MEMBERS REFUND DEBATE

AFL clubs should give refunds to members facing financial troubles because of the coronavirus pandemic, league chief executive Gillon McLachlan says.

McLachlan said club members were entitled to ask for refunds, but added they were the backbone of the league’s 18 clubs.

“Of course, if they need it, they can (get refunds),” McLachlan said on the ABC yesterday.

“But, yes, we would love them to stay because our industry is in a battle and our clubs are in a battle to get through and the membership is their lifeblood.

“All I would say is I understand the pain going on out there and people need to make their own decisions and clearly if they want it (a refund), they can. But I know our members understand how big their contribution of membership is to their clubs.”

Geelong hit the 50,000member milestone in February, declaring itself on track for a record 70,000 target.

Sales were up about 5 per cent on last year, helped by more than 5000 new members. The Cats finished with 66,560 last season.

“This is a unique situation and there are many unknowns as to what the season looks like,” a Geelong spokesperson said in a statement yesterday regarding any refund policy.

“We are working towards playing the season and will provide further information for members as the outlook becomes clearer.”

Western Bulldogs have already refunded some memberships. But the Dogs’ chief executive, Ameet Bains, said the financial pain of clubs would worsen should there be a flood of refund requests from members.

“It would be a significant body blow for clubs and potentially fatal for a number of clubs as well,” Bains told SEN.

“The question of hardships is a different one and I think everyone is sympathetic about that

“We continue to work with anyone who is affected in that way.

“From our own experience, those individuals that have approached us with hardships or concerns, we’ve been happy to accommodate.”

Despite the AFL season being suspended until at least May 31, some clubs, including the Bulldogs, have reported new members signing on.

But all clubs were understood to have continued with membership payment plans.

The NRL has given no position on refunds to members of its 16 clubs, beyond stating membership was integral to each of them.