AFL PLAN FOR SOLUTIONS
The AFL and AFL Victoria’s announcement that it will develop a plan – Gippsland 2025 Strategic Plan - for football’s future in Gippsland leaves plenty to the imagination.
Given a catchy abbreviated title - G25 - its scope will cover short-term solutions as well as a long-term view of the structure of football in the entire Gippsland region.
Where it starts with short-term solutions, given still unresolved issues about “homes” for six current Alberton Football Netball League clubs next season, is not explained.
The long-term views will provide a framework of the structure of football in the region and surrounding areas up to 2025 and beyond.
The official media statement attributed to the head of AFL Victoria Rick Bell does not elaborate on that point, either, other than the plan “serving as a vision piece for Gippsland and bordering (AFL) Commissions”.
Competition structures will be examined taking into account population patterns in Gippsland and surrounding areas, competition equalisation and geographic and economic factors “currently restricting and burdening some country football clubs and leagues”.
There is no explanation of what the AFL and AFL Victoria see as the current restrictions and burdens.
“Additional dedicated resources” will ensure the existing team of football development managers currently assigned to the Gippsland region (employed by AFL Victoria not AFL Gippsland Commission) will continue to work closely with grassroots clubs and communities to develop and grow the game at all levels.
What form the additional resources take was not stipulated but would appear the AFL has already a view before it speaks with local stakeholders..
The AFL statement says the project (the strategic plan) will be undertaken by “an independent group” – independent of what or who is not stated – that will consult with all stakeholder leagues and clubs.
It will be interesting to hear what new things clubs and leagues learn from the AFL about “surrounding areas”, “current restrictions and burdens”, “additional resources” and competition equalisation.