiting games because they can’t fill a reserves side. I’m seeing standards dropping, and the gap growing between the strong and weaker clubs, creating horribly one-sided results, like in 2023 when the Wickliffe Lake Bolac Magpies kicked 60.30 (290) for a ridiculous 284-point win over Moyston Willaura FNC.
Those of us involved in local footy have been astounded to go to country games lately where there are no kids around. None watching, none kicking the footy on the boundary or at the goals after the game. This is the next generation. We’re used to the days when you’d always see kids walking around with a footy in hand, bouncing and kicking it to themselves. Where are they now?
Footy teams across Victoria will be celebrating their grand finals victories on Saturday – at the same time as the AFL has scheduled a preliminary final at the MCG. Credit: Adam Dowie
In recent years, the AFL has made numerous fixturing decisions that hurt grassroots footy, but its scheduling of Saturday’s preliminary final between Collingwood and Brisbane – the biggest game of the year after the Grand Final – at 5.15pm feels the biggest kick in the guts yet.
All over our state, local leagues will hold their grand finals this Saturday afternoon. Historically, many Victorians would be getting together and congratulating the winners at 5.15pm with a presentation and celebration of the season. Sure, the AFL is trying to be fair to the Brisbane Lions by making it easier for them to fly back to Queensland the week before the Grand Final. But do they stop to think that community footy will be the roadkill when they invite footy fans to skip their local clubs and set themselves up at home for the night to watch the prelim on TV? They should play the game at night and give our suburban and country leagues a fair crack at showcasing their grand finals.
Fans watch the West Gippsland La Trobe Football League from cars in 2004. Credit: Andrew De La Rue