A-list mentors missing

AFL clubs have been accused of shortchanging indigenous communities with a lack of star players and infrequent fly-by visits under a $1.5 million taxpayer-funded youth mentoring program.

In a secret report criticising the league’s management of the scheme, the Federal Government’s AFL National Partnership Agreement had an incoherent mentoring set-up run with no ‘‘understanding of the meaning of mentoring or the skills to undertake it’’.

But with funding still in limbo ahead of next season, the report said the deal could be continued with improvements because it was a positive program that inspired, motivated and brought indigenous communities together.

Up to 15 AFL clubs have guided indigenous teenagers in remote NT and SA communities since 2008, with three clubs investing $70,000 a year and vowing to continue even if funding was withdrawn.

The review, obtained under Freedom of Information, found ‘‘questionable’’ long-term benefits – and emails show public servants fretted about releasing the report due to the criticism of the AFL.

Identifying limited and unreliable reporting by the league, concerns were raised about waste at unnamed Club Fostership Program clubs because of ‘‘the number of people flying to communities who were not high-profile players’’.

‘‘The role of the AFL – a number of AFL club and government respondents queried the AFL’s management of the program,’’ the report said. ‘‘While AFL clubs claim to have provided mentoring, the consistency of provision, the comprehension of what mentoring means, and the skills to provide services do not seem to be in evidence.’’

Although short visits were blamed on demand on clubs and another Ambassadors For Life program had enjoyed success, the report recommended more high-profile players be used.

An AFL spokesman last night said the players who have taken part in the program were determined by availability and club workload.

These included current players such as Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield and Richmond’s Dustin Martin.