Annual Review 2008

annual review 2008 1 2008 Annu al Review

Vision, Mission and Values...... 4

Chairman’s Report...... 7-9

Board of Directors...... 10

Advisory Board...... 11

CEO’s Report...... 12-15

VFL ...... 16-21

TAC Cup...... 22-25

Graduates to the AFL ...... 26

Umpires ...... 28-29

Administration and Regions...... 30-35

Financial Summary...... 36-37

Marketing...... 38-39

2 afl victoria annual review 2008 2008 Annu al Review

AFL Victoria Development...... 40-57

Development...... 40-43 Community Football...... 44 Multicultural program...... 45-46 Coach education...... 46-47 Umpire development ...... 48-49 NAB AFL Auskick...... 49-50 Schools...... 51-53 AFL Kickstart Indigenous program...... 53-54 AFL player appearances...... 54 Female football ...... 55-56 AFL Recreational Football ...... 56-57

Resources...... 58-59

Community Football results ...... 60-61

AFL Victoria People...... 62

Structure of Australian Football ...... 63

Port (left) and North players stand for the national anthem before the 2008 VFL Grand Final at Dome. afl victoria annual review 2008 3 Cover photo: Emma Phillips Photography. vision, mission and values

OUR VISION OUR VALUES Community Wellbeing To be the best AFL Victoria will be recognised Valuing and promoting physical by the following behaviour: and mental wellbeing and state-based sporting respecting the diversity of our organisation Collaboration on and off-field participants, Working collaboratively with and supporters and the wider in . between each other, recognising community. the contribution people make OUR MISSION to football. Communication To sustain and grow Listening and communicating Australian Football Accountability openly and honestly. Taking responsibility at all times as the most played, for our actions and exercising Enjoyment involved, watched integrity in making honourable Seeking to create and sustain and attended sport and informed decisions. an environment that delivers enjoyment, safety and rewarding across Victoria for the Excellence experiences for all participants benefit of participants, Striving to optimise performance and supporters. stakeholders and and reward excellence in all endeavours. supporters while making a meaningful Innovation contribution to the Nurturing and rewarding in an environment that is focused health and wellbeing on continuous improvement of all communities and innovation. throughout Victoria.

4 afl victoria annual review 2008 The VAFA (C-D4) and VCFL (District Leagues) teams clash in the Cystic Fibrosis Cup at Elsternwick in June.

Photo: Garry Sparke, Cyan Sporting Images.

afl victoria annual review 2008 5 Some potential stars of the future prepare to take the footy field in 2008.

6 afl victoria annual review 2008 chairman’s Report c h

bob tregear ai r

Chairman man ’ s Rep or teamwork ensures t victorian football remains vibrant

he 2008 season was yet across Victoria’s 12 football regions development projects manager, another of change and mean different solutions would be where he is responsible for a wide T challenge for the Board required in each case. range of national development of Football Victoria Ltd. In many cases, an emphasis projects including the monitoring At the end of our second on enhanced partnerships is of the Victorian second-tier full-year trading under the preferable to full integration. review implementation stage. name ‘AFL Victoria’, there is no Rules governing the movement of We thank Grant for his contribution doubt Victorian football is now players between the TAC Cup and to AFL Victoria and wish him well identified more closely with the VFL competitions will be revised in his new role. national brand. Our association to enhance the development of After eight seasons in the VFL with the most successful brand elite junior players. competition, the Devils in Australian sport has brought will disband in 2009 to make way obvious recognition and prestige. for a new Tasmanian State League On the downside, it has made it Football’s ability to competition comprising 10 clubs. harder to differentiate the Victorian assist“ governments to While the Devils’ involvement brand in order to attract potential educate and inform the in the VFL has presented many sponsors. While the Board and challenges, their presence ensured staff have met this challenge head community will become regular interstate competition on, there is no doubt we now rely increasingly important. and travel for our Victorian clubs – more heavily than ever on the ” a real positive. AFL’s financial and marketing We wish Dominic Baker and support to fund our programs. his Board at AFL Tasmania well As the AFL’s review of second- The coordination of the with their new State League and tier competitions entered the second-tier review’s research thank them for their friendly implementation phase in 2008, and implementation has been rivalry and comradeship during it became obvious a simple, undertaken since December 2007 their time with us. across-the-board integration by AFL Victoria project officer The reshaping of community of VFL and TAC Cup clubs was Grant Williams, whose position football in the northern region of neither practical nor desirable. is funded by the AFL. Grant has Melbourne was completed in March A myriad of issues would arise made a significant contribution with the formal amalgamation of in any proposed VFL-TAC Cup to the work of AFL Victoria’s the former Diamond Valley Football club alignment. This includes the executive management team League corporate entity and the differing financial bases ofVFL over the past 12 months. new Northern Football League clubs and physical location of the In January 2009, Grant (NFL). The NFL’s enthusiastic and clubs’ shared facilities, while the transferred to a permanent competent board and strong asset vastly contrasting demographics position with the AFL as base make it well positioned to

afl victoria annual review 2008 7 VFL Coach of the Year addresses his Port Melbourne players during a break in the 2008 VFL Grand Final.

manage the administration and took the difficult decision to And, in 2009, the Transport development of the game in this disband the Association, and for Accident Commission will have key football region. its member clubs to individually partnered Australia’s leading Another significant shift in move to other, larger competitions. underage football competition, community football governance Congratulations are extended to the TAC Cup, for 18 years since occurred in November with the all involved in this difficult process, its inception in 1992. voluntary closure of the Waverley particularly long-time WJFA Football’s popularity in Victoria Junior Football Association (WJFA). administrator Bruce Fox. puts it in an excellent position to After meeting the needs of junior Football at all levels could not provide governments at all levels football in the south-eastern survive without the support of with opportunities to use football’s suburbs for more than a quarter of sponsors, especially in today’s network to educate and inform a century, the WJFA’s membership tough economic times. In AFL the Victorian public in regard to had declined to just eight clubs, Victoria’s case the longstanding community-interest areas, while albeit with healthy numbers of support of two significant partners supporting AFL Victoria’s objective teams in each of those clubs. has been critical to our success of establishing safe, healthy Lacking the membership to date. Since 1989, VicHealth has and welcoming football club numbers to properly fund been a major supporter of our environments. the professional levels of community club development In 2008, the Department of administration expected in activities, which unquestionably Justice entered a partnership contemporary community football, underpin the strength of Australian to address the issue of problem the league and club administrators Football as we know it today. gambling in the community.

8 afl victoria annual review 2008 The State Government’s ‘Go for all members of the Board have Peter is a former champion your life’ program commenced demonstrated dedication to the player, premiership captain and in 2008, complementing AFL task and an ability to respond President of the Dandenong Victoria’s support of active appropriately to the rapidly Football Club. He served as involvement in sport and healthy changing environment. chairman of our VFL Competition eating. The State Government- Congratulations to director Sub-committee and brought contracted ConnectEast also came David Doherty, who was awarded significant commercial experience on board in a partnership that is the Order of Australia Medal in and knowledge to his role delivering a number of programs June “for service to logistics as Director. to schools and communities in the through contributions to the We thank Peter for his EastLink corridor. transport and supply chain outstanding contribution to Victorian In the face of these harsh industry, to the promotion and football and wish him and his wife economic times, football’s ability development of sector-wide Yvonne well in his retirement from to assist governments to educate best practice, and to Australian football administration. and inform the community will Rules Football.” David has Many thanks also go to become increasingly important. contributed a lifetime of service CEO and his I congratulate all sponsors at all to football as an umpire, staff, including John Hook who levels of football across the state administrator and mentor. joined Peter’s team in late for the invaluable support they Peter Stedwell announced 2007, taking on the demanding provide to our sport. his resignation from the Board responsibility for both the VFL My personal thanks are in April after continuous service and TAC Cup competitions. They extended to the voluntary directors as a Director of Football Victoria have successfully delivered of AFL Victoria for their efforts Ltd, the Victorian State Football the programs and services of and dedication over the past year. League and Victorian Football AFL Victoria throughout this In a period of constant challenge, Association since October 1994. challenging year.

While the drought was a major challenge for Victorian football in 2008, on this occasion a young player had to battle the rain and mud as well as his opponents.

afl victoria annual review 2008 9 afl victoria board of directors

Robert Tregear (Chairman) John Jordan SC Chairman of AFL Victoria’s Board of A senior barrister, John was a Directors and Director of Thompson 300-game player in amateur and Tregear Pty Ltd. Was president of country football, a former VAFA A the Eastern Football League and Grade senior coach (1980), and has a director of the former Victorian extensive experience as a local Metropolitan Football League and the football administrator. Victorian Football Association.

Grant O’Riley Peter Schwab (CEO) Founder and managing director of CEO of AFL Victoria, Peter holds one of Australia’s leading financial a Bachelor of Education (Physical planning organisations, with more Education and English). A three-time than 25 years’ experience in the premiership player with Hawthorn, finance sector. Played for two years where he was later senior coach. in the VFL and more than 10 in the Former chairman of the AFL’s Match VFA, winning two flags and regular Review Panel. state representation.

Geoff Almond Tony Pinwill Retired as national manager of Regional Director, southern region delivery equipment and services and , for Collex Pty Ltd. systems at Australia Post. Geoff Played more than 400 games for has extensive experience as a junior Donvale, serving as president of football administrator, sitting on the club and the Box Hill Hawks. junior club and league boards for Was a board member of the Eastern more than 20 years. Football League.

David Doherty OAM Peter Stedwell Consulting professional and past national Director of Solagram Limited and chairman of the Logistics Association Echo Resources Limited. Peter of Australia. A past president of the was also a Director of the Victorian Victorian Metropolitan Football League, Football Association, a former player, David is the chairman of AFL Victoria’s coach and club president. Development Advisory Board.

Jim Watterston John Hyett Eastern Metro Regional Director, Former City of Sunshine Mayor Victorian Department of Education and Councillor and Shire of Melton and Training. Former WA District Commissioner. Currently the chairman Director of Schools, Swan Districts and a board member of many western President, Chairman of WAFL Council region community groups and has of Presidents and WAFC Development extensive experience as a Western Advisory Committee member. Region Football League administrator.

10 afl victoria annual review 2008 afl victoria advisory board

David Doherty (Chairman) OAM Brad Ostemeyer Director, AFL Victoria General Manager Tourism Investment, See page 10 for profile. Tourism Victoria Executive with the State Government, with specialist expertise in attracting and facilitating investment. Involved in community football for more than 25 years as a player and administrator Peter Schwab (CEO) at club level. Also previously CEO AFL Victoria headed up the Community Football See page 10 for profile. Department at AFL Victoria.

Simon Overland Deputy Commissioner, Victoria Police John Doherty High-profile police officer. Served Senior Magistrate, Sunshine Region 19 years in Federal Victorian Magistrate for 17 years, Police. Led the team that created the last six in charge of the western the Australian Crime Commission. suburbs while based at Sunshine. Joined Victoria Police in 2003. Strong Solid commitment to the development advocate for the role football plays of football particularly among junior in binding communities together and clubs. Management background in developing good citizens. courts and harness racing.

Diana Taylor Professor Mark Hargreaves Corporate Lawyer, Aviva Australia Limited Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne Corporate lawyer and company secretary with a strong record Has an impressive academic and extensive experience in background in sports science and community football. Currently a strong commitment to community serving as the president of the and school sport. Western Region Football League, is a VFL Tribunal member and has initiated a foundation to develop Derek Humphery-Smith women’s participation in football in Partner Lander & Rogers Melbourne’s western suburbs. Head of Workplace Relations and Safety with a national and international client base. Strong background in sports law and currently acts for a number of AFL clubs. Former AFL field umpire and current media commentator with the .

afl victoria annual review 2008 11 ceo’s Report peter schwab t Chief Executive Officer or s Rep ’ O CE football continues to flourish despite challenging times

ictorian football enjoyed challenge we face if the goodwill inter-league competition between a successful 2008, of our volunteers diminishes. the Northern and Essendon V particularly with the To reflect on a year is to District football leagues, the ‘Go continued popularity, interest take pride in achievements, for your life’ Metropolitan Junior and growth in segments such acknowledge challenges, explore Championships, the VFL and TAC as community, school, youth opportunities and express thanks. Cup grand finals, community girls and multicultural football. There were many positives league grand finals, theNA B All this occurred in for football in 2008 and, in no AFL Under-18 Championships, circumstances that continued particular order, I would like an umpire appreciation day in the to challenge all of us who to mention them. The 150-year VAFA and the International Cup. administer our game. celebrations of Australian Football Every level of our game provided While we have worked with included many wonderful initiatives a different experience and a governments at local and state but none more important than the variety of skill levels, but the same level to be more innovative in commitment and passion from the how we harvest water for use on players, umpires and fans. I was our grounds and move towards We have an obligation also fortunate to keep in touch summer grass conversions, to“ approach challenges with the junior ranks through the drought remains a constant in a manner that is the participation of my sons in challenge for our sport. Both always in the best community and school footy. leagues and governments are It allowed me to witness firsthand continuously seeking solutions. interests of growing the great work being done for our The other major reason we and promoting our game. game by administrators, coaches, were successful as a sport was ” umpires, support staff and, in because of our continued ability particular, volunteers. to attract volunteers to help us Community Football Weekend in It was mostly our parents who maintain and grow the game. May. This celebratory weekend delivered the best introductory These range from first-year saw AFL players return to their sports program in the world, Auskick parents who took on original clubs. Auskick, and our community coaching or assistant roles, to I was fortunate to watch many leagues who worked to ensure our those who have given 50 years’ games of football this season at clubs played games of football at a volunteer service to their local VFL, TAC Cup, school, community level that suited every participant. football club. We must never and even international level. It In a sad but necessary move to forget this game only survives included matches at the National maximise the efficiency of football and prospers on the back of such Schoolboy Championships in July, in the area, one of our community people’s goodwill. Certainly, the the Australian Country Football leagues, the Waverley Junior football industry realises the Championship in , the Football Association (WJFA), was

12 afl victoria annual review 2008 Volunteers play a major part in community football’s continued success, whether coaching their local team or helping out with the barbecue.

disbanded after the 2008 season and Responsibility’, gambling these projects should be well on with its clubs joining neighbouring awareness, ‘Go for your life’ and their way by 2009. leagues. I would like to recognise Country Football Netball to An initiative to play the TAC Cup league administrator Bruce Fox for name but a few. and VFL grand finals atT elstra the significant contribution he has At VFL level, AFL Victoria, with Dome was undertaken in 2008. made to junior football in Waverley the assistance of former AFL The event created many firsts: and surrounding areas, and Paul Victoria CEO and now AFL Facility a double-header featuring our Newton, the WJFA president, for Development Manager Ken Gannon, elite under-18 competition (the the contribution he has made to the was able to secure a significant TAC Cup) and our state league league and junior football, and for investment in the infrastructure (the VFL), a night grand final, his integrity and leadership. of VFL facilities from the State a VFL Grand Final at a major Football in this state continued Government under the Improving stadium – and on the night before to work very closely with local Community Access to VFL Grounds the AFL Grand Final. and state governments and we initiative. Along with the State AFL Victoria was also proud of were proud of our collaborations Government, AFL Victoria, the the achievements of its extremely on many projects. These projects AFL, VFL clubs and local councils, successful talent pathway included drought and facility we have injected more than $30 program, the TAC Cup. The development programs, ‘Respect million into nine venues. Most of comprehensive program caters

afl victoria annual review 2008 13 for boys from of 15 and and grid games at the AFL As a sport, we sought was run out of our five country and ‘Dreamtime at the ‘G’ match; and received state and local seven metropolitan regions. From • 18,000 people from 121 government assistance to help cope the TAC Cup, players progress different cultural groups in with the drought’s impact on the through to the AFL and VFL. Victoria attended an AFL game and we will continue to work Victoria continued to achieve match through the Multicultural closely with the relevant authorities outstanding junior results, Schools Program, which has to limit the adverse impact of once again winning the NAB been conducted in 101 the drought on participation and AFL Under-18 and Under-16 Victorian schools; general support of the game. Championships. • More than 46,000 participants Our volunteers are the Victoria also consistently from 647 centres were involved backbone of our game but face an supplies around 50 per cent of the in Auskick; environment where the day-to-day AFL talent pool in the AFL National • A record 18,130 volunteers demands on their personal and and 2008 was no exception. attended club administration professional lives are continuously The 2008 national draft saw 39 training seminars; increasing. For them to be able of the 75 players drafted come • There was a 30 per cent to balance these pressures so from the TAC Cup. Victoria again increase in the number they are able to continue to play provided the prized No. 1 selection, of female umpires in the their critical role in their football with Sandringham Dragon Jack metropolitan area, and leagues and clubs, all football Watts taken by Melbourne. In a female umpiring academy administrations need to provide addition, more than 50 per cent of was established at Essendon; ongoing support, including current VFL players are former • School ambassador numbers grew training and recognition of their TAC Cup players, while 95 per cent by 43 per cent from 2007; and value to our game. of all TAC Cup graduates remain • Female football interest and In 2008/2009, the Australian involved in the game. growth continued with 82 Government is embarking on its In 2008, we also undertook schools involved in the Victorian biggest migration program ever a comprehensive review of our Primary Schools Sports and most of those people will settle existing talent region boundaries Association (VPSSA), a youth in NSW and Victoria. Australian as part of the second-tier review girls football academy being Football will not be their sport of managed by AFL Victoria Project established at Essendon and for choice, so it will be a significant Manager Grant Williams. This was the first time a youth girls game challenge and opportunity to critical for us to plan for Victoria’s being played at the MCG. introduce them to the game and to demographic projections up to Despite the enormous amount actively recruit them as supporters 2031, so we can ensure our regions of work being done for our game, and participants. have an equal number of potential there were many challenges we While AFL and AFL Victoria staff participants in their programs. faced in our quest to continually work hard to promote our game to The wider scope of the second- promote and grow it as widely the many different migrant groups, tier review has been to give AFL as possible. it will also be up to the entire Victoria a thorough and accurate The drought has been, and football community to welcome assessment of its present position. will continue to be, a major issue them into our programs and clubs. It focused on our talent pool, our facing football in Victoria. With Our financial resources facilities, the VFL competition, football playing a critical role in that support all our programs, the game’s potential growth and the health, wellbeing and social community leagues and our capacity to cope with this harmony of our communities, competitions were stretched well growth, and assessed the game’s the impact the drought is having before the current global economic governance models. on football in terms of ground conditions were upon us. It will In developing the game we availability and participation not be easy to maintain our aim of continued to have success in 2008 opportunities has far-reaching growing the game in the present through a wide variety of initiatives, consequences. environment. with the year’s highlights including: The deterioration of many of our We face entering a second • A slight increase in overall football grounds is an issue that season without a major partner participation rates as measured has required close collaboration for the VFL, placing more financial by team and player numbers; with local councils to ensure those strain on our already tight budget. • 110 indigenous children who wish to play football have Despite this, we remain participated in the Auskick somewhere they can. extremely appreciative of the

14 afl victoria annual review 2008 funding we received from the AFL and our partners, including the North Melbourne and North Ballarat forward State Government (through the Josh Smith lends his Departments of Justice time to help this young and Health), VicHealth, TAC, Saints fan work on his Ford Australia, the Melbourne marking technique. Club (MCC) and ConnectEast. VicHealth, in particular, continue to invest significant funds in community football support programs. Strong working partnerships with all levels of government are vital to AFL Victoria and we greatly appreciate their assistance to help nurture the game’s future in this state. We also recognise the valuable financial support all our metropolitan and country leagues receive from their partners. We sincerely hope funding will remain at levels that will enable us to continue the good work football does for our communities. I am grateful for the personal support given to me by all the staff and stakeholders in football throughout Victoria. This includes the board of AFL Victoria, led by our chairman Bob Tregear and his fellow directors David Doherty, John Jordan, Geoff Almond, John Hyett, Grant O’Riley, Tony Pinwill and Jim Watterston. We also recognise the great service given to Victorian football by Peter Stedwell, who was a member of AFL Victoria’s first board but stepped down this year. Thank you also to the AFL Victoria executive team of Michael Daniher, Stephen Smith, Peter Harley, John Hook, Grant Williams and my executive assistant new position with the Australian Without all of the people Silvana Hurst for all the work Motor Sport Foundation. mentioned, our game would not they do for football. To all our AFL Victoria continue to grow on a state It is appropriate to farewell employees, our community league and national level. and thank two long-term staff of administrators, staff and boards, Finally, when those of us AFL Victoria, Marlene Gregson to all our volunteers, umpires entrusted to look after our and Martin Stillman. Marlene and and players, thank you for your game are faced with challenges, Martin both gave more than 20 continued commitment to our we have an obligation to approach years’ service to AFL Victoria. We many programs and competitions, them in a manner that is always wish both of them well, Marlene and to developing and supporting in the best interests of growing in retirement and Martin in his our talented players. and promoting our game.

afl victoria annual review 2008 15 VFL Report john hook

t Football Operations Manager or VFL Rep VFL’s name up in lights in history-making year

he state’s oldest stars. The huge roar as VFL legend of Australia’s No. 1 state league. football competition – Fred Cook undertook his lap of During the pre-season, the VFL T the Victorian Football honour was a moment to behold. passed a significant milestone, League – marked the 150th In a nice touch by Telstra Dome, producing its 100th player drafted year of Australian Football the names of VFA/VFL goalkicking or rookie-listed by an AFL club by embarking on an exciting greats Cook and Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller in the past decade. When you new chapter in 2008. adorned the ends of the stadium consider the AFL’s plans to In a bold break with tradition, for the night. establish two new clubs, this the VFL Grand Final was staged In a major boost for the milestone suggests the VFL will under lights at Telstra Dome on competition, ABC TV replaced its be at the forefront of providing AFL Grand Final eve with the prime-time Friday night schedule these additional AFL players. TAC Cup Grand Final played as to televise the VFL Grand Final The number of VFL players a curtain-raiser earlier that day. live. It is an outstanding result for drafted or rookie-listed by AFL In a history-making night, North clubs grew by nearly 50 per cent Ballarat recorded a 45-point win to from 1987-97 to 1998-2008 – capture its first flag since entering One of AFL from 73 players to 109. Such the VFL in 1996. Led by five goals V“ictoria’s focuses numbers speak for themselves. from Norm Goss medallist Josh is building stronger In 2008, VFL graduates Scott Smith, North Ballarat was too good links between the D. Thompson, and for minor premier Port Melbourne, all made their who had hoped to break a 26-year TAC Cup and VFL clubs. AFL debuts. premiership drought. ” Meanwhile, Hawthorn captain After two Grand Final losses, Sam Mitchell’s story is proof to it was third-time lucky for the the VFL to have its ‘one night in Victorian players everywhere Roosters and no doubt this win September’ broadcast live across that there is no one path to the will provide a boost for football the state. This was particularly top. In 2008, he led the Hawks in the Ballarat region. crucial for many living in Ballarat to an AFL premiership just six It capped a memorable year who were able to view the seasons after claiming the for North Ballarat coach Gerard Roosters’ triumph live. 2002 J.J. Liston Trophy. FitzGerald, who coached the ‘Big In further good news, AFL The message is unmistakable: V’ in Adelaide and became just the Victoria extended its contract with the VFL provides players with the seventh coach in the competition’s ABC TV to telecast the Saturday best avenue to realise their football 131-year history to notch up 200 match-of-the-day live from 2009-11. ambitions, be that to play in VFL matches. The VFL’s partnership with the ABC a standard of competition that tests The night was also special for is one we prize greatly and we thank their abilities to their fullest, or one the pre-match cavalcade of 14 VFL them for their tremendous support that can advance their career.

16 afl victoria annual review 2008 North Ballarat players celebrate their club’s first VFL premiership, having just defeated Port Melbourne by 45 points under lights at Telstra Dome.

afl victoria annual review 2008 17 The VFL also gives players the chance to represent their state, another plank in Victoria’s talented player pathway. Unfortunately, during May’s clash against old foe at the our team was not good enough on the day, but this did not dent the VFL’s reputation. Port Melbourne’s served AFL recruiters notice with a brilliant game that netted four goals and the Frank Johnson Medal. At season’s end, Nahas was deservedly named the Fothergill- Round medallist as the VFL’s most promising young player, and went on to be picked by Richmond in December’s AFL rookie draft. Also in May, the Victorian Government again demonstrated its support for football, announcing a $10 million VFL venue redevelopment package in the state budget. Combined with contributions from key stakeholders the AFL, AFL Victoria, local councils and VFL clubs, this represented a $30 million injection into the future of Victorian football. Nine VFL venues shared the $10 million, which will be used to upgrade their facilities and amenities and, in turn, benefit players and the community. VFL clubs are the hubs of each talent region and it is important for the game’s future that they have the necessary infrastructure for their players. In refiningV ictoria’s talent pathway, one of AFL Victoria’s focuses is building stronger links between the TAC Cup – the nursery for gifted teenage players – and VFL clubs. While most VFL and TAC Cup clubs already have good working relationships, AFL Victoria wants them to form even stronger, more Werribee Tigers captain (top) took home the VFL’s highest individual meaningful partnerships. One way honour, the J.J. Liston Trophy, in 2008, while Sandringham spearhead Nicholas Sautner (centre) won a record eighth Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal and Port Melbourne’s of achieving this is to ensure more Robin Nahas (bottom) won the Fothergill-Round Medal as the VFL’s most promising opportunities are given to top-aged young player.

18 afl victoria annual review 2008 VFA/VFL legends Frank Johnson (Port Melbourne, left) and Gerry Callahan (Williamstown, right) were star attractions of the motorcade before 2008’s historic VFL Grand Final at Telstra Dome.

TAC Cup players to play with their the home and away season as the AFL-listed players mixing aligned VFL clubs. minor premier for the first time it with the cream of Victorian Before the 2008 season kicked since the competition’s revamp talent each weekend. off, several changes occurred in 2000. And eventual premier While North Ballarat claimed including the introduction of an North Ballarat and the Werribee the ultimate team prize, individuals extended 20-round season and, Tigers – two partially aligned also shone in the VFL. for the first time, two split rounds. clubs - finished second and fourth, Werribee Tigers captain A new VFL-AFL alliance was emphasising the competition’s James Podsiadly clinched Victorian formed between Williamstown depth of VFL talent. football’s highest individual honour, and the and The VFL provides opportunities winning the 2008 J.J. Liston the Werribee Tigers and North for Victorians to maximise their Trophy by one vote. Podsiadly’s Melbourne entered into a partial potential by playing the highest win was richly deserved. He is alignment. Collingwood, led by standard of football outside the a genuine match-winner and senior coach and newly inducted AFL. Victoria’s elite league is a fine ambassador for the VFL. Australian Football Hall of Fame a pathway to the AFL for players I congratulate Sandringham member , fielded its not drafted from the TAC Cup. superstar Nicholas Sautner own VFL team, while Tasmania It also plays a significant role for on winning a record eighth decided to stand alone. AFL clubs as young AFL-listed Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal as the It is another sign of the VFL’s players are blooded in the VFL competition’s leading goalkicker high standing as a competition and many more experienced during the home and away season. that it has two Hall Of Fame AFL players use the VFL to return Congratulations also to members, Brown and Port from injury or to regain form. Coburg’s Glen Carrick for winning Melbourne coach Gary Ayres, This AFL involvement is the A. Todd Medal as the VFL among its coaching fraternity. a boon to Victorian footy fans Reserves player. On field, aVFL stand-alone as they can take their family to AFL Victoria would like to club – Port Melbourne – finished a local footy ground and see commend retiring Geelong captain

afl victoria annual review 2008 19 Werribee Tigers captain James Podsiadly was a dominant forward in the VFL in 2008, kicking 86 goals including 13 in the finals.

James Byrne on a magnificentVFL players have been introduced to This leaves a 13-team career, which netted a J.J. Liston a competition where the standard competition for 2009, with Trophy and a premiership. of football is the best outside the AFL Gold Coast franchise Sadly, AFL Tasmania has elected the AFL. Several, including entering the VFL in 2010, not to continue the Tasmania Devils and Colin Garland, possibly followed by the AFL’s VFL club beyond 2008 in favour have progressed to play in the proposed Western Sydney of re-establishing its 10-team national competition. franchise in 2011. statewide league. Meanwhile, Tasmania gave all From a personal perspective, AFL Victoria believes Tasmania’s VFL clubs the chance to experience I wish to thank everyone associated past eight seasons in the VFL interstate travel and play at first- with the VFL for their fantastic have been mutually beneficial. class venues like support during my first year with Clearly, hundreds of Tasmanian and Aurora Stadium. AFL Victoria.

20 afl victoria annual review 2008 BOMBERS Queen Elizabeth Oval View Street, Bendigo, 3350 VFL results Joined VFL: 1998 Premierships: 0 2008 coach: Adrian Hickmott bendigobombers.com 2008 Final Ladder P W L D B FF For Ag PC Pts BOX HILL HAWKS Port Melbourne 20 16 4 0 0 0 2384 1720 138.60 64 Box Hill City Oval Cnr. Middleborough and Whitehorse Roads, North Ballarat 20 16 4 0 0 0 2094 1546 135.45 64 Box Hill, 3128 Joined VFL: 1951 Premierships: 1 Williamstown 20 15 5 0 0 0 2468 1779 138.73 60 2008 coach: Barry Mitchell boxhillhawks.com.au Werribee Tigers 20 13 7 0 0 0 2025 1978 102.38 52 CASEY SCORPIONS Casey Scorpions 20 12 8 0 0 0 2024 1653 122.44 48 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne, 3977 Coburg Tigers 20 12 8 0 0 0 2032 1826 111.28 48 Joined VFL: 1982 Premierships: 5 2008 coach: Greg Hutchison Frankston 20 10 10 0 0 0 1958 1851 105.78 40 scorpions.com.au Northern Bullants 20 10 10 0 0 0 1682 1865 90.19 40 COBURG TIGERS ABD Group Stadium Sandringham 20 8 12 0 0 0 2079 1755 118.46 32 Harding Street, Coburg, 3058 Joined VFL: 1925 Premierships: 6 Geelong 20 7 13 0 0 0 1837 2152 85.36 28 2008 coach: coburgtigers.com.au Box Hill Hawks 20 6 14 0 0 0 1757 2051 85.67 24 COllingwood Lexus Centre Collingwood 20 6 14 0 0 0 1473 2006 73.43 24 Cnr. Batman Avenue and Swan Street Olympic Park, Melbourne, 3000 Bendigo Bombers 20 5 15 0 0 0 1521 2361 64.42 20 Joined VFL: 2000 Premierships: 0 2008 coach: Gavin Brown Tasmania 20 4 16 0 0 0 1690 2481 68.12 16 collingwoodfc.com.au

FRANKSTON DOLPHINS Frankston Oval Cnr. Young Street and Ploughman Place Frankston, 3199 SENIORS RESERVES Joined VFL: 1966 Premierships: 0 2008 coach: Grand Final Grand Final frankstonfc.com.au North Ballarat 18.12 (120) d Williamstown 16.17 (113) d Port Melbourne 11.9 (75) Box Hill Hawks 11.16 (82) GEELONG CATS Skilled Stadium Norm Goss Medal Fred Hill Memorial Medal (Best player in Grand Final) (Best player in Grand Final) LaTrobe Terrace, Geelong, 3220 Josh Smith (North Ballarat) James Beaumont (Williamstown) Joined VFL: 2000 Premierships: 2 2008 coach: Leigh Tudor Umpires Umpires gfc.com.au Field: Troy Pannell, Michael Jennings, Field: Clinton Capell, Wayne Hoskins, NORTH BALLARAT ROOSTERS Robert Findlay Jamie Grindal Northern Oval Boundary: Shane Jones, Christopher Gordon, Boundary: Nick Laurence, Damien Cusack, Creswick Road Neil Woods Stephen Gloag North Ballarat, 3550 Goal: Stephen Williams, Peter Balding Goal: Michael Palm, Stephen Evans Joined VFL: 1996 Premierships: 1 2008 coach: Gerard FitzGerald J.J. Liston Trophy A. Todd Medal theroosters.com.au (Best and fairest) (Best and fairest) James Podsiadly (Werribee Tigers) Glen Carrick (Coburg Tigers) NORTHERN BULLANTS NAB Oval Fothergill-Round Medal Cramer Street (Most promising young player) Preston, 3072 Joined VFL: 1903 Premierships: 4 Robin Nahas (Port Melbourne) 2008 coach: David Teague Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal northernbullants.com.au (Leading goalkicker at the end of the home PORT MELBOURNE and away season) TEAC Oval Nicholas Sautner (Sandringham, 74 goals) Williamstown Road Port Melbourne, 3207 Joined VFL: 1886 Premierships: 15 2008 coach: Gary Ayres pmfc.com.au SANDRINGHAM ZEBRAS Trevor Barker Beach Oval 2008 VFL Team of the Year Cnr. Beach Road and Hampton Street Sandringham, 3191 B: Andrew Horne Jarrod Silvester Andy Biddlecombe Joined VFL: 1929 Premierships: 10 (Coburg Tigers) (Coburg Tigers) (Sandringham) 2008 coach: Andy Lovell sandringhamfc.com.au HB: John Baird (Williamstown) (Port Melbourne) (North Ballarat) TASMANIA DEVILS C: David Stretton Brett Johnson (C) Tom Roach Bellerive Oval Derwent Street (Williamstown) (Williamstown) (North Ballarat) Bellerive, Tasmania, 7018 HF: Paul Kennedy James Podsiadly Joined VFL: 2001 Premierships: 0 2008 coach: Lance Spalding (Frankston) (Werribee Tigers) (Frankston) footballtas.com.au F: Nicholas Sautner Robin Nahas (Werribee Tigers) (Sandringham) (Port Melbourne) WERRIBEE TIGERS R: Toby Pinwill Peter Summers Watton Street, Werribee, 3030 (North Ballarat) (Port Melbourne) (Sandringham) Joined VFL: 1965 Premierships: 1 2008 coach: Simon Atkins INT: James Wall werribeefc.com.au (Geelong) (Northern Bullants) (Casey Scorpions) Steve Kenna WILLIAMSTOWN SEAGULLS (Box Hill Hawks) Burbank Oval Coach: Gary Ayres (Port Melbourne) Morris Street Williamstown, 3018 Joined VFL: 1884 Premierships: 13 2008 coach: Bradley Gotch williamstown.aflvic.com.au

afl victoria annual review 2008 21 The revel in the aftermath of their 81-point rout of the in the TAC Cup Grand Final at Telstra Dome.

22 afl victoria annual review 2008 tac cup Report

john hook TAC Cu Football Operations Manager p Rep or tac cup again t the best pathway to the afl

he 17th season of the greats was again illustrated in the For the first time, the 2008 state’s elite under-18 2008 AFL Grand Final. Hawthorn TAC Cup Grand Final was played T competition, the TAC and Geelong each had 12 TAC Cup under lights at Telstra Dome as Cup, again highlighted the products in their respective sides a curtain-raiser to the VFL Grand effectiveness of Victoria’s and medallist Luke Final on AFL Grand Final eve. The development system. Hodge was formerly a Geelong contest was again broadcast live on The TAC Cup provided 39 of the Falcon. Meanwhile, eight of the , allowing many across 75 new players at the 2008 NAB 2008 AFL All-Australian team the nation to watch the best young AFL National Draft – the most of progressed through the TAC football talent in action. any state. Of all the new players Cup and (Northern The Murray Bushrangers selected from across Australia, Knights) – one of seven Victorians avenged last year’s TAC Cup Grand 52 per cent emerged from the Final loss with an 81-point triumph deep Victorian talent pool, which over the Dandenong Stingrays. was a credit to the TAC Cup region The TAC Cup gave more It is the Bushrangers’ second managers, AFL Victoria high than“ 500 talented juniors premiership and was achieved in performance managers Leon Phil Bunn’s first season as coach. Harris and Anton Grbac and all the opportunity to gain Impressively, Murray lost only two associated with the Vic Metro and the best in coaching, games and was on top of the ladder Vic Country programs. tuition and resources for all but four rounds. The prized first selection to maximise their ability. The TAC Cup boasted a fresh emanated from Victoria for ” finals format in 2008. The three- the second year in a row, with week series meant the Melbourne taking Sandringham side that finished first could be Dragons forward . Five nominated – finished third in the dislodged from the premiership of Watts’ Dragon teammates were 2008 NAB AFL Rising Star. race by the eighth-placed side in also selected including first-round While reaching the AFL is the first week. This exposed TAC picks Tyrone Vickery (Richmond), a satisfying achievement for a Cup players to the heightened Tom Lynch (St Kilda) and Mitchell few, for the majority of TAC Cup pressure they could expect in the Brown (Geelong). players not being drafted by no AFL and VFL. The 2008 draft also saw 10 means signifies a failure.T he TAC In September at Moonee Victorian players taken with the 18 Cup is squarely focused on players Valley, the night first-round selections, while the maximising their potential and proved a historic affair with a equalled its best continuing in the game at AFL, VFL, tie occurring for the first time. year with five players selected. country or suburban league level. Classy midfielders The TAC Cup’s role as a Importantly, 95 per cent of TAC Cup () and Farran launching pad for the game’s graduates continue to play football. Priest (Murray Bushrangers)

afl victoria annual review 2008 23 Farran Priest (Murray Bushrangers, left) and Jarryd Blair (Gippsland Power, right) were the first joint winners of the Morrish Medal since the TAC Cup’s inception in 1992.

could not be split for the TAC Cup’s Under-18 Championships, with a football competition with highest individual honour. Vic Metro running out four- players involved in several off- player Rory point winners in a thriller at the field activities. These included Sloane also had a stellar year MCG. In 2008, the competition the TAC’s L120 Club program, and was duly awarded the TAC underwent significant change, which had a focus on learner Cup Coaches’ Award. Sloane, expanding from three to five drivers obtaining 120 supervised a versatile half-forward and matches, meaning extra travel hours behind the wheel in all midfielder, was selected by for the Victorian sides. Fox conditions before attaining Adelaide at the AFL National Draft. Sports covered the final round their licence. Dangerous Bushrangers at Telstra Dome, increasing the AFL Victoria greatly appreciates forward had another competition’s exposure. the generous support of the outstanding year in front of the Vic Metro remained undefeated Transport Accident Commission, big sticks. He finished as the TAC and took out this year’s Under-18 which will again be the Cup’s leading goalkicker after Championships under the guidance competition’s primary partner booting a deadly accurate 59.21 of coach David Dickson. Dickson in 2009. Excitingly, the TAC Cup from 18 matches. collected his eighth title in 12 celebrates its 18th birthday – Before the 2008 season started championships and, amazingly, a significant milestone given there were several off-field his record included only five losses the TAC’s important message changes at TAC Cup clubs. The TAC in 38 games. of 120 hours of practice for Cup welcomed new coaches Jarrod In 2008 the TAC Cup gave more learner drivers. Molloy () than 500 talented juniors the Finally, thank you to everyone Phil Bunn (Murray Bushrangers), opportunity to gain the best in involved in the TAC Cup and (Gippsland Power) coaching, tuition and resources to Victorian talent pathway for and Steven Kretiuk (). maximise their ability. their support during my first Vic Metro and Vic Country The TAC Cup also proved year as AFL Victoria’s football opened the 2008 NAB AFL its worth as more than just operations manager.

24 afl victoria annual review 2008 Office address:( La Trobe University) TAC Cup results Osborne Street, Bendigo, 3550 Joined TAC Cup: 1993 Premierships: 0 2008 coach: 2008 Final Ladder PW L D B FF For Ag PC Pts Mark Ellis bendigopioneers.aflvic.com.au Murray Bushrangers 19 17 2 0 0 0 2057 1245 165.22 68 Dandenong Stingrays 19 13 6 0 0 0 1845 1551 118.96 52 Office address: Moreland City Council 90 Bell Street, Coburg, 3058 19 12 7 0 0 0 1893 1480 127.91 48 Joined TAC Cup: 1995 Premierships: 4 2008 coach: David Flood North Ballarat Rebels 19 12 7 0 0 0 1621 1417 114.40 48 caldercannons.aflvic.com.au

Gippsland Power 19 11 8 0 0 0 1754 1437 122.06 44 DANDENONG STINGRAYS Office address:Shepley Oval Oakleigh Chargers 19 11 8 0 0 0 1735 1485 116.84 44 Pultney Street, Dandenong, 3175 Joined TAC Cup: 1992 Premierships: 0 Western Jets 19 11 8 0 0 0 1562 1641 95.19 44 2008 coach: Graeme Yeats Eastern Ranges 19 11 8 0 0 0 1523 1639 92.92 44 dandenongstingrays.aflvic.com.au

Sandringham Dragons 19 6 13 0 0 0 1488 1884 78.98 24 EASTERN RANGES Office address:Kilsyth Recreation Reserve Bendigo Pioneers 19 5 14 0 0 0 1483 1932 76.76 20 Colchester Road, Kilsyth, 3137 Joined TAC Cup: 1992 Premierships: 1 Calder Cannons 19 5 14 0 0 0 1368 1786 76.60 20 2008 coach: Shane Watson easternranges.aflvic.com.au 19 3 16 0 0 0 1399 1707 81.96 12

GEELONG FALCONS Office address:Highton Reserve Roslyn Road, Highton, 3216 GRAND FINAL Joined TAC Cup: 1992 Premierships: 2 2008 coach: Murray Bushrangers 21.16 (142) d geelongfalcons.aflvic.com.au Dandenong Stingrays 9.7 (61) TAC Medal GIPPSLAND POWER Office address:Morwell Recreational Reserve (Best player in Grand Final) Travers Street, Morwell, 3840 (Murray Bushrangers) Joined TAC Cup: 1993 Premierships: 1 2008 coach: Austinn Jones Umpires gippslandpower.aflvic.com.au Field: Tim Saunders, Andrew Mitchell, Tristan Burgess Boundary: Michael Marantelli, Steven Neal, Drew Kowalski MURRAY BUSHRANGERS Goal: Courtney Lai, Richard Thwaites Office address:54 Ovens Street Wangaratta, 3677 Morrish Medal Joined TAC Cup: 1993 Premierships: 2 2008 coach: Phil Bunn (Best and fairest) murraybushrangers.aflvic.com.au Farran Priest (Murray Bushrangers) and Jarryd Blair (Gippsland Power) NORTH BALLARAT REBELS Office address:N orthern Oval TAC Cup Coaches’ Award Creswick Road, North Ballarat, 3350 (Eastern Ranges) Joined TAC Cup: 1993 Premierships: 1 2008 coach: Chris Maple Leading Goalkicker nthballaratrebels.aflvic.com.au Tom Rockliff (Murray Bushrangers, 59 goals) NORTHERN KNIGHTS Office address:Blake Park Gower Street, Preston, 3072 Joined TAC Cup: 1992 Premierships: 4 2008 coach: Paul Satterley northernknights.aflvic.com.au 2008 TAC Cup Team of the Year OAKLEIGH CHARGERS B: Zach Sengstock Office address:W arrawee Park (Sandringham Dragons) (Dandenong Stingrays) (North Ballarat Rebels) Warrigal Road, Oakleigh, 3166 Joined TAC Cup: 1995 Premierships: 1 HB: Michael Hurley Kade Klemke 2008 coach: (Geelong Falcons) (Northern Knights) (Murray Bushrangers) oakleighchargers.aflvic.com.au C: Mitchell Banner (Northern Knights) (Western Jets) (Gippsland Power) SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS Office address:D C Bricker Pavilion, HF: Rory Sloane Tom Rockliff Beech Street, Caulfield South, 3162 (Eastern Ranges) (Murray Bushrangers) (Murray Bushrangers) Joined TAC Cup: 1992 Premierships: 1 2008 coach: Jarrod Molloy F: Xavier Gotch Aaron Purves Tyrone Vickery sandringhamdragons.aflvic.com.au (Oakleigh Chargers) (Dandenong Stingrays) (Sandringham Dragons) R: Jarryd Blair WESTERN JETS Office address: 1 Darebin Place (North Ballarat Rebels) (Oakleigh Chargers) (Gippsland Power) Caroline Springs, 3023 INT: Kallen Geary Joined TAC Cup: 1992 Premierships: 0 2008 coach: Steve Kretiuk (Eastern Ranges) (Bendigo Pioneers) westernjets.aflvic.com.au Andrew Duhau (Calder Cannons) (North Ballarat Rebels)

Coach: Mark Ellis (Bendigo Pioneers)

afl victoria annual review 2008 25 victorian graduates to the afl

2008 NAB AFL DRAFT SELECTIONS PERMANENT ROOKIE UPGRADES PRIOR TO THE 2008 NAB AFL DRAFT Pick Player Name PREVIOUS CLUBS AFL Club No. PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS AFL CLUB 1 Jack Watts Sandringham Dragons/Brighton Grammar Melbourne North Ballarat Roosters (VFL)/North Ballarat Rebels Carlton 5 Michael Hurley Northern Knights/Macleod Essendon Gippsland Power/Kilcunda-Bass Collingwood 8 Tyrone Vickery Sandringham Dragons/Haileybury College Richmond Bendigo Bombers (VFL)/Rumbalara Essendon 9 Jack Ziebell Murray Bushrangers/Wodonga North Melbourne Gippsland Power/Stony Creek St Kilda 11 Steele Sidebottom Murray Bushrangers/Congupna Collingwood Andrew McQualter Gippsland Power/ St Kilda 13 Tom Lynch Sandringham Dragons/Haileybury College St Kilda Matthew O’Dwyer Calder Cannons/Tullamarine Sydney 14 Geelong Falcons/Geelong College Western Bulldogs Nick Smith Oakleigh Chargers/Scotch College Sydney 15 Mitchell Brown Sandringham Dragons/Mentone Grammar Geelong

17 Eastern Ranges/Yarra Valley Grammar Melbourne

18 Luke Shuey Oakleigh Chargers/Marcellin College West Coast 2009 NAB AFL PRE-SEASON DRAFT SELECTIONS

PICK 19 James Strauss Oakleigh Chargers/Scotch College Melbourne PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS AFL CLUB NO. 22 Calder Cannons/Penleigh and Essendon Grammar Port Adelaide 1 Collingwood (VFL)/ Yuenduma Magpies (NT) Melbourne 23 David Zaharakis Northern Knights/Marcellin College Essendon 3 Hayden Skipworth Bendigo Bombers (VFL)/Adelaide Essendon 24 Nick Suban North Ballarat Rebels/Bacchus Marsh Fremantle 5 Tom Rockliff Murray Bushrangers/Benalla 26 Western Jets/Altona Richmond 27 Sam Wright Murray Bushrangers/Katamatite North Melbourne 2009 NAB AFL ROOKIE DRAFT SELECTIONS 28 Shaun McKernan Calder Cannons/Tullamarine Adelaide PICK PLAYER PREVIOUS CLUBS AFL CLUB 30 Daniel Hannebery Oakleigh Chargers/Xavier College Sydney NO.

1 Jordie McKenzie Geelong Falcons/Terang-Mortlake Melbourne 31 Jordan Roughead North Ballarat Rebels/Lake Wendouree Western Bulldogs

33 Tom Gillies Dandenong Stingrays/Narre Warren Geelong 3 Casey Sibosado Oakleigh Chargers/Xavier College Fremantle

34 Eastern Ranges/The Basin Hawthorn 5 Bryce Carroll Western Jets/Doutta Stars Essendon

36 Ashley Smith Dandenong Stingrays/Berwick West Coast 8 Robin Nahas Port Melbourne (VFL)/Oakleigh Chargers Richmond

37 Oakleigh Chargers/Surrey Park Fremantle 9 Calder Cannons/Aberfeldie North Melbourne

40 Tasmania (VFL)/Lauderdale Carlton 10 Trentham Adelaide

42 Mitchell Banner Western Jets/Werribee JFC Port Adelaide 11 Tristan Francis Gippsland Power/Korumburra Collingwood

44 Rory Sloane Eastern Ranges/Upwey-Tecoma Adelaide 14 Jamason Daniels Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton United Western Bulldogs

46 Geelong Falcons/Terang-Mortlake Collingwood 16 Murray Bushrangers/Mooroopna Hawthorn 48 Gippsland Power/Orbost-Snowy Rovers St Kilda 17 Rhys Healey Bendigo Pioneers/Eaglehawk Melbourne 49 Sandringham Dragons/Beaumaris Geelong 21 Thomas German Calder Cannons/Oak Park Essendon 50 Oakleigh Chargers/Carey Grammar Hawthorn 22 Luke Stanton Northern Knights/Marcellin College Carlton 52 Jordan Jones Geelong Falcons/Ocean Grove West Coast 25 Geelong Falcons/Grovedale North Melbourne 55 Michael Still Northern Knights/Eltham Essendon 27 Jarryd Blair Gippsland Power/Wonthaggi Collingwood 56 Ben Bucovaz Geelong Falcons/Geelong Amateur Fremantle 28 Taylor Gilchrist Sandringham Dragons /Caulfield Grammar Sydney 57 Tasmania (VFL)/ Brisbane Lions 29 Tom Simpkin Geelong Falcons/Colac St Kilda 59 Nathan O’Keefe Eastern Ranges/Seville North Melbourne 30 Liam Picken Williamstown (VFL)/North Ballarat Rebels Western Bulldogs 61 Campbell Heath Gippsland Power/Maffra Sydney 31 Bryn Weadon North Ballarat Rebels/Lake Wendouree Geelong 63 Sandringham Dragons/Caufield Grammar Hawthorn

39 Andrew Browne Murray Bushrangers/Mansfield Richmond 68 Tim Ruffles North Ballarat Rebels/North Ballarat City Fremantle

69 Bart McCulloch Tasmania (VFL)/Tassie Mariners Brisbane Lions 46 Tom Allwright Tasmania (VFL)/North Hobart Geelong

72 Will Young North Ballarat Rebels/North Ballarat City Adelaide 50 Kade Klemke (NSW) Murray Bushrangers/Calcairn Essendon

75 Dandenong Stingrays/Noble Park Hawthorn 58 Steven Gaertner Dandenong Stingrays/ Edithvale-Aspendale St Kilda

80 Caleb Tiller Murray Bushrangers/Thornton Carlton 80 Samuel McGarry Sandringham Dragons/St Peters St Kilda

26 afl victoria annual review 2008 Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro representative Jack Watts was the No. 1 pick at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, eagerly selected by a Melbourne side that believes he will develop into a star power forward in future seasons.

afl victoria annual review 2008 27 umpiring Report t Kevin mitchell or State Director of Umpiring Rep ing mpi r u strong career path for umpires

he VFL and TAC Cup The only way an umpire can Saturday in September. The 2008 competitions provide obtain an AFL trial is via a state- AFL Grand Final was umpired T a pathway to the AFL league senior Grand Final or by former VFL Grand Final field for not only players but also as an AFL rookie (emergency umpires Shaun Ryan (2002) and Victoria’s umpires. umpire in AFL matches). Michael Vozzo (1997). In season 2008, Victoria was The 2008 VFL Grand Final This level of progress creates again the leading state for umpires umpiring panel consisted of field a buoyant environment for both making the transition into the AFL. umpires Troy Pannell, Robert players and umpires in the VFL VFL field umpires Shane Stewart Findlay (AFL umpire rookie) and and TAC Cup. (Tasmania), Heath Ryan and Jacob Michael Jennings, who umpired Generally, the communication Mollison all reached the elite level. his third VFL Grand Final and between the VFL football coaches VFL boundary umpires Gerard Troy McCarthy as emergency field and the umpiring department was Large and Chris Hay (Tasmania) umpire. This was particularly positive. Everybody understands and goal umpires Adam Wojick, the League is a learning curve Brad Letson and Darren Mills also for both players and umpires, made the step up. Opportunities continue especially with AFL-aligned teams. Consequently, the umpiring to“ arise in Victoria’s VFL life member Dan Beard groups from where these elevated umpiring ranks created history in 2008 when umpires originated received which subsequently do he umpired his 200th VFL senior compensation. This funding further match, which was a tremendous assisted umpiring development not become stagnant. achievement. Liked and at the grass-roots level. ” respected by all, Dan is a credit With umpires promoted each to the VFL umpires and the wider year, opportunities continue to pleasing for Troy Pannell, as he football fraternity. His dedication arise in Victoria’s umpiring ranks, was delisted from the AFL panel in to his preparation and fitness can which consequently do not 2007 but has since progressed and never be questioned and he is a become stagnant. earned another AFL trial. good mentor to the competition’s These opportunities at the The 2008 VFL Grand Final was young umpires. His contribution elite level allow young umpires also umpired by Chris Gordon, to the game has been enormous. to emerge from local football Neil Woods and Shane Jones on AFL Victoria’s relationship with and step up to the amplified pace the boundary and goal umpires Tasmanian umpires was again and skill of the TAC Cup and VFL Stephen Williams and Peter successful in 2008. AFL Victoria’s Reserves. I remind all of our young Balding, with Michael Richardson umpiring development panels umpires at the start of pre-season as the emergency goal umpire. were in place to identify Tasmanian that: “Somebody here is going to Victorian umpires again field, boundary and goal umpires umpire AFL. History tells us that”. stamped themselves on the final who demonstrated the necessary

28 afl victoria annual review 2008 From left to right: Christopher Gordon (boundary umpire), Troy McCarthy (field umpire) and Stephen Williams (goal umpire) were the VFL’s Umpires of the Year in 2008.

qualities to make the step up into Technology was again pivotal coaches, fitness staff, physios and the AFL. Obviously, the departure this season. Umpires were fitted dieticians to expertly monitor the of Tasmania from the VFL in with GPS units to monitor the progress and health of umpires. 2009 will reduce opportunities fitness demands of the modern Certainly, these necessary but fortunately some umpires game. The online fitness coaching advancements in technology will remain with the assistance aid Visual Coaching Pro was will help to nurture the next of AFL Tasmania. fully implemented and allowed generation of AFL umpires.

afl victoria annual review 2008 29 afl victoria administration As at December, 2008

chief executive officer Peter Schwab [email protected] 8663 3011

financial controller executive assistant to ceo Stephen Smith Silvana Hurst [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3012 8663 3011

project manager Grant Williams [email protected] 8663 3016

marketing manager marketing officer Peter Harley Jennifer Pryor [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3001 8663 3007

pr – media support receptionist Travis Parnaby Sarah Murphy [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3069 8663 3000

football operations manager John Hook [email protected] 8663 3004

high performance manager high performance manager Anton Grbac Leon Harris [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3002 8663 3073

football operations football operations assistant Administration officer Sophie Timms Sam Coen [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3005 8663 3003

state director of umpiring umpiring assistant Kevin Mitchell Angela Lindsay [email protected] [email protected] 9416 1499 9416 1499

30 afl victoria annual review 2008

afl victoria development central As at December, 2008

management Michael Daniher Manager Development and Planning [email protected] 8663 3008 community football administration Peter McDougall Kaylee George Community Football Development Manager Development Communications and Partnership Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3006 8663 3099

Darryl Collings Stephen Stewart Club Development Manager Footyweb and IT Support Officer [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3074 8663 3043

Talia Holloway-Roden Holly Lunt Community Football Administration Assistant Trainee Administration Officer [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3017 8663 3055

coaching kickstart indigenous programs Steve Teakel Coaching Development Manager Kickstart Indigenous Development Manager [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3015 8663 3046 female programs recreational football Chyloe Kurdas Matthew Weerden Female Football Development Manager Recreational Football Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3042 8663 3075 junior programs umpiring programs Trevor Robertson Neville Nash Schools Development Manager Umpiring Development Manager [email protected] [email protected] 8663 3014 8663 3067

Keith Burns Programs Coordinator [email protected] multicultural programs 8663 3019 Nick Hatzoglou Multicultural Football Project Coordinator Michael Stinear [email protected] State Auskick Manager 9643 1928 [email protected] 8663 3013 For Multicultural Development Officers, see page 34 development managers For Metropolitan and Country Region Development Managers, see pages 31-34

afl victoria annual review 2008 35 financial summary y stephen smith Financial Controller r mma u s

financial VFL venue upgrades a significant boost for victorian football

ictorian football received a FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2008 major boost in 2008 when Vthe State Government Actual ‘08 injected $10 million into Victorian Football League grounds through Income its ‘Improving Community Access Leagues Managed by State 919,716 to VFL Grounds’ initiative. This followed significant AFL Grant 6,091,000 State Government drought-relief Other Revenue 548,115 assistance over the past few years. This latest funding – combined Marketing & Sponsorship 2,659,568 with funding from AFL Victoria Participation & Development 5,965,870 and the AFL, VFL clubs and local councils – meant we Total Income $16,184,269 have been able to secure $30 million in grants. This will be Expenditure split between nine VFL venues and will significantly improve Communications & Media 135,087 the infrastructure and create Leagues Managed by States 1,704,771 community hubs at those grounds. These upgrades will not only Local Grants 545,000 benefit the VFL clubs but also local Game Development 11,796,180 clubs, schools and community groups who use the facilities. Admin & Finance 1,653,770 The trading result for 2008 was a profit of $264,465, from a Marketing & Sponsorship 84,996 turnover of more than $16 million. Total Expenditure $15,919,804 AFL funding underpins the continued success of Victorian Net Result $264,465 football and enables vital funding for activities such as coaching financial tasks through its shared Victorian football’s restructure courses and volunteer training. services area, benefiting AFL after the formation of the national Apart from AFL Victoria’s Victoria in both efficiency and league, it is not sufficient to meet AFL-generated income made up cost effectiveness. AFL Victoria’s future growth needs. of grants and transfer fees, the While this significantAFL If AFL Victoria is to improve its AFL also carried out a variety of funding was established following services to football in this state,

36 afl victoria annual review 2008 Game Development Expenditure 2008 $11,796,180

885,514 664,904

2,465,577

2,496,391

4,811,492

472,302

Umpiring Youth Participation

Coaching Talent

Junior Participation Community Development it is critical for it to continually economic environment means in the best interests of Victorian identify new sources of income AFL Victoria must nurture, and football as a whole – a network from commercial and government where possible extend, its existing of 1200 clubs and 100 leagues. areas. While AFL Victoria will relationships and alliances while also Nearly $12 million was always require AFL funding seeking out new partners. Income expended on game development in support, a major goal is to generated from the sponsorship and 2008, with $4.8 million allocated to reduce the AFL’s 54 per cent fundraising areas accounted for 16 talent. Significantly, AFL Victoria’s contribution to its revenue. per cent of total revenue this year. talent development program is In today’s economic environment AFL Victoria’s major responsible for generating the this is an increasingly challenging responsibility is to allocate its majority of Victoria’s AFL funding. goal. In 2008, while several new $16 million income across its AFL Victoria was able to sources of revenue were gained, operations. The funding allocation contain its administration costs, the VFL could not attract a major requires prudent and thoughtful which remain the lowest of all sponsor and at this stage is still management to ensure both states in Australia at 10 per cent without one for 2009. Our current fairness and outcomes that are of its total funding.

afl victoria annual review 2008 37 marketing Report t Peter harley or Marketing Manager Rep eting rk ma football links sponsors with local communities

n today’s economic climate, reason to be involved in has made a significant investment football leagues’ and clubs’ football leagues and clubs. in football in this state over the Ibattle to attract and maintain While the need for an years. AFL Victoria’s community vital partnership funding is getting economic return on an investment football programs, aimed at harder and harder. In addressing is still paramount to becoming delivering welcoming, safe this issue it is helpful to look at involved in football, the need and friendly environments, are the marketing process. for organisations to be involved dependant on this funding. In In its simplest terms, in a positive way in their an innovative move, VicHealth marketing is about the communities is becoming more and AFL Victoria embarked on identification of needs and important in its own right. the pilot program ‘Fair Game developing products and services Indeed, it can be an important – Respect Matters’, which is to meet those needs. Obviously ingredient in the return on part of the AFL’s ‘Respect and communication, pricing and an investment with increased Responsibility’ program that distribution all come into play, addresses the issues women but basically it’s a process of face in a sport historically matching products and services Community football dominated by males. with identified needs. leagues“ and clubs can The Transport Accident Today, community needs be used as effective Commission (TAC) has been are far wider than simply the communication and a partner of AFL Victoria for 17 physical activity, recreation years and uses the elite under-18 and entertainment a sport can promotional vehicles. competition, the TAC Cup, to provide. They focus more and ” promote road safety messages more on social interaction, safe, to communities around the state. friendly and healthy playing business resulting from The longevity of this relationship and social environments, an organisation’s is a testament to the significant participation opportunities corporate citizenship. benefits the TAC derives from for all and even life skills Governments at all levels, the partnership. development. These needs including statutory authorities, The Department of Justice have always been met by football are gaining a better understanding in 2008 entered a partnership but now they are at the forefront of how football can be an effective arrangement with AFL Victoria of community thinking. communication device and offers to address problem gambling in To attract and maintain the the benefits of being involved the community through a pilot vital support of partnerships with welcoming, safe and friendly program in the northern and and alliances in the sponsorship football club environments. west Gippsland regions. Primarily area, this new focus needs to be VicHealth, a long-time an educational device, the presented to the marketplace as a supporter of Victorian football, program aims to use football’s

38 afl victoria annual review 2008 Auskick junior clinics and ‘Go for your life’ encourage children to be physically active.

community popularity to alert utilising the numbers involved AFL Victoria would like to clubs and communities to in football to promote continued thank the following partners: problem gambling and where active involvement in sport Australia Post to seek help. The pilot program across the summer months Beiersdorf Buffalo Sports will continue throughout 2009 after the football season Club Warehouse ConnectEast potentially leading to a state-wide has concluded. Department of Justice roll out in 2010. While these partnerships Ford Motor Company of Australia In 2008, ‘Go for your life’ are linked into state-wide Go for your life identified an opportunity to activities, the rationale behind Kombat promote its programs that their involvement can be applied Foundation Patties Bakery encourage active involvement to local community organisations Russell Corporation in sport and healthy eating, where football leagues Sport & Recreation Victoria which fit hand in glove with and clubs can be used as TAC (major TAC Cup sponsor) AFL Victoria’s goals. An important effective communication and VicHealth element of the program is promotional vehicles.

afl victoria annual review 2008 39 afl victoria development michael daniher Manager, Development and Planning pment o devel development programs ensure football’s continued growth

FL Victoria Development a wider community, which helps participation in 2008 – 2057 new formulates and develop a sense of belonging. players took up the game, an A implements strategies increase of one per cent on 2007. to assist the future growth of Australian Football: This rise continued the growth football in Victoria. as popular as ever of participation in the state. Since AFL Victoria’s Development Australian Football remains 2000, 34,128 new players have sections include community Victoria’s most popular sport. taken up Australian Football in football, multicultural The magnitude of Australian 1103 new teams. This represents football, coaching, umpiring, Football’s hold on Victorians is growth of 15 per cent in players NAB AFL Auskick, school illustrated by the 224,079 on-field and 16 per cent in teams over football, AFL Kickstart male and female participants the past eight years. Indigenous programs, AFL player involved at clubs, Auskick centres, The flow of newcomers to appearances, female football the game remained strong at and AFL Recreational Football. community football level and AFL Victoria takes a unified The game plays an in schools. There were 68 new and coordinated approach integral“ role in Victorians’ community club teams formed to improving the game in its cultural wellbeing in 2008 and 1700 new players traditional heartland. AFL Victoria and is an important took up the game. This took the Development works closely with total number of community club the AFL, Victorian AFL clubs and ingredient in individual teams in Victoria to a record 5257, grassroots football bodies to and cultural identity. while more players than ever identify trends and challenges ” (131,425) are kicking a football in that confront Australian Football an organised local competition. and implement strategies to schools and umpiring groups for Community football numbers have overcome them. more than six weeks of the year. now grown by 12 per cent over the AFL Victoria is charged with The number is closer to 300,000 past eight years. the responsibility of providing when participants playing in School football continued to surge support structures and a programs that run for less than this year, with 29 new teams and 725 regulatory environment to six weeks are considered. The more players taking the field. encourage the growth of Victorian participation growth in Victoria In secondary schools, there were football and reward participants coincides with the adoption of good a record number of players (15,175) with enjoyable experiences. quality practices and inclusive and teams (607). Since 2000, this Involvement in football provides policies by our football bodies. sector has grown by 23 per cent. an avenue for young people and Despite the continued While there was a total increase their families to build strong ramifications of the drought, in participation in 2008, some relationships and connect to Victoria saw a small growth in sectors dropped marginally from

40 afl victoria annual review 2008 A Moorabbin Saints JFL player (red, white and black jumper) soars for a mark in his side’s clash with the Western Region Football League side.

afl victoria annual review 2008 41 2007. Auskick experienced a slight Australian Football: a game of life vital resources such as the Club decrease, down 95 participants on Australian Football bridges Volunteer Management Kit and its total 2007 numbers, while senior cultural, gender and social programs such as the National women’s football was down 187 divides and weaves its way into Insurance Scheme are provided players on the previous year. the collective psyche of families, for community clubs’ benefit. Pleasingly, umpire numbers neighbourhoods and communities. rose again in 2008, with field The impact of the game on the lives AFL clubs: AFL clubs make their umpire numbers up by 163 of Victorians extends way beyond players available to thousands and boundary and goal umpire the results on the scoreboard. of children at local clubs and numbers up by 95. Since 2004, the The development of life skills and schools across the state. This is total number of umpires officiating gains made in physical and mental an important tool in the continued in Victoria has risen by 16 per cent. health result in significant flow- promotion of the game.

Australian Football: VicHealth: Being strengthening TOTAL PLAYER PARTICIPATION involved in football as communities a player, coach, official, Australian Football is administrator, volunteer Victoria’s most popular or even as a spectator sport. It brings people is great for the health together from all walks of both individuals and of life to participate and our communities. For organise. Through this this reason, AFL Victoria involvement, the game and VicHealth have provides an important developed a strategic source of social alliance around two contact, providing key programs: its participants opportunities to (i) Participation in develop friendships Community Sport and and support networks. Recreation (PICSAR) Importantly, – this program is involvement in aimed at increasing Australian Football participation among provides an avenue people with disabilities, for young people and those from a low socio- their families to build economic background strong relationships Community Club (131,425) Recreation (203) and new arrivals. and connect with their wider community. Auskick (46,376) Veterans (2050) (ii) Respect and The game also Responsibility program Schools (42,675) Female (1350) plays an integral role – this program is aimed in Victorians’ cultural at building a culture wellbeing and is an important on benefits for the hundreds and in football that is more friendly ingredient in individual and thousands of players, coaches, and inclusive towards women and community identity. In doing so, it umpires, volunteers and officials girls. AFL Victoria and VicHealth provides many Victorians with a who come together to enjoy recognise that a synergy exists strong sense of belonging. Australian Football. between participating in football for Further, many of the leadership, To most Victorians, Australian physical and mental health gains, decision-making and organisational Football is indeed ‘a game of life’. and a club’s need to attract and skills acquired by participating in retain participants. football are transferable to other AFL Victoria’s major partners community activities. In this way, The AFL: The AFL provides Department of Justice: This is the game plays an important role essential funding to AFL Victoria a new partnership between AFL in fostering the skills required to to deliver development programs. Victoria and the Department strengthen communities. Through AFL Game Development, of Justice aimed at delivering

42 afl victoria annual review 2008 key messages of the Victorian SRV provides significant additional conducted in leagues throughout Government’s problem gambling funding for the development of Victoria to examine how football strategy. The partnership involves appropriate facilities for all levels may position itself as a welcoming, delivering key problem-gambling of football throughout Victoria. all-embracing sport. and responsible-gambling messages in two of AFL Victoria’s EastLink: ConnectEast became Dual coaching recognition – in regions – the Northern Football an AFL Victoria partner in 2008. partnership with , League (NFL) in metropolitan ConnectEast contributed valuable AFL Victoria developed a dually Melbourne and the West Gippsland funding that saw the launch of the recognised Level 1 junior coaching Latrobe Football League (WGLFL) EastLink Cup schools competition course that was implemented in country Victoria. and the annual EastLink Cup to be in regional country centres and contested by VFL clubs Frankston for female teachers. This course Melbourne Cricket Club and the Box Hill Hawks. enabled junior coaches to gain Foundation: The AFL Victoria accreditation for two sports, and MCC Foundation (‘G Footy’) AFL Victoria’s network of football and cricket, through partnership was expanded in development managers attending the one course. 2008 to establish new initiatives to At regional level, the AFL Victoria attract visitors to the MCC National Development team consists of a Youth Girls Academy – to cater Sports Museum, broaden football network of development managers for the growing number of youth programs into primary schools and aligned to the TAC Cup clubs, girls participating in football, AFL access newly-appointed school who work with local leagues, Victoria established the Youth ambassadors, while continuing to AFL Auskick centres and school Girls Academy with the support of widen exposure to new students groups. They implement Auskick the . The participating in core secondary programs, coaching courses, academy assisted 30 of the most school football programs in schools school-football programs and promising youth girls to develop throughout the state. AFL player appearances. The their talents on and off the field, development managers and their while they also completed a basic ‘Go for your life’: AFL Victoria regions are shown in the middle umpire course and Level 1 coaching and ‘Go for your life’ entered section of this report. accreditation, and played in a a partnership in 2008 to nurture representative game at the MCG. the development of football Initiatives and promote ‘Go for your life’s’ With the support of the AFL and our Sports Development Program – messages of increased physical partners, AFL Victoria was able to provides a unique opportunity activity and healthy eating. Through introduce a number of initiatives for young people to obtain the partnership, the collective aim throughout 2008, including: education and training in the of both organisations is to provide sports and recreation industry. healthy and physically active Australian Football 150 years The program will link schools, environments that will, in turn, lead – a number of events were training organisations, local to an increase in physical activity, implemented throughout Victoria communities and AFL Victoria in enjoyment and community well- to celebrate the significance of a partnership that engages young being among participants. football in our society. Most notable people aged 16-19 years with was the Community Football the support of Sport Education Department of Planning and Weekend. The AFL did not schedule Development Australia. More than Community Development: AFL games on the weekend of May 100 students will participate in Victoria works through Sport and 10-11, allowing 140 players to go one of four regional centres being Recreation Victoria (SRV) to provide back to their original clubs. The established in 2009. greater participation opportunities Volunteer of the Year Awards were in football. Through the funding also established with the inaugural AFL school ambassadors support of SRV, AFL Victoria winner Coburg Districts Football – The number of primary and worked with Cricket Victoria to Club president Alan Chandler. secondary school ambassadors introduce a dually recognised Level grew by 43 per cent on last year, 1 coaching course throughout Cultural awareness – mixed- from 643 teachers in 2007 to 1128 country Victoria and an ‘all- diversity and cross-cultural- in 2008. The ambassadors play abilities’ football pathway program awareness training seminars a vital role in the development of in the metropolitan area. Further, involving 550 volunteers were football at their schools.

afl victoria annual review 2008 43 Community Football to $100) for all quality-approved delivered drug education PETER McDOUGALL clubs in their municipality. This seminars to the open-aged Community Football was an attractive incentive players at several clubs. Development Manager for all clubs to participate in The seminars proved to be the program. Not only do they very popular and successful The future growth of the save a considerable amount of and will continue in 2009. game depends on the quality money but they also improve the of league and club environments operations and image of their Problem gambling and their capacity to club within the community. Of A new partnership was administer football at the the 25 clubs who participated in established with the Department grassroots level. the program, 17 achieved bronze of Justice. This involves a two- The Community Football level, seven achieved silver level year pilot initiative to trial Unit is focused on providing and the Cheltenham Football Club programs that educate football community leagues and clubs achieved gold level. clubs on how to recognise with the support, training and Through this program, clubs problem gambling and where to resources required to fulfil were recognised and rewarded go for specialised help. Former their roles, enhance the overall for creating quality football Melbourne star David Schwarz quality of community football environments, which were was successfully utilised as a and encourage increased welcoming and inclusive. program presenter in both pilot participation. This was highlighted areas – the Northern Football by the growth in participation Community Club League and West Gippsland. in Victoria with 68 new teams Awards Program established in 2008. This important program recognised Drought 20 clubs establishing best practices AFL Victoria worked closely Major programs included: in areas such as community with the State Government, Quality League partnerships, junior development insurers, councils and football Management Program and financial management. leagues to ensure that grounds An extension of the Quality Club were kept open and in a safe Program, it aimed to ensure 2008 Initiatives: condition for matches to be consistent governance and played. This will be a major management across all leagues. Volunteer of the Year issue confronting football This was based on acceptable As part of Australian Football’s in 2009. best practices and assisted the 150 year celebrations, 20 assessment process for the future volunteer nominations were ‘Go for your life’ Metropolitan distribution of AFL Victoria and received during the year from Junior Championships AFL funding. Two leagues failed to community football clubs. A final AFL Victoria supports achieve the required benchmark five was selected and invited to metropolitan leagues by of 80 per cent of the League attend the TAC Cup and VFL Grand conducting a carnival for the Management Rating and AFL Final Dinner at Telstra Dome. under-14 and under-15 age Victoria will assist these leagues groups. The Youth Girls played to achieve an improved rating over Community Football Weekend in the championships for the the next 12 months. In a welcome initiative, community very first time and the title football was celebrated in 2008, was clinched by the South-East Club Management when as part of the 150 year Youth Girls. The grand finals Training Program festivities the AFL did not fixture were played at the Williamstown There was an increase of 1754 any games on the weekend of May and Sandringham football volunteers and a total of 18,130 10-11. It allowed 140 AFL players grounds and the Yarra Junior participated in league and club to attend 100 community football Football League had another training workshops. matches across the state in what outstanding carnival winning turned out to be an extremely three of the four title play-offs Quality Club Program successful event. for the second consecutive AFL Victoria continued its year. AFL Victoria would like partnership with Brimbank Drug education to thank ‘Go for your life’ Council and offered a reduction in AFL Victoria and the Victoria for their support of the tenancy rates (from $3000 a year Police’s Piranha Taskforce championships.

44 afl victoria annual review 2008 Australian Football continues to be more popular than ever with Victorian youngsters, and AFL Victoria’s Multicultural Program is attracting a wide range of newcomers to our game.

Photo: Robert Keely/Australian Photography Magazine

Multicultural are fashioning it, and it is being significant number of multicultural Program fashioned, by external influences. participants. The Multicultural NICK HATZOGLOU Consider that: Program is aimed at winning AFL Multicultural Football • There are 190,300 people a better share of this segment by Project Coordinator forecast to settle permanently in providing opportunities for people Australia during the 2008-2009 from culturally and linguistically AFL Victoria’s Multicultural period. This does not include the diverse (CALD) backgrounds to get Program works in partnership 370,000 international students involved in Australian Football. with the Victorian Government, here already; In 2008, the program was the AFL and AFL clubs the • Add another 100,000 people on implemented in 101 schools Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, a visa 457 filling skill shortages; (74 primary, 20 secondary, Essendon, Richmond and and two tertiary and five English Hawthorn. The program • In the 2006 Australian Bureau language schools) and exposed is delivered in Victoria by of Statistics census, one in 9380 students to Australian multicultural development four people in Melbourne Football. Each student officers Michael Nguyen, Sash spoke a language other than participated in 10 Australian Herceg, Harmit Singh, Jieh-Yung English at home. Football experiences as part of Lo and Michael Roberts. As Australia’s most popular their induction into the sport. Australia’s identity is national sport, Australian Football AFL Victoria conducted six undergoing dramatic change. We is in a strong position to attract a diversity and cross-cultural

afl victoria annual review 2008 45 awareness training seminars, rules and grid games on the MCG Coach education - reaching some 550 football and Telstra Dome at building coaching staff, community league and half-time in AFL matches; communities club volunteers. These seminars • A citizenship ceremony was STEVE TEAKEL informed people about the make up conducted on-field prior to Coaching Development Manager of Australia’s diverse communities the Collingwood-Sydney match in and how we can best engage them. round 21; AFL Victoria continues to provide This will help football position itself • 31 schools and 1711 participants coach education programs to as a welcoming, all-embracing visited the National Sports develop the new wave sport. It will also enable clubs Museum and toured the MCG; of community and school to establish safe and welcoming • Four new Auskick centres that football coaches. environments for newcomers. catered for young people from AFL Victoria also supports Combined with support from high-rise housing estates were existing coaches through AFL Victoria, the clubs will play a established and consolidated; activities conducted by key role in determining how much • 27 separate tours were regional branches of the of the multicultural sector we conducted at AFL-club venues, Australian Football Coaches convert to Australian Football, with reaching 1450 participants; Association (AFCA). their ability to set up attractive • AFL media accreditation was Coach education courses club environments vital in this organised for Turkish Report, In 2008, the coach education ‘recruitment’ process. Sameway newspaper (China), courses aimed to provide an Other highlights of the Neos Kosmos newspaper (Greek), opportunity to develop a range program in 2008 included: Infoway magazine (China) and of skills and understanding of • The participation of Team Africa, Ambassador newspaper (African the coach’s role. These included Team Asia and the Kingdom and Arabic); season planning, conducting of in the multicultural • Partnership with Sports Without a training session, skill analysis, challenge section of the AFL Borders was established, which and team play and tactics. International Cup; provided grants for young people The courses are also targeted • Some 18,000 people (from 121 to play Australian Football; and to the age group participants different groups) from migrant • Distributed 5000 Auskick are coaching. communities visited an AFL footballs to students More than 50 coach education game, most for the first time; commencing their schooling courses were conducted with • 418 children from the within English language centres close to 3000 participants Multicultural Program as part of the State Government’s achieving a Level 1 accreditation participated in NAB Auskick Welcome to Victoria kits. certificate, which is recognised

AFL Victoria coaching development manager Steve Teakel leads a coaches’ training session at the MCG.

46 afl victoria annual review 2008 throughout Australia. conducted in regional country uphold the integrity, quality and The Level 1 Coaching Course centres, at universities and for value of coaching in the football was conducted in four streams - female teachers. community. The AFCA’s Victorian AFL Auskick, junior club, youth and More than 700 participants branch is administered through senior. These courses formed the attended coaching orientation its 20 regional branches and has minimum mandatory requirements sessions conducted via the NAB a membership of more than 6500 to coach in all AFL Victoria AFL Auskick program. Additionally, coaches in Victoria. affiliated leagues. about 220 tertiary students and Each regional branch of AFCA The Level 2 Coaching Course 100 teachers attend AFL Victoria is a ‘coaching community’ with was conducted in November, with coaching programs annually. a committee headed up by an AFL community and state-league Victoria development manager, coaches selected to attend the Australian Football Coaches who oversees the production course, which operates at AFL Association (AFCA) of a local coaching newsletter, Auskick, youth and senior levels. The Victorian branch of the the conduct of regional coach High-performance coaches Australian Football Coaches of the year awards and regional who work in the TAC Cup, VFL Association (AFCA) acts as a coaching seminars, and the and AFL attended an annual coaching community to provide maintenance of a coaching course conducted by the AFL ongoing support, development resource centre. at the Australian Institute of and resources to prospective Sport in . and existing coaches throughout Coaching coordinator resource the state. A club coaching coordinator Several specific courses were Through the AFL coaching resource was developed to assist also available for teachers, tertiary program, AFCA Victorian community clubs to establish students and female coaches members receive regular a coaching coordinator position. including a number of preliminary electronic newsletter updates The resource was designed as coaching programs such as: regarding coaching. a guide for clubs appointing • Awareness to Coaching A highlight of 2008 was the coaching coordinators and to help sessions, which introduced Coach of the Year Awards that the coordinator, once appointed, participants to the management recognised coaching service to carry out their functions at the of a small group, basic skill and excellence in the following club. The role of the club coaching teaching and supervision categories of community coordinator may include helping conducted via the NAB AFL coaching: NAB AFL Auskick, to interview and select coaches, Auskick program; junior clubs, youth, female, providing ongoing coaching • Orientation to Coaching, senior, VFL and TAC Cup. support and directing skill an extended introduction development and team to coaching groups of up to The 2008 winners were: plays across the club’s various 15, which included teaching Auskick: Phillip Murdoch (Fitzroy age groups. Australian Football skills, Carlton Auskick); The objective is to improve the basic coaching methodology Junior: Greg Sharp (St Mary’s retention and standard of coaching and planning via the NAB AFL Football Club); through the recruitment, direction, Auskick program; and Youth: Joel Farrelly (Ferntree Gully support and management of • Leadership Coaching Courses Eagles Junior Football Club); coaches at all levels. This resource for Students was an extension Senior: Jason Lappin (Wangaratta is accessible via a seminar of the Orientation to Coaching Football Netball Club); program available to leagues and course for secondary school Female: Keltie Blake AFL Victoria’s club administration students, with a focus on (Montrose Football Club); training program. coaching principles, practical TAC Cup: Mark Ellis (Bendigo skills and developing Pioneers); and training sessions. VFL: Gary Ayres (Port Melbourne).

In partnership with Cricket With former St Kilda coach Victoria, AFL Victoria has as president, the developed a dually recognised association’s objective is to lead Level 1 Junior Coaching and promote coach education Course, which has been and coaching support, and to

afl victoria annual review 2008 47 Umpire Development NEVILLE NASH Sigrid Mills is one of Umpire Development Manager the rapidly growing number of females umpiring Australian AFL Victoria has a range of Football games. umpire development programs conducted with the support of the Victorian Country Football League and metropolitan football leagues and associations, aimed at recruiting, training and retaining field, boundary and goal umpires. These development programs are made available to primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary institutions, while assistance is provided to 38 umpiring groups in Victoria to conduct recruitment, education and training, mentoring and coaching programs. In 2008, the development programs and resources available to umpiring groups, leagues and schools included:

National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme Level 1, 2 and 3 field, boundary and goal umpire accreditation courses were conducted through umpire associations and leagues, AFL Victoria and the VFL. It is an integral component of an umpire’s career path.

Recruitment and retention Umpire numbers in metropolitan recognise outstanding performances • Decision making; Melbourne grew to their highest as well as encouraging ongoing • Leadership; level in 11 years: involvement in the game. • Effective communication; and • Female umpire numbers • Conflict resolution. increased by 30 per cent (268 Basic Umpiring Course compared to 205 in 2007); The Basic Umpiring Course is As part of the course, • Umpire recruitment was up conducted at schools, colleges, students involved have an 12.5 per cent (695 compared tertiary institutions and clubs opportunity to officiate at to 609 in 2007); across Victoria. Designed for NAB AFL Auskick grid games • Total umpire numbers were teachers, students and players, all played at half-time in up 16 per cent (2685 compared participants receive a benefits pack AFL matches. to 2314 in 2007); and that includes a DVD, the Ultimate In 2008, 1650 students and • Retention improved by 1.9 per Guide to Umpiring booklet, players from 60 schools and clubs cent (531 umpires left the game a whistle, cap and drink bottle. successfully completed the course, compared to 669 in 2007). The course introduces compared to 1633 participants and participants to the role and skills 50 schools and clubs in 2007. Golden Whistle Awards involved in field, boundary and To assist students with the The Golden Whistle Awards are goal umpiring. It also develops life transition from the course to presented to all umpiring groups to skills including: umpiring, AFL Victoria has

48 afl victoria annual review 2008 established three school-based umpiring induction and is a ‘no go’ NAB AFL Auskick umpiring academies at St Bede’s for criticism. MICHAEL STINEAR College in Mentone (20 students), This program has played State Auskick Manager St Bernard’s College in Essendon a major role in the significant (24 students) and Parade College advancements made in recruiting NAB AFL Auskick is ‘where in Bundoora (18 students). and retaining umpires. Mentor champions begin’ and from March Students attended coaching and numbers increased by 38 per cent to September in 2008 Victoria had training sessions after school and (330 compared to 240 in 2007) 46,376 five-12 year olds involved in umpire in local football games at and green-shirt umpire numbers weekly sessions at 646 NAB AFL the weekend. increased by 52 per cent (783 Auskick centres. compared to 515 in 2007). The dedication and Female Umpire Development commitment from our volunteer The 30 per cent increase in Professional NAB AFL Auskick coordinators the number of female umpires Development Program is vital in ensuring participants in 2008 was due to a number In its third year, the program enjoy a quality program in a of development initiatives provides opportunities for umpire fun and safe environment. The that included: coaches and mentors to enhance program relies on the support of • The appointment of three their skills and knowledge. It parents and the local community school-based female umpiring is a three-year program and and its ongoing success is a direct ambassadors to visit schools participation in 2008 was: result of their involvement. and clubs and talk about their • Year 1: 46 people; In Australian Football’s 150th experiences as an umpire, why • Year 2: 28; and year, NAB AFL Auskick enjoyed they umpire and the benefits of • Year 3: four. a season filled with highlights. the role; and On top of the weekly chance • The establishment of a Mates Program to play at half-time in all female umpiring academy The AFL Umpires Association and Victorian-based AFL matches, with 11 umpires selected. AFL Victoria Mates Program links participants experienced the They participated in monthly AFL field umpires (16 in total) with unique opportunity to play at half- training/coaching and personal each of the 11 metropolitan and time of the Hall of Fame game at development sessions to four selected country umpiring the MCG in May, entertained improve their skills, knowledge groups. Young, developing umpires the crowd at the E.J. Whitten and development. Opportunities are identified and paired with an legends game at Telstra Dome were also provided to umpire AFL umpire. They are observed in in July and again at half-time of in representative games and games, given feedback and attend the VFL Grand Final at Telstra to participate in community a coaching and training session for Dome in September. service activities. AFL umpires at Monash University. Auskick’s major sponsor NAB also celebrated its 150th birthday. Umpire Mentor Program Other resources available to The AFL teamed up with NAB and The Umpire Mentor Program umpiring groups, leagues and delivered the ‘Road Show’, which provides a support framework clubs include: travelled through every state and and resources for beginner • Spirit of the laws brochures; territory across Australia and umpires who make the transition • Umpiring recruitment landed in Victoria for the lead up to from boundary umpiring to field brochures and posters; the AFL finals series. umpiring, or for newly recruited • Laws of the Game The show entertained the kids with field, boundary and goal umpires. Interpretations DVD; inflatable handball and kicking An experienced umpire is • Ultimate Guide to targets and a never-ending supply appointed as a mentor to guide, Umpiring booklet; of giveaways and prizes. train and support the learning • Umpiring promotional DVD; During the school holidays and umpire throughout their early • Umpiring Retention in the lead up to the AFL Grand umpiring development. During Strategies booklet; Final, 700 NAB AFL Auskick a match learning umpires are • Umpire Mentor Program DVD; participants were involved in the identified by distinctive green • Why Women Umpire Australian Kick for Kids Day Super Clinic shirts, black shorts and green Football DVD; and at Birrarung Marr. Participants socks so that everyone is aware • A Day in the Life of an AFL worked on their skills and received that the person has undertaken an Umpire DVD. handy tips from eight AFL players.

afl victoria annual review 2008 49 These children were some of the 46,370 five-12 year olds involved in weekly Auskick sessions in 2008.

NAB AFL Auskick half-time Geelong and another two centres basic group control, skill The MCG, Telstra Dome and will be established in 2009. activities, coaching points Skilled Stadium played host to and a basic introduction to 11,948 children, who participated in NAB AFL Auskick at the ‘G the world of coaching; NAB AFL Auskick rules (grades 5 NAB AFL Auskick centres had the • Orientation coaching course and 6) and grid game (grades 3 and chance to host one of their weekly This introductory course was 4) matches during half-time at AFL sessions on the MCG’s hallowed designed for parents/helpers who games. A further 801 participants turf. In 2008, 1480 participants would like to assist in running received the opportunity to play from 33 centres enjoyed the once- activities and was conducted as during half-time at VFL matches, in-a-lifetime experience. a ‘hands-on’ session’; including the finals series at • Level 1 NAB AFL Port Melbourne and the Grand NAB AFL Auskick Watch Program Auskick course Final at Telstra Dome. NAB AFL Auskick Watch Program is Conducted over 14 hours an initiative that kicked off in 2008. and designed for parents/ NAB AFL Auskick player visits It creates a safe and welcoming helpers who would like to In one of the year’s highlights environment for children and adults assume a coaching role, for all young footy fans, 376 AFL who attend NAB AFL Auskick and is organise activities, teach skills players visited NAB AFL Auskick based on the Neighbourhood Watch or conduct modified games; and centres across metropolitan Program and supported by the • NAB AFL Auskick leader Melbourne and Geelong. Department of Justice. coaching course Focused on coaching children NAB AFL Auskick AFL Victoria parent under 12 and covered child program for all abilities coaching courses development, clinic and We were fortunate to have qualified A number of courses were volunteer management and volunteers who ran NAB AFL conducted to assist parents coaching principles. Auskick centres that specialised in in their voluntary roles catering for children with special as coaches: NAB AFL Auskick Website needs In 2008, there were four • Coaching awareness course For all your NAB AFL Auskick centres across Melbourne and Provided parents with inquiries go to aflauskick.com.au.

50 afl victoria annual review 2008 Schools have been acting as important programs, which focus on the role TREVOR ROBERTSON points of contact who facilitate of the coach, session planning, Junior Development Manager the distribution of resources and teaching basic skills and group involve school communities in a management, have been conducted In 2008, the structure of football variety of activities. in schools. development in primary and In 2008, AFL Victoria delivered secondary schools was combined programs to more than 140,000 Secondary as a single program area. This teachers and students. The G AFL school ambassadors are a meant that across Victoria both Footy Program also extended to vital conduit for AFL Victoria in school sectors would have a focused primary schools, focusing on three schools and in 2008 there were resource to assist with the direction main areas: the promotion of the more than 300 secondary AFL of their football development. National Sports Museum, the AFL ambassadors. In 2008 AFL Victoria Ambassador Program and primary established the AFL Ambassadors MCC G Footy school programs. of the Year Award to recognise A vital initiative introduced in schools A key element of the MCC outstanding contributions to is the MCC G Footy program, one G Footy program is to support the development of Australian of the most comprehensive sports teachers in their efforts to promote Football. The winner was Matt development packages offered to and engage students in Australian Jones from St John’s Regional secondary and primary schools. Football. Professional learning Catholic College, Dandenong. G Footy is a joint AFL Victoria opportunities for teachers include Goalposts provide a visible and Melbourne Cricket Club Level 1 coaching courses, coaches’ presence of Australian Football and (MCC) Foundation initiative that seminars, Sport Education in a school goalpost grant scheme aims to increase participation and Physical Education Program was implemented to assist four awareness of Australian Football (SEPEP) and AFL Recreational secondary schools that wished in schools. Working alongside AFL Football. For students with sports to purchase a set of goalposts Victoria development managers, leadership ambitions, Australian – Wodonga Senior Secondary G Footy AFL school ambassadors Football coaching and leadership School, Healesville High School,

Assumption College won the MCC Herald Sun Shield for the 10th time in 2008.

afl victoria annual review 2008 51 Warrandyte High School and Ballarat High School were all very grateful to receive these resources. The inspirational Jason McCartney ‘Your Destiny is a Matter of Choice’ seminars continued to meet the needs of secondary school students with sessions conducted in Lilydale, Dandenong, Geelong, , Werribee, Myrtleford and at the MCG. The seminars saw more than 2000 secondary students learn from the many messages relayed through Jason’s thought- provoking presentation. AFL Victoria also continued to provide a range of resources including coaching clipboards, footballs, medallions and VFL passes to secondary schools. More than 50,000 girls and boys represented their schools in 2008 2008 Victorian Primary Schools Sports Association (VPSSA) premiers: and the MCC Herald Sun Shield St Simons Primary School, Rowville. and Victorian Secondary Schools Sports Association (VSSSA) Senior AFL Victoria’s Female Football Patrick D’Arcy from Hallam Valley Boys Grand Final were both played Program continued to attract Primary School for his school as AFL curtain-raiser games at growing interest at schools, with football competition. the MCG. Assumption College won more than 82 schools and 2050 The G Footy end of year function its 10th MCC Herald Sun Shield girls nominating to participate in for AFL ambassadors was held at Grand Final over Essendon Keilor the AFL Victoria/Victorian Primary the MCG during the Melbourne leg College, while Box Hill Senior Schools Sports Association of the International Rules Series. Secondary College defeated (VPSSA) competition. This function was an opportunity Ballarat High School to win the The Get your Kicks at the G to thank the AFL ambassadors MCC VSSSA State Championship. program in 2008 saw six primary for their continued support of The Sherrin Super Kick schools – Our Lady of Lourdes, St Australian Football in their schools. competition was conducted as Clements of Rome, Orchard Grove, More than 250 ambassadors part of the VFL finals series, Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College and their guests celebrated and culminating in the final at Telstra and Springview – participate. The networked with other ambassadors Dome on TAC Cup-VFL Grand 350 children visited the National across Victoria. Final day, which was won by Sport Museum (NSM), went on In order to promote Australian William Patone of Notre Dame a tour of the MCG and took part in Football in schools, primary College, Shepparton. a football training session on the schools received grants to assist hallowed turf of the MCG. We thank them to purchase and install Primary the staff at the MCG and NSM for new goal posts. As part of ConnectEast’s three- their support. AFL players are required to year partnership with AFL Victoria, The AFL Primary School visit primary schools to promote the inaugural EastLink Cup Ambassadors Program enjoyed Australian Football. Schools can Primary Schools Competition was massive growth, with more than utilise AFL players to conduct held. It involved eight primary 823 teachers at primary schools classroom activities, run role schools situated along the EastLink enlisting their services as AFL model programs, and conduct corridor. Rowville Primary School Victoria’s primary school football a clinic and/or take the school defeated St Elizabeth’s Primary ambassadors. Their school team for training. School in the Grand Final that was received resources and apparel. In 2008, 2950 player appearances played as a curtain-raiser to the In 2008, the AFL Ambassador were conducted in primary schools, VFL Grand Final at Telstra Dome. of the Year Award was won by up from 2920 in 2007.

52 afl victoria annual review 2008 The Football in Schools AFL KickStart Essendon football clubs, is now Program took on a new look as Indigenous program in its fifth year and is a fantastic part of the Western Bulldogs’ DEREK KICKETT celebration of Indigenous culture. Friendly School Program. The KickStart Indigenous program was a partnership Development Manager Community Linking Program between the AFL, AFL Victoria, The Community Linking Program the Western Bulldogs and Victoria Through the KickStart Indigenous educates and provides opportunities University and was conducted in Program, football is used as a for Indigenous players to further a total of 36 schools in western vehicle to promote participation, their football and personal Melbourne. The program aimed to health, education and employment development. It also helps TAC Cup give the Western Bulldogs greater in Indigenous communities. staff to gain a better understanding brand recognition in the western of Indigenous culture by conducting region, while providing Indigenous Auskick centres a cultural awareness program. a quality physical activity and A new centre at Bairnsdale This will hopefully lead to a healthy eating message to children West Primary School involving further increase in the number of and teachers in the west. 44 students was established in Indigenous players on TAC Cup Also in 2008, the promotion 2008, bringing the total number club lists, giving them the chance to of the 1 Seven Program in 174 of Indigenous Auskick centres further their football and become primary schools across Victoria to six. The other centres operate future leaders in their communities. continued. AFL Victoria visited at Nowa Nowa Primary School The program was introduced the Plenty Parkland, Geelong (23 student participants), in Shepparton at the Rumbalara East and Kingston Heath primary Echuca/Moama (42), Kerang (12), football club in 2008, when speakers schools, presenting each with Rumbalara Football Club (16) and included the Murray Bushrangers a sports kit as the 1 Seven School Fitzroy Stars Football Club (20). region manager Andrew Carson of the Month. In a popular incentive for the and AFL Victoria high performance centres, all their participants have coach Leon Harris. AFL Victoria Sport the opportunity to be involved in Development Program the AFL Indigenous Round. The Kickstart Talent Program AFL Victoria in partnership with ‘Dreamtime at the ‘G’ match, The 2008 South African Sport Education Development which involves the Richmond and Indigenous Youth Tour was held Australia (SEDA) will commence a sports industry-based VCE or VCAL Certificate II, III, IV and Indigenous players enjoy the Diploma in Sport and Recreation Qantas AFL National Kickstart for students in Years 11 and 12 Camp at the North ’s . in 2009. A squad of 25 students will be selected in the program, which will be coordinated by an experienced, Victorian Institute of Teaching-registered secondary teacher who will deliver the required curriculum, while AFL Victoria staff will provide practical industry experience in delivering AFL Victoria development programs. We have confirmed five programs will be set up in Sunshine, Northcote, Montmorency, Frankston and Caufield, with a view to setting up a total of seven programs in line with AFL Victoria’s development regions.

afl victoria annual review 2008 53 from January 30-February 12 AFL player centres. Player visits totalled 10,387 and featured 25 Indigenous appearances hours in 2008, an increase on 2007 players, including four from KEITH BURNS (9868 hours) and 2006 (9488). Victoria. They were selected from Programs Coordinator the 2007 Qantas AFL National Metropolitan and Geelong KickStart Camp to represent The AFL Player Appearances AFL player appearances Australia against the South program involves AFL players In the metropolitan area African under-19 team. The visiting schools, NAB AFL Auskick and Geelong, AFL clubs are Indigenous team won all three centres, local clubs and community allocated a region where they games but the South Africans groups throughout Victoria. These conduct the following AFL player- improved greatly by the last game. promotional activities are a vital appearance programs: component of both the AFL’s • Primary schools: schools In July, 46 talented Indigenous and AFL Victoria’s grassroots are allocated two days that footballers were involved in the development strategy. are coordinated by region Qantas AFL National KickStart As part of the AFL and AFL development managers, Camp, where activities included: Players Association collective usually early in the season. • Training sessions and coaching bargaining agreement, every AFL Schools can utilise the player clinics with AFL coaching staff; player is committed to conduct to participate in classroom • High-performance testing 21 half-day appearances – six activities or role-model at the Melbourne Sports allocated to the AFL and delivered programs, conduct a clinic and Aquatic Centre under by AFL Victoria and 15 allocated to or take the school team for the guidance of AFL high- his AFL club. This demonstrates training. In 2008, 431 AFL performance coaches; the commitment of all parties to players spent 3405 appearance • Attending an AFL team make AFL players available to hours at primary schools. training session; promote the game. • Secondary schools: Region • An Indigenous culture tour With the support of AFL development managers allocate at the Koorie Heritage Trust; clubs, AFL players visited AFL players to participate in • Playing an MCG curtain-raiser Melbourne’s metropolitan area and physical education lessons or before the Richmond and outer suburbs, Geelong and regional leadership programs, conduct Essendon clash; and • Team-building and personal- development activities involving AFL players and other Indigenous community role models such as Qantas ambassador Catherine Freeman. Twenty-five players from the camp will be selected to tour Darwin in February 2009, a trip that will coincide with the AFL Indigenous All-Stars match against the Adelaide Crows.

Leadership program This program is delivered to Koorie students at secondary schools with non-Koorie students also participating. The program identifies role models and offers students the opportunity to receive advice North Melbourne players from Indigenous AFL stars take a NAB AFL Auskick on leadership, goal setting superclinic in July. and teamwork.

54 afl victoria annual review 2008 a clinic or train the school football team. In 2008, 281 Mariah Marshall of Hallam (red, yellow players spent 614 appearance and black jumper) wins hours at secondary schools. a hit-out against Noble • NAB AFL Auskick: AFL clubs Park’s Elle Skosples. also allocated their players specific days to attend NAB AFL Auskick centres. In 2008, 355 players logged 836 appearance hours at AFL Auskick centres. • Junior club program: AFL coaches select a date to give players free time to visit junior clubs that have accepted an invitation through their region development managers. In 2008, 297 AFL players logged 658 appearance hours at junior clubs. Many players also visited junior clubs on Community Football Weekend as part of Australian Football’s 150 years celebrations. • Superclinics: NAB AFL Auskick children are invited to attend a superclinic conducted at a central location or at an AFL club training venue, mostly during the school holidays. In 2008, 353 AFL players logged 786 appearance hours at superclinics.

Country AFL player appearances Each AFL club selects a day when its entire playing list visits country towns to conduct Australian Football promotions, which are Female Football to Northern Football League (NFL) coordinated by the country region CHYLOE KURDAS community clubs as part of the development managers and Female Football AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Development Manager supported by local clubs. The Program. Funded by VicHealth, all AFL players either visit school NFL clubs are being encouraged classrooms and playgrounds, or There is no doubt about the future to audit and adapt their policies are involved in clinics conducted at of female participation in our game, and practices to make their clubs a central venue. with demand from girls and women more inclusive, safe and supportive AFL community training at record levels. for women and girls. With support camps are also conducted by from AFL Victoria and La Trobe AFL clubs in country regions Respect and Responsibility – University, clubs have identified during February each year. In Fair Game: Respect Matters Respect and Responsibility 2008, 353 AFL players logged pilot program drivers to be incorporated in the 1468 appearance hours at more AFL Victoria acknowledges the program’s delivery. than 50 country towns. The AFL vital role women and girls play players used planes, buses or both on and off the field in football NAB AFL Auskick their own cars to travel to each clubs. The Fair Game: Respect While thousands of girls and boys country town. Matters project is being delivered participate in Auskick nationally,

afl victoria annual review 2008 55 girls are still under-represented councils, the AFL, VicHealth, course, a Level 1 coaching in Victorian participation statistics. and the Department of Sport and accreditation and enjoyed a victory A 22 per cent increase in female Recreation Victoria since 2004, over the Australian Defence Auskick participation in 2008 is girls play in community football Forces on the MCG. the first increase for five years, competitions across Melbourne and yet only 6.9 per cent of all Auskick in Bendigo. The Youth Girls program Secondary school football participants are female. AFL welcomes teams and players from In 2008, secondary school girls Victoria has identified this as a all schools, community football had the opportunity to participate 2009 development priority, aiming clubs and leagues. In 2008, a fourth in a number of competitions and to ensure more girls obtain a competition – northern Melbourne skill development clinics. The solid understanding of the game’s – was established and increased Victorian Secondary Schools fundamentals from a young age. participation by 16 per cent Sports Association (VSSSA) (526 girls). school girls competitions Primary school football The Youth Girls talented attracted 12,700 players and AFL AFL Victoria, in conjunction with player pathway provides exciting Victoria conducted 68 clinics the Victorian Primary Schools inter-league and Victorian targeting secondary school Sports Association (VPSSA), representative opportunities. girls this year. The Girls Sport conducted the Girls’ Skill The 2008 Victorian Under-18 Victoria Development Program Development and Competition Youth Girls Championships were attracted 80 girls, while numerous Program in Victorian primary integrated with the ‘Go for your independent and Catholic school schools. A teacher-training life’ Metropolitan (Boys’) Junior carnivals were held. program complemented a Championships and included four-week skill-development Bendigo for the first time. Victorian Women’s Football program for grade 5 and 6 girls. The Footy-Pak South Eastern League (VWFL) It culminated in a state-wide Youth Girls team claimed Established in 1981, the VWFL primary school girls’ football their second consecutive Victorian is open to women and girls aged competition. In 2008, record title in defeating their western 15 and over. In 2008, the VWFL participation was achieved, with counterparts. attracted 874 players to 26 teams 2050 girls from 82 regional and AFL Victoria hosted the 2008 across four competitions. A 13 per metropolitan schools competing Under-18 Youth Girls Interstate cent decrease from 2007 may be – a 37 per cent increase on 2007. Challenge against . the product of the VWFL’s efforts to The Victorian Youth Girls claimed consolidate its existing structure to Junior community football their second consecutive title; enhance the quality of participants’ Following progression from an 84-point win at Trevor Barker experiences, thereby increasing Auskick, girls were encouraged Beach Oval was followed by a retention and minimising the need to join mixed, junior community 55-point victory at Bendigo’s Queen to recruit more players for fewer football competitions coordinated Elizabeth Oval. games. Pleasingly, 61 former Youth by local leagues across Victoria. In 2008, AFL Victoria’s Youth Girls participated in the VWFL Soaring participation rates in junior Girls Academy was established competition in 2008. football continued, with 672 girls with the support of the Essendon The well-established VWFL playing junior football in 2008 – Football Club. It provided talented player pathway includes a 13 per cent increase on 2007. Victoria’s 30 most promising the annual Victoria Country and Girls and boys can continue to play youth girls with on and off-field Metropolitan Competition and the against each other until the age of development opportunities. biennial AFL Women’s National 14, when girls can then join AFL On-field sessions with Jason Championships, where the Victoria’s Youth Girls competitions. McCartney, Jarrod Molloy, Leon Victorian women’s representative Harris and Darren Flanigan team competes against women’s Youth Girls community football provided the girls with specialist leagues from around Australia. AFL Victoria’s Youth Girls coaching to fast track their The Country-Metropolitan match at Competition, specifically designed playing ability. Off-field sessions NAB Oval on Community Football for girls aged 13-18 years, targeted drug and alcohol Weekend was a resounding emphasises fun, fitness and awareness, driver behaviour, success with AFL players Jason friendship in a family-friendly media skills and managing Akermanis (Western Bulldogs) environment. Managed by AFL healthy relationships. Players and (Melbourne) Victoria and supported by local completed a basic umpiring in attendance.

56 afl victoria annual review 2008 AFL Recreational Strong demand Corporate Cup. The highlight of the Football Strong demand has been 2007-08 summer season was the MATTHEW WEERDEN experienced from several match played as a curtain-raiser Recreational Football Coordinator community sectors with more than to the Essendon-Western Bulldogs 8700 participants playing the game match in round four this year on a The game for everyone in the community, at school or as Friday night at Telstra Dome. AFL Recreational Football provides an part of a special event. In 2008, with the support of easy opportunity for wider community There has also been strong the Participation in Community participation in Australian Football demand from community sectors Sport and Active Recreation on top of the competitions already that have not played football before. (PICSAR) program, an emphasis provided by existing community club AFL Recreational Football has was placed on introducing leagues. In just a short time, the received a very strong reception multicultural communities to the game has attracted a wide range from females – as well as males game of Australian Football via AFL of participants – young, old, female – and in age levels ranging from Recreational Football, especially and male – with varying levels of school age to 55 years. in Victoria’s Goulburn Murray and experience in the traditional game of In a successful RecLink initiative, northern regions. Australian Football. it has also been used as a life motivational tool for disadvantaged Growth in schools Object: increased access and unemployed youth participants. Primary and secondary schools to football have been some of the most The AFL Recreational Football Growth in the community enthusiastic participants in AFL motto, ‘the game for everyone’, Significant growth was achieved Recreational Football, with the perfectly captures the main throughout the state with single game being played by more than objective of this relatively new and mixed-gender community 7700 students and teachers. initiative. The game is enjoyed by competitions kicking off in It has also become a common all who have a passion and interest metropolitan and regional Victoria. feature of the Sport Education in Australian Football. It focuses There were also strong participation in Physical Education Program on health, fitness, safety and the rates at competitions run by the (SEPEP), the Australian Council social aspects of team sport, while Sandringham and Western Bulldogs for Health, Physical Education maintaining a strong relationship football clubs, the Koonwarra/ and Recreation (ACHPER) with the traditional game. Leongatha RSL Cricket Club and conference, house competitions AFL Victoria-run competitions. and lunchtime activities because What is Recreational Footy? Recreational Football is suitable of its ability to attract wider AFL Recreational Football was for special events and has featured numbers of participants. AFL specifically designed to increase prominently in the Australian Recreational Football has also been participation in football and physical Corporate Games, State Youth incorporated into tertiary physical activity in the wider community. The Games and Essendon Football Club education courses. rules of Australian Football have been modified so it is a game the whole family can play. All contact Recreational Football is popular has been removed, it is not too across all age groups and sexes. physically demanding, it can be played by all ages and both genders, and it emphasises football’s social aspects, fun and safety. The game is designed to be flexible in its structure and may be adapted to suit the age and ability of participants, as well as the playing space available. An AFL Recreational Football resource kit – containing goalposts, ground markers, bibs, tag belts and a football – has been developed to support both community and school competitions.

afl victoria annual review 2008 57 resources available at afl victoria

The many invaluable resources GRANT FUNDING GUIDE – $15 remove any potential barriers to available from AFL Victoria are This is an easy step-by-step guide participation. The program includes outlined below. All listed prices to applying for grants funding a guidelines booklet, sample include GST and postage and for your football club that details league and club social and religious handling. how to write a grant submission tolerance policies and a DVD/video and includes handy tips on how to for players, officials and spectators CLUB MANAGEMENT KIT – $25 access funding. that has been distributed to all Developed by the AFL in leagues and clubs. conjunction with the Australian TACKLING VOLUNTEERS Sports Commission after extensive PROGRAM – $15 THE BEST OF COACHING UPDATE consultation with football league An innovative program designed to SERIES 1 & 2 – $10 SERIES 1, and club volunteer administrators, assist clubs with their recruitment $15 SERIES 2 who identified priority areas of club of volunteers. Includes links to the Ideal for coaches at all levels. operations. The club management Volunteer Resource Centre. Features articles from the kit contains the following club Australian Football Coaches management manuals: THE CLUB – $30 Association Journal Coaching • Financial management; A resource that covers all aspects Update between 1988 and 2005. • Club planning; of running a community football Both series 1 and 2 contain five • Risk management; club, including football operations, modules: • Volunteer management; fundraising, club structure and Module 1 – senior and youth • Junior development; and financial management. T he CD coaching articles on topics • Community partnerships. contains links to external websites such as successful coaching, for more detailed information, evaluating effectiveness, match VOLUNTEERS FOR FOOTBALL along with standard templates committees, conference coaching, CD ROM – $25 such as job descriptions and club coaching coordinator roles Packed with ideas about how sponsor proposals that clubs can and coaching teens; to manage local football club tailor to their own needs. Module 2 – junior coaching articles volunteers, this CD includes on topics such as communication detailed job descriptions for every BOUNCING RACISM OUT OF with parents, grid systems for club role, along with volunteer SPORT (BROOS) – $25 training, addressing the team, recruitment programs, club The BROOS program consists of personal best approach, making organisational charts, the Volunteer a set of user-friendly resources the most of practice and teaching Legislation and Protection Act, web designed to assist leagues and remedial skills; links, a volunteer promotion video clubs to create a more tolerant Module 3 – football science clip and recruitment poster. football environment and articles featuring topics such as

TO ORDER: Visit AFL Victoria’s website www.aflvic.com.au, go to the development section and then ‘resources’.

58 afl victoria annual review 2008 nutrition and fluids, planning, Victorian football’s motivation, enhancing speed, greatest resource is the wave of emerging fitness-testing protocols and youngsters taking their injuries; first steps in football Module 4 – Series 1 features through NAB AFL Auskick. articles to improve your player- management skills, with topics including planning for success, time management, Attila’s leadership tips, performing to potential and risk management. Series 2 (miscellaneous) features articles on team selection, practice planning, communication and club coaching curriculum; and Module 5 – contains numerous pages of drills, including games for game sense, skill drills, extended drills and general topics about conducting drills.

CONTACT SKILLS DVD – $25 Appropriate for both junior and senior levels, this DVD includes sections on starting out, preparing to play, extending your talents and ‘one-percenters’.

SENIOR COACHES DIARY – $25 More than 300 pages of detailed templates for planning, preparing and recording your every move. A complete record of your coaching season.

JUNIOR COACHES DIARY – $20 More than 200 pages of detailed templates for planning, preparing and recording your every move. A complete record of your coaching season.

JUNIOR COACHING CARDS – $40 This series of lesson cards contains training activities and physical education sessions sequentially arranged for players aged 5-12.

TRAIN SMART DVD – $25 Appropriate for both junior and senior levels, this DVD highlights training activities from warm-ups through to game-sense games and full-ground drills.

afl victoria annual review 2008 59 community football results

COUNTRY FOOTBALL WorkSafe Victorian Country Football League 2008 Grand Final results

Alberton FL South West District FL Geelong FL Wonthaggi Power 18.20 (128) d Coleraine 9.12 (66) d St. Mary’s 21.15 (141) d Yarram 10.11 (71) Tyrendarra 5.11 (41) Colac 5.12 (42) Heathcote District FL Central Murray FL Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL Colbinabbin 16.9 (105) d Swan Hill 13.17 (95) d (Nepean Div) Heathcote 12.11 (83) Kerang 9.5 (59) Sorrento 13.8 (86) d Dromana 9.8 (62) North Gippsland FNL Maryborough Castlemaine District FL Churchill 11.10 (76) d Carisbrook 16.17 (113) d Western Border FL Gormandale 9.19 (73) Maldon 11.2 (68) Portland 13.15 (93) d Hamilton Imperials 10.12 (72) Ballarat FL Sunraysia FL Ballarat 13.7 (85) d Golden Rivers FL Imperials 19.16 (130) d Darley 10.20 (80) Wandella 12.12 (84) d Robinvale 6.9 (45) Horsham District FL Moulamein 7.15 (57) Colac & District FNL Kalkee 14.13 (97) d Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL Irrewarra-Beeac 14.14 (98) d Laharum 10.10 (70) (Peninsula Div) Lorne 5.7 (37) Omeo & District FL Seaford 17.17 (119) d Swifts Creek 16.12 (108) d Mid Gippsland FL Edithvale-Aspendale 12.17 (89) Bruthen 13.9 (87) Yinnar 10.9 (69) d Wimmera FL Trafalgar 5.11 (41) Bellarine FL Horsham Demons 19.14 (128) d Geelong Amateur 28.11 (179) d Tallangatta & District FNL Horsham Saints 9.8 (62) Torquay 14.17 (101) Kiewa Sandy Creek 14.28 (112) d Goulburn Valley FL Kyabram District FL Dederang Mount Beauty 11.12 (78) Rochester 15.9 (99) d Seymour 13.18 (96) Stanhope 17.14 (116) d East Gippsland FL Ardmona 10.6 (66) Wy Yung 16.14 (110) d Murray FL Ovens & King FL Bairnsdale 13.10 (88) Nathalia 16.10 (106) d Barooga 9.9 (63) Tarrawingee 14.10 (94) d Millewa FL Bright 8.11 (59) Euston Bombers 13.10 (88) d Yarra Valley Mountain Benalla & District FNL Gol Gol Hawks 6.12 (48) District FL (Div I) Bonnie Doon 10.17 (77) d Silvan 19.12 (126) d Upper Murray FL Goorambat 11.6 (72) Upwey Tecoma 13.10 (88) Bullioh 20.13 (133) d Lexton Plains FL Corryong 3.7 (25) Hampden FL Carngham Linton 13.8 (86) d Terang Mortlake 9.14 (68) d Skipton 11.14 (80) Ellinbank & District FL Warrnambool 3.10 (28) Cora Lynn 19.15 (129) d Ovens & Murray FL Lang Lang 12.10 (82) North Central FL Wangaratta 12.14 (86) d Boort 11.15 (81) d Lavington 7.12 (54) Mininera & District Football League Wedderburn 10.6 (66) Tatyoon 18.15 (123) d Bendigo FL Yarra Valley Mountain Hawkesdale Macarthur 9.8 (62) Eaglehawk 14.11 (95) d District FL (Div II) Golden Square 12.17 (89) Warrnambool & District FNL Alexandra 13.8 (86) d Thornton Eildon 10.12 (72) Loddon Valley FL Timboon Demons 18.12 (120) d Calivil United 16.17 (113) d Kolora-Noorat 17.9 (111) VCFL Representative Matches Pyramid Hill 6.9 (45) Geelong & District FL AFCF Division 1 Grand Final ACT 13.15 (93) d VCFL 10.12 (72) Picola & District FNL Thomson 12.16 (88) d Tungamah 21.17 (143) d Bell Post Hill 11.8 (74) ACFC Division 2 Katandra 12.10 (82) Mornington Peninsula Nepean FL (second versus third playoff) VCFL 30.11 (191) d AAS 10.6 (66) Central Highlands FL (Casey Cardinia Div) Hepburn 18.3 (111) d Narre Warren 27.21 (183) d 2008 David Code Medallist Daylesford 7.9 (51) Keysborough 7.10 (52) Jarrod Garth (Bell Park, Geelong FL) Mallee FL West Gippsland Latrobe FL 2008 Bob Templeton Medallist Walpeup-Underbool 20.24 (144) d Sale 14.13 (97) d Steve Schultz (Kalkee, Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 9.9 (63) Morwell 12.9 (81) Horsham District FL)

60 afl victoria annual review 2008 NAB AFL UNDER-18 CHAMPIONSHIPS NAB AFL UNDER-16 CHAMPIONSHIPS Steele Sidebottom Vic Metro 14.9 (93) d Vic Metro 8.15 (63) d Murray Bushrangers 9.10 (64) Western Australia 7.14 (56) Nick Suban North Ballarat Rebels Tyrone Vickery Sandringham Dragons Vic Metro 15.21 (111) d Vic Country 22.6 (138) d Jack Watts Sandringham Dragons Vic Country 5.6 (36) Tasmania 6.4 (40) David Zaharakis Northern Knights South Australia 11.15 (81) d Vic Metro 11.14 (80) d Jack Ziebell Murray Bushrangers Vic Metro 11.14 (80) NSW/ACT 4.5 (29) Western Australia 20.14 (134) d Vic AIS-AFL ACADEMY MEMBERS South Australia 14.14 (98) d Country 11.9 (75) Vic Country 9.10 (64) Murray Bushrangers Vic Metro 17.14 (116) d Lucas Cook North Ballarat Rebels Vic Metro 17.5 (107) d Western Australia 10.12 (72) Jordan Gysberts Eastern Ranges South Australia 8.6 (54) Vic Country 13.11 (89) d Eastern Ranges Vic Country 11.4 (70) d South Australia 11.5 (71) Western Jets Western Australia 6.7 (43) Jack Hutchins NAB AFL UNDER-18 Vic Metro 12.8 (80) d Sandringham Dragons ALL-AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS Tasmania 1.7 (13) Murray Bushrangers Michael Hurley Northern Knights Trent McKenzie Western Jets NSW/ACT 11.6 (72) d Kade Klemke Murray Bushrangers Tom Nicholls Vic Country 10.7 (67) Jordan Lisle Oakleigh Chargers Sandringham Dragons Vic Metro 12.4 (76) d Shaun McKernan Calder Cannons Koby Stevens Gippsland Power Vic Country 11.7 (73) Dandenong Stingrays Joshua Toy Calder Cannons

METROPOLITAN FOOTBALL Grand Final results

VAFA SOUTHERN FL VICTORIAN WOMEN’S (A Section) (Div 1) FOOTBALL LEAGUE St Bedes/Mentone 10.17 (77) d St Paul’s East Bentleigh 10.16 (76) d (Div 1) Collegians 5.17 (47) St Kilda City 7.15 (57) Seniors (B Section) (Div 2) Darebin 15.10 (100) d Marcellin 11.8 (74) d Dingley 13.17 (95) d Melbourne University 4.8 (32) Old Essendon 8.8 (56) Heatherton 11.9 (75) Reserves East Burwood 11.9 (75) d (C Section) (Div 3) Darebin 4.1 (25) Ormond 15.12 (102) d South Yarra 11.9 (75) d Canterbury 8.9 (57) Hampton Rovers 9.10 (64) (North West) Heidelberg 10.9 (69) d (D1 Section) ESSENDON DISTRICT FL Sunbury 5.6 (36) Bulleen Templestowe 21.9 (135) d (A Grade) (South East) Old Geelong 17.21 (123) Keilor 20.12 (132) d Scoresby 6.3 (39) d (D2 Section) Greenvale 15.9 (99) Berwick 3.8 (26) Werribee 22.17 (149) d (B Grade) Emmaus St Leos 13.9 (87) Taylors Lakes 8.8 (56) d JUNIOR LEAGUE GRAND FINALS (D3 Section) Pascoe Vale 5.9 (39) DANDENONG & DISTRICT JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE Williamstown CYMS 12.17 (89) d NORTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE Eltham 3.11 (29) (Under-16 Premier) (Div 1) Beaconsfield Blue 11.8 (74) d (D4 Section) Heidelberg 18.10 (118) d Cranbourne Blue 6.5 (41) West Brunswick 14.19 (103) d Montmorency 15.6 (96) St Francis Xavier 8.10 (58) (Div 2) YARRA JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE Thomastown 16.10 (106) d (COLTS 1) EASTERN FL Macleod 12.15 (87) Preston Bullants 11.11 (77) d (Div 1) St. Mary’s 2.6 (18) Balwyn 16.15 (111) d RIDDELL DISTRICT FL Vermont 7.18 (60) Riddell 23.14 (152) d MOORABBIN SAINTS JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE (Div 2) Diggers Rest 15.5 (95) Wantirna South 21.17 (143) d (Under-17 Division 1) WESTERN REGION Mulgrave 5.15 (45) St Peters 8.10 (58) d FOOTBALL LEAGUE St Kilda 4.7 (31) (Div 3) (Div 1) Waverley Blues 12.8 (80) d Spotswood 13.15 (93) d WAVERLEY JUNIOR Mooroolbark 11.12 (78) Port Melbourne Colts 11.17 (83) FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (Div 4) (Div 2) (Under-13 Division 1) Heathmont 13.13 (91) d Sunshine Heights 18.7 (115) d Ashburton Green 6.8 (44) d Chirnside Park 12.16 (88) North Footscray 7.11 (53) Ashburton Red 2.5 (17)

afl victoria annual review 2008 61 afl victoria people As at December, 2008

AFL Victoria Headquarters Football Operations Manager John Hook Sunraysia/Mallee Terry Hall GPO Box 4337 High Performance Manager Anton Grbac Geelong John Edsall MELBOURNE, VIC 3001 High Performance Manager Leon Harris Hampden Alan Thompson Phone: (03) 8663 3000 Football Operations Assistant Sophie Timms Goulburn Murray Greg Liddell Fax: (03) 9650 4194 Football Operations Administration Officer North East Border Jeff Chandler Website: aflvic.com.au Sam Coen North East Border (Wangaratta) Phil Bunn State Director of Umpiring Kevin Mitchell Latrobe Valley PATRON IN CHIEF Umpiring Assistant Angela Lindsay East Gippsland Rob Reid Premier John Brumby Manager – Development and Planning afl Victoria Board Michael Daniher Metro Regions Bob Tregear (Chairman) Development Communications and North West Andrew Johnston Peter Schwab (CEO) Partnership Coordinator Kaylee George Outer Southern/Peninsula Mark Wheeler Geoff Almond Community Football Development Manager Eastern Anthony Parkin David Doherty OAM Peter McDougall Northern Ashley Brown/Phiv Demetriou John Hyett Club Development Manager Darryl Collings Central East Mark Smart John Jordan Community Football Coordinator Inner Southern TBA Grant O’Riley Talia Holloway-Roden Western Graeme Pratt Tony Pinwill Coaching Development Manager Steve Teakel VFL Tribunal MEMBERS Peter Stedwell Edward Power (Chairman) Jim Watterston Schools Development Manager Trevor Robertson Barry Josephs (Vice-Chairman) AFL Victoria Development Umpire Development Manager Neville Nash David Wood Advisory Board Programs Coordinator Keith Burns Sam Cusumano David Doherty (Chairman) OAM Female Football Development Manager Brian Chaplin Peter Schwab Chyloe Kurdas Diana Taylor Mark Hargreaves KickStart Indigenous Development Manager Sam Chadwick Simon Overland Derek Kickett John Russo Diana Taylor Recreational Football Coordinator Tim Bourke Brad Ostemeyer Matthew Weerden Rick Lewis Derek Humphery-Smith State Auskick Manager Michael Stinear Sal Perna John Doherty Footyweb and IT Support Officer VFL AppealS Stephen Stewart Ian Hill QC (Chairman) afL Victoria Members Trainee Administration Officer Holly Lunt Bendigo Bombers David Joss Peter Weightman AFL Multicultural Football Project Greg Meese Box Hill Hawks John Ure Coordinator Nick Hatzoglou Casey Scorpions John Sharkie John Larkins Multicultural Officer Western Region Sal Perna Coburg Tigers Bill Balakis Sash Herceg Frankston John Barry Rick Lewis Multicultural Officer South East Region John Russo North Ballarat Peter Wilson Michael Nguyen Northern Bullants Stephen Papal Multicultural Officer Central East Region VFL Investigation/Reporting Officer Port Melbourne Peter Saultry Michael Roberts Rick Lewis Sandringham Gerard Ryan Multicultural Officer Northern Region Werribee Tigers John Nicol Harmit Singh UMPIRE ADVOCATES Williamstown Trevor Monti Multicultural Officer North West Region Nick Carmichael VCFL Nicholas Rolfe Jieh-Yung Lo Craig Shiell VAFA Nick Bourke Northern FL Frank Rosbrook TAC Cup Regional Managers PLAYER ADVOCATES Eastern FL Graham Halbish Bendigo Pioneers Ray Byrne Iain Findlay Essendon District FL Ian Price Calder Cannons Ian Kyte Howard Beer Riddell District FL Alan Matthews Dandenong Stingrays Darren Flanigan Sean Audley Southern FL David Andrew Eastern Ranges Ian Flack Scott Bell Western Region FL Diana Taylor Geelong Falcons Michael Turner David Reilly Dandenong & District JFL Ron McConnell Gippsland Power Peter Francis Auditor Moorabbin Saints JFL David Andrews Murray Bushrangers Andrew Carson KPMG Waverley Junior FA Paul Newton North Ballarat Rebels Phil Partington Yarra Junior FL Bob Rennison Northern Knights Peter Kennedy Honorary Solicitors Victorian Women’s FL Debbie Lee Oakleigh Chargers Stephen Conole Messrs Mahoney, Galvin & Rylah Sandringham Dragons Wayne Oswald AFL Victoria Administration Western Jets Shane Sexton Chief Executive Officer Peter Schwab Executive Assistant to CEO Silvana Hurst AFL VICTORIA REGION Financial Controller Stephen Smith Development MANAGERS Project Manager Grant Williams Country Regions Marketing Manager Peter Harley North Ballarat Tim Shearer Marketing Officer Jennifer Pryor Wimmera Geoff Burdett Marketing Assistant/Receptionist South West Jock Whiting Sarah Murphy Bendigo Tony McNamara PR – Media Support, Marketing North Central and Central Murray Travis Parnaby Trevor Mellington

62 afl victoria annual review 2008 structure of australian football As at February, 2009

AFL

WAFC SANFL AFL TASMANIA AFL VICTORIA AFL NSW/ACT AFL QLD AFL NT

MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENTS CLUB LICENCE AGREEMENTS

VFL TAC CUP *DDJFL *NFL *EFL *EDFL victorian *MSJFL country football *RDFL league 70,925 *SFL *VAFA *WJFA *WRFL metro *VWFL football leagues *YJFL 60,500

NAB afl Auskick AFL Victoria Development activities community program Umpire Local Coach recreational multi- School female indigenous 46,376 Children development Communities education football cultural 96,825 participants

* DDJFL – Dandenong & District Junior Football League * MSJFL – Moorabbin Saints Junior Football League * WJFA – Waverley Junior Football Association * NFL – Northern Football League * RDFL – Riddell District Football League * WRFL – Western Region Football League * EFL – Eastern Football League * SFL – Southern Football League * VWFL – Victorian Women’s Football League * EDFL – Essendon District Football League * VAFA – Victorian Amateur Football Association * YJFL – Yarra Junior Football League

afl victoria annual review 2008 63 FOOTBALL VICTORIA LTD ACN 004 246 253 MCG, Brunton Avenue, Jolimont VIC 3002

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