LETTER FROM STATE BODY

Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott has issued a letter to leagues and clubs regarding the return of football this weekend – see the letter here.

While footy’s return has been welcomed across the state, it is clearly not without challenges, including the ruling that there be no crowds permitted.

Despite the rule on no crowds, League surveying this week showed that the benefits of a return to play were still viewed by most clubs as outweighing the drawbacks – however, there is an inevitable financial cost to be incurred, particularly for senior clubs.

It is for this reason that both AFL Victoria and the WRFL recommends that senior clubs and players alike strongly consider reducing (if not forgoing altogether) player payments this weekend. While recognising some players will rely on match payments more so than others, the significant impact to the volunteers & the long-term sustainability of the club by a playing group willingly reducing/forgoing player payments this weekend cannot be understated.

The WRFL strongly encourages all player senior leadership groups to consider what measures they can implement for the long-term benefit of their club.