Through the uncertainty of 2020 and how Covid-19 has drastically impacted the sporting landscape, one thing has been solidified in the minds of the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition presidents – the importance of controlling their own clubs’ destinies moving forward.
While there’s still no decision on whether or not the WGFNC clubs will even take to the footy field and netball court this year, they’ve been proactive in looking to take control of their own futures – whatever the path they take.
With an eye to 2021 and beyond, the clubs invited the AFL Outer East to present to them recently – as part of doing their due diligence.
Warragul Industrials president Dale Bainbridge has an extensive business background – particularly in the hotel industry, and owners’ corporations in Melbourne.
“The way things are handled in that environment, you’re dealing with owners’ money and not your own, and it’s no different for a football netball league,” he explained.
“I’ve got a clear picture of the way I think our competition should be run, and that’s why I’ve pushed to explore the options available to us as clubs.”
The Gazette understands that the options on the table in front of the WGFNC clubs include: forming a new entity and going it alone as their own, separate competition away from AFL Gippsland; disaffiliating from AFL Victoria, creating a new league and going it alone; self-governing with an affiliation agreement with AFL Gippsland; maintaining the status quo; or entering into discussions with AFL Outer East – where they could be administered as an independent competition under the current West Gippsland model for an extended period of time.
While the current AFL Outer East model consists of the Premier, Division 1, and Division 2 tiers, it’s important to note that – should the West Gippsland clubs make the call to join the region – they would form an independent competition that wouldn’t be part of the promotion-relegation model.
The Gazette understands that AFL Victoria has scheduled a sanctioned meeting with the West Gippsland club presidents next Monday night in Drouin, and that the clubs have been told attendance is compulsory.
On the agenda will be the clubs’ meeting with AFL Outer East, and an update on the ‘G25’ review – or the Gippsland 2025 Strategic plan – which has been driven by AFL Victoria and is backed by the sport’s governing body, but is being conducted as an independent review by boutique consulting form ColganBauer.
Bainbridge stressed to the Gazette that the club presidents never said AFL Gippsland wasn’t an option moving forward, but that “there are concerns that some of us have with a lack of detail over what the future may look like, so speaking to Outer East is part of us exploring our options, and making a business decision”.
Bainbridge said the WGFNC clubs need structure moving forward, and that he was impressed by the detailed, transparent, “open book” nature of the Outer East’s presentation.
“The West Gippsland competition has a very of a bright future ahead,” Bainbridge said.
“The better we’re managed, the more control we’ll be able to take in promoting our league and brand.
“The clubs are everything when it comes to our league – without us, nothing exists, and for us to get together and stick by each other, it’s been a great process.”
Bainbridge has been encouraged by the “active discussion” taking place.
“For the Dusties, we’re one year into our time in West Gippsland and it probably took me that year to get a good look at what’s coming out of AFL Gippsland,” he said.
“I came out of that year with plenty of questions, which have made me even more keen to explore our options for the future.”
Bainbridge said the transparency of the Outer East’s presentation – particularly when it comes to finances, netball, promotion and sponsorship, and competition structure – really stood out.
“Without me prompting my concerns, their presentation addressed everything I wanted answered,” he said.
“My view is that if I was in AFL Gippsland’s shoes, I’d be focussed on what they can do better, rather than being upset by our clubs’ decision to explore our options.
“We’re just 12 clubs going about trying to enjoy our sport – football and netball – and we’re simply looking for the best outcome for all of us.
“I’ll keep an open mind for the meeting (early next week) and speak openly and honestly.
“What the clubs have done is act in our own best interests.
“I keep referring to ‘brand’ and that’s important – we’ve got a great league with a bright future. It’s clear to us people want to play in our league. The positives are amazing, and they’re only getting better.
“We know there’ll be change, but we want to be in control of that change as it comes.
“It’s not about AFL Gippsland – it’s about us. We’re exploring all our options, for the right reasons.”
The Gazette asked head of AFL Gippsland Richard Black about the latest when it comes to a potential 2020 West Gippsland season.
His response stated: “The return to play strategy for the region encompasses a range of scenarios tailored to each competition allowing for an equitable home and away and finals competition as the first priority. As with all competitions across all community sports, any announcement on a return to play date for community football will be made within the guidelines and restrictions of the Victorian Government.”
The Gazette also asked AFL Gippsland about the upcoming meeting with the WGFNC club presidents but there was no response forthcoming prior to print deadline.
