AFL FANS ASSOCIATION (AFLFA): “GIVING FOOTY FANS A VOICE”
| I hope this message finds you well and you are enjoying the 2025 season as we reach the halfway mark. It’s been a year of surprises, milestones, and ongoing challenges—and the AFL Fans Association (AFLFA) remains committed to ensuring that your voice is heard on the issues that matter most. Working with the AFL on Fan Issues In our 2024 Fan Survey, 95% of respondents agreed the AFL should consult the AFLFA before implementing changes that affect fans. That’s a clear message, and we’re making sure it’s acted on. Following our meeting with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon last December, it was agreed that we would hold regular meetings with AFL departments to address, discuss, and resolve key fan concerns. We now have meetings scheduled with: Josh Bowler, Head of Fixturing/Scheduling Steve McBurney, Head of Umpiring Emma Moore, General Manager AFLW These conversations are an important step toward making sure fan feedback is heard at the highest levels and help us work collaboratively to make the game better for everyone. Welcoming Chris Henderson as AFLFA Patron In May, we proudly welcomed Chris Henderson as a Patron of the AFLFA, joining Susan Alberti AC, Jason Ball, and Che Cockatoo-Collins. Chris’s inspiring story — from local football in Ballarat to premiership success in wheelchair footy with Richmond and Victoria — exemplifies leadership, inclusion, and passion for the game. Now the Senior Coach at Essendon’s Wheelchair Football Team, he also champions accessibility through his Freedom Sports Foundation, a not-for-profit creating positive sporting experiences for young people with disabilities. We’re thrilled to have Chris on board as a strong voice for inclusion in sport. New Committee Members – National Representation Achieved At our AGM on April 29, we welcomed four new committee members, giving us representation across all states — a significant milestone for a national Fans Association. Our new committee members are: Anthony Cohen – Swans fan, NSW Anne-Maree Smith – Saints fan, Tasmania Peter Ballucci – Pies fan, WA Ben Van Raay – Hawks fan, VIC and will be joining with our existing committee members: Ron Issko – Tigers fan, Vic Justin Leckie – Port fan, SA Sheridan Verwey – Pies fan, Vic Debbie Hall – Tigers fan, Vic Mark Costello – GWS fan, NSW Sally Bennett – Dees fan, Vic Matthew Rehn – Pies fans, Qld Angus McDougal – Saints fan, Singapore We now have a 12-member volunteer committee working across Australia to amplify fans' voices and improve the fan’s match-day experience. Is the Four-Umpire System Working? We continue to hear frustration about inconsistent umpiring, especially with holding-the-ball decisions that can vary from quarter to quarter. This raises important questions: Are there enough experienced umpires for a four-umpire system? Would full-time umpires improve consistency? Should umpires publicly explain controversial decisions each week to help educate fans? These are issues we’ll be raising in our meeting with Steve McBurney, and we’ll share updates following those discussions. Floating Fixture – Fans Still Frustrated The floating fixture, introduced during COVID, remains a source of planning frustration. Fans want more certainty when organising their travels to interstate games, family holidays and family celebrations. If the AFL intends to keep the floating fixture long-term, we urge them to release match dates and times 8–10 weeks in advance to give fans sufficient planning notice. No Free to air footy on traditional Saturday It’s hard to fathom that in season 2025 there is no Free to Air (FTA) footy on Saturday in Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory and only some FTA footy in the other states. Fans are the lifeblood of footy and the largest stakeholders in the game. Removing FTA footy on Saturday and expecting fans to pay for Foxtel/Kayo is not the way to thank fans – rather it’s taking fans for granted. With the cost of living pressures not all fans can afford to pay for streaming services to watch the footy. We have had numerous fans and supporters all around Australia contact us stating their unhappiness with not being able to see live Saturday footy on FTA. We believe that the broadcast deal is not fairly balanced and we call on Andrew Dillon to reinstate FTA footy on Saturday so that all fans and supporters can enjoy watching the best game in the world. Grand Final Time The AFL has listened to fans, confirming that the 2025 Grand Final will once again be held in the traditional 2.30pm timeslot. For many years, surveys and polls have consistently shown that around 3 in 4 fans prefer a daytime Grand Final. Last year’s AFLFA Fans Survey recorded an overwhelming 83% support for the 2.30pm start. When that many fans are in agreement, it’s only right to honour their preference. We thank Andrew for listening to the fans and perhaps the daytime Grand Final can be locked in for the next 5 years so we can avoid the unnecessary annual debate. Grand Final member access With club memberships at record levels, it’s time to increase the Grand Final ticket allocation for competing clubs. We’re calling on the AFL to raise allocations from the current 17,500 to at least 20,000 per team, and to reduce the corporate share so more loyal members can attend the big dance. Return of State of Origin? There’s growing talk of a State of Origin return following the success of the Indigenous All-Stars match earlier this year. Players and clubs seem on board — and we know the fans would love to see it back. Stadium Security – A Safe Space for All Following the recent incident at the MCG, it’s reassuring to see enhanced security across venues. Footy must always be a safe space, and we thank all stadium security teams for their hard work in keeping fans and families protected. AFLW Season 10 – A Milestone Year Season 10 of AFLW kicks off on Thursday, 14 August, with Carlton and Collingwood renewing their rivalry at IKON Park. Highlights include: 12-week regular season plus four weeks of finals Indigenous Round in Rounds 3 and 4, including Dreamtime in the Top End Two-week Pride Round (Rounds 9 & 10) Grand Final on Saturday 29 November Broadcasts across Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo and Binge If you haven’t attended an AFLW game, now is the perfect time to experience the excitement in a truly family-friendly atmosphere. Thank You, Tanya Hosch Thank you, Tanya for everything you’ve done to help ensure our great game truly is a game for everyone. We extend our heartfelt thanks to you and your team for the work in championing inclusion, particularly for fans with disabilities. Our committee member Debbie Hall has worked with the team to help resolve longstanding stadium access and seating issues and was instrumental in the appointments of AFLFA Patrons Che Cockatoo-Collins and Chris Henderson. Condolences On behalf of all fans, we extend our condolences to the families of Robert Walls, and Troy and Adam Selwood. Their contributions to the game will never be forgotten. What’s coming up AFLFA Annual Fan Survey – Launching Soon Our 4th Annual AFL Fans Survey will launch soon via our website and social media channels. It’s the only independent national fan survey, which provides the opportunity to hear from fans which help us prioritise our efforts. Survey results are shared with the AFL Executive, clubs, media, and fans — giving decision-makers a direct insight into what matters most to fans. Thank you again for your passion, support, and commitment to our great game. Thank you for your continued passion and support. The AFL Fans Association is powered by volunteers — fans just like you — and we’re committed to representing your voice and advocating for the game we all love. Let’s keep working together to make footy better for all fans - and good luck to your team for the rest of the season. |
AFLFA membership is free, and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au
More information: Email: media@aflfans.org.au.
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