A new tool set to be introduced next year is set to transform how local footy player payments and club salary caps are tracked.
AFL Victoria has announced the launch of a pilot program called Club Hub which it says will “simplify and modernise player payment administration across Victorian community football”.
The system will be trialled by various metropolitan and regional competitions next season. It will help clubs with player declarations, budgeting, reporting and compliance.
An AFL statement announcing Club Hub’s introduction said it was launched to help ease the administrative burden on volunteers.
AFL Victoria boss Greg Madigan said the system was aimed at making player payments easier to manage.
“We know clubs and leagues put a significant amount of work into administering player payments and meeting their requirements, so CLUB HUB is about looking at how we can make that process simpler and more efficient,” he said.
“Importantly, we want the people who will use the platform to help shape it. The 2027 pilot gives clubs and leagues an opportunity to test CLUB HUB in a live football environment, provide practical feedback and help us understand what works and what needs to improve.”
“Our aim is to develop a system that reduces unnecessary administration, gives clubs and leagues better visibility over player payment management and supports a consistent approach across community football.”
The clubs and leagues selected to participate will provide feedback to officials throughout the year and that information will help guide the program’s future development.
More information is expected to be released in the coming weeks.