Victorian Government funds historic VFL clubs

Historic clubs including Williamstown, Coburg and Port Melbourne will be supported in a tri-state VFL competition, with details of near $1 million funding from the Victorian Government revealed today.

Standalone VFL clubs - also including Frankston, Northern Bullants and Werribee - will be eligible for travel and operations grants of up to $130,000 in 2021 as the VFL expands to take in six teams from NSW and Queensland.

AFL-aligned VFL clubs Sandringham (St Kilda), Box Hill Hawks (Hawthorn) and Casey Demons (Melbourne) will be eligible for grants of up to $65,000.

With the finances of VFL clubs significantly impacted by the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic the $975,000 investment will back the clubs in the new 22-team competition, which kicks off on 17th April.

The new VFL competition has been designed to standardise the pathway to the AFL for players, coaches and administrators along the east coast. This structure will ensure Victoria’s talent pool will continue to grow, providing athletes with more opportunities to play at the highest level.

The competing clubs are Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons, Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Werribee, Williamstown, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong Cats, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sandringham; Aspley, Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns and Southport (all Queensland); and the GWS Giants and Sydney Swans (NSW).

Announcing the funding, Victoria Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula stated “our VFL clubs were battered financially last year and that’s why it’s important that we support them as they confront the significant costs of playing in a multi-state competition and providing a COVIDSafe environment.

“This new competition will help more players to reach the AFL and boost the standard of football for the many passionate fans who love to watch their teams play in the VFL.”

AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State Leagues, Tristan Salter added “VFL clubs have been pillars in Victorian football and their local communities for many years and this assistance gives our clubs the best opportunity to flourish again after a challenging 2020.”

The Strengthening Victoria's AFL Development Pathways Funding Program will only be open to Victorian clubs not operated by an AFL team.