Overnight the Victorian narrative has moved from Malcolm Turnbull’ $5 billion airport rail link promise and his facepalm-worthy You’re the Voice moment with Neil Mitchell back to the AFL.
The announcement of a funding package in which the state government will allocate $225 million in the budget for the Etihad Stadium redevelopment may look like a handout to the AFL, and it fits the narrative that some try to run with.
With Etihad Stadium now 100 per cent owned by the AFL, the question of whether to retain or demolish was raised.
The future of the venue is of clear concern to the state government as its presence is an asset to the city. For what really is the bargain price of $225 million, Victoria gets a commitment from the AFL that the venue is available for all sports and activities for the next 30 years.
And what does the $225 million buy? The reality is that there has been some interesting talk about changing the nature of the stadium externally and of creating more of a ‘precinct’ environment linked to the city on the east and to the waterfront on the west.
We’ve seen what a precinct reimagining has done for Adelaide, with the Adelaide Oval redevelopment including connectivity to the city in a broader project than ‘just a stadium’.
(Creative commons)
The AFL has also extended the term of the commitment of the AFL grand final to the MCG. As indicated this morning, the MCG (run by the MCC on behalf of the MCG Trust) has not always worked in partnership with the AFL. The relationship at times has been strained, and dating back to the days of VFL Park the relationship between the VFL, Victorian government and the MCC was far from friendly.
This commitment, though, is seen as the signal for the MCC to go ahead with a major redevelopment of the southern stand with the security of a committed relationship.
Back to the government funding announcements, the AFL has secured $20 million to upgrade Ikon Park in Carlton into the home of AFLW. Further funds include improvements at Victoria Park, Casey Fields and Whitten Oval with the AFLW in mind along with $15 million towards the female-friendly facilities grants program.
The government is committing almost $500 million from elite to grassroots into Victorian sport and this will include multi-sport suburban precincts such as Albert Park, Yarra Bend, Jells Park, Olinda Precinct and Ryan’s Reserve.
Much of the stimulus for this has been the surge in women’s football. I’ve suggested to some of the critics of the AFLW that it’s just the tempter – the main course is yet to come, with the surge of female participation providing higher quality recruits in the forthcoming seasons.
The pressure on local councils and the state government for funding is something that men’s footy alone could not achieve. The women have become a vital cog in unlocking government purse strings and gaining the attention of the policymakers.
Gerry
Roar Rookie
I have not done enough research on it and I am not sure I want to if complex political wrangling is involved as it is inevitably. However I feel that women's sports are getting more popular and more exposure, slowly but surely. Top female athletes like Jessica Ennis, Ellyse Perry, Sam Kerr and Sally Pearson as well as the success of the women's cricket team, netball team and soccer team are really getting higher profiles and generating excitement from the public. My step daughter is just starting to get involved in sports and netball and it would be fabulous to see her progress as she has never been a sporty person. it may be a pipe dream but it would be absolutely radical if there could be a world competition featuring all the major field world sports such as soccer, rugby 7's, shortened version of Twenty20 cricket, (Ten ten as played in the UAE recently) hockey, basketball, volleyball, netball and baseball with the AFLW and perhaps American football being invitational sports to spread their coverage. With no single game being longer than an hour and held in a neutral seasonal month such as September for both hemispheres to participate. It could be called something like the Pan60 Women's Games. (60 referring to 60 mins) Of course all the formalities and details would need to be fleshed out but it would be a bold move and I guess people are just going to ridicule it. Anyway it's just a thought. If it worked though, you can bet the men's competition would gladly follow. As a man I would not care if the women got there first and indeed would applaud it. What do you reckon? Or should I just crawl back into my hole. Haha.I am serious though. It would really help to propel women's sports into the place it should be now.
Perry Bridge
Guest
#Anon Re the Perth Stadium. Remember that the AFL and WAFC did NOT instigate the project - and were not signed on until quite late in the piece. The Stadium project and location is very much driven by Crown Resorts - who along with Qantas direct flights from Europe and the foot bridge over from East Perth (finished yet?) - are hoping that their business (high rollers) model will improve. It's a massive spend - the AFL would never have pushed for that much - granted back 10 years ago the AFL had labelled Subiaco the 'least adequate' ground in the comp and were pushing for either a new venue or a major upgrade. Note too - there's a whole urban renewal around the Subiaco oval precinct now which is the sort of thing Govt's love - pushing up land values, inner city livability and amenity.
Perry Bridge
Guest
#Gyfox Agreed in that respect - however - that ship has sadly sailed back in the 1980s when the death warrant was signed for VFL Park. However - making the GF a Twilight fixture will allow everyone to have good seats - there's no sun shadows and silhouettes at night time. For now - Etihad 100% AFL owned will become a cash cow. MCG deals are the best that can be done there - imagine if the Govt kicked in $500 mill and reduced the burden on the AFL to underpin the MCC. The irony of the Adelaide Oval is the SANFL 'power' was broken by the AFL. The resultant oval looks great however the SANFL lose their cash cow - I always ponder about how much the brokering of the deal between the SACA/SANFL and Govt was secretly a consolidation of power back into AFL House.
The Joy Of X
Guest
It is indisputable that community female Australian Football and the "AFLW is helping to grow the game"- to record numbers! There are about 463,000 registered female players. Amazingly, AFL officials are publicly predicting that female registration numbers will eventually be similar to male numbers! Female registrations are surprisingly very strong in Queensland (similar to Victoria) -where League is the dominant code. There is also good growth in NSW and the ACT. Thus, more and more "new" families are being exposed to Australian Football -"growing the game". The AFL showed very little real interest, or provided significant financial resources, to female football until it took control (by mutual agreement) of the VWFL in 2012 (The VWFL had a grand total of only 27 teams in 2007, and about 48 in 2011). It could no longer ignore, however, the major organic growth occuring in female schoolgirl Australian Football. It is primarily through the massive growth in female registered numbers in that Australian Football, arguably, overtook soccer as Australia's biggest team sport in 2017. FFA 2017 Official Detailed Registered Participants 1,631,041 AFL 2017 Official Detailed Registered Participants 1,596,660 (As the FFA in its above figure includes referees and coaches, I adopted the same principle for the AFL) Australian Football, in reality, probably surpassed soccer registered numbers in 2017 - because I suspect that soccer probably had many more participants who were double or triple counted. None of the codes crosscheck individual registered names against their own various programs. Soccer has futsal and summer programs -where the SAME players could also be playing Club AND school soccer. Also, many private schools ban their school Australian Football, Union, and League competition players from also playing these sports in community clubs -due to fear of injury/soreness/over exhaustion. As Australian Football is a FAR more physically exacting game (cf soccer), many players also decide VOLUNTARILY they don't want to play 2 Australian Football games within a day/a few days of each other. It is far less tiring in soccer to play 2 soccer games within a few days -and much less likelihood, obviously, of injury. It is probable that the AFL Official numbers, due to their stronger growth, will overtake the FFA numbers in 2018. The 'big' teams Richmond, Essendon, Hawthorn, West Coast, Geelong -and Sydney (big by NSW standards) will soon join the AFLW -providing another significant surge in female participant numbers. It is curious that the FFA has removed its 2017 Official Participation numbers and details from its website. Anyone know when, and why?
Paul D
Roar Guru
Not a bad lineup for only a year or so in operation. If you're insisting Subiaco should have been kept until it fell to bits that's not much of an argument - yes Sheeran could have played there but he could also have played at the shores of Lake Disappointment in the middle of the Gibson desert. Got a stat for that upkeep figure? The MCG trust doesn't pay anywhere near that. And as has been explained, they fund their own repairs and upgrades through certainty of games and finals. The correct term to use is depreciation btw, rather than upkeep. Operating costs are surprisingly minimal once ground hire fees are factored in - the bulk of the costs come in initial construction, ground hire covers ongoing expenses. Additionally calling the AFL a billion dollar business simply isn't true - this is an outfit that since 2008 has posted a combined 60 million profit over 10 years, once payments to clubs and disbursements to grassroots footy etc are taken into account. http://www.afl.com.au/afl-hq/annual-reports Have a read. The 2017 report has the financial section on page 84. Yes, the AFL makes some money, but the scope of funding the entirety of a 1.8 billion stadium upgrade as you seem to propose that they do is totally beyond them, the interest payments alone would be unaffordable and would have saddled them with a dreadfully encumbrance. Moreover, this is an organisation that is dutybound to safeguard and protect Australian Rules football - how do you propose they do that if they get caught up in a massive construction project and pour all their money into a facility for elite players, rather than the community. The state government has a duty to spend at least some of our taxes on stadiums - plenty of people in this country are sports fans and the government routinely spends money constructing and building public assets that are only used by a certain number of people - bikeways, jetties, boat ramps, sporting fields, buses, trains, hell, even hospitals. Plenty of people turn up their toes at home suddenly and never take advantage of all their taxes spent on medical care. I'm sorry to disappoint you but you don't actually live in a twilight zone. You just live in a fug of your own ignorance when it comes to economics. Surely you must realise this by now kolson
Perry Bridge
Guest
#anon The Vic Govt LOVES having grand venues like Etihad and the MCG. It's used for promotion of the state, to attract 'major events' - to bid for things like world cups (variety of sports), Olympics/Comm Games etc. The Vic Govt has benefitted greatly from these 2 venues and how much did the Vic Govt put in?? MCG $77 mill out of the full rebuilt cost of $576 mill (based on $142 mill in 1990ish and $434 mill in 2004-5 ish). Etihad - no cash - sold the land cheaply to Docklands developers (as was done at the time - no direct benefit to the AFL - initial plans for stadium were for a soccer venue anyway). About $460 mill to build back in late '90s. Between the two - over $1 billion of infrastructure at prices that would be far higher now. And what is the key in this? The AFL. Without the AFL either the Govt would've had to stump up the cash or - the alternative is these projects don't happen. And so the AFL which in the guise of the VFL in a previous lifetime had bought land and built their own stadium at Waverley - not again is a stadium owner. And what has the state govt done in the home of this great game? Simple - the state govt has provided govt welfare to the competition. The only 100% Govt funded football stadium in the city is AAMI Park, $267 million for the opposition - and at the time it was built that comprised News Ltd owned Melb Storm playing in a comp half owned by Telstra and News Ltd; and the privately owned Melb Victory, along with a promise of a potential privately owned Rugby Union franchise. The reality is that pretty well all funds towards AFL projects in Melb related to the AFL have required community access, take North Melb/Arden St for example - the walls had to come down and community access to the facilities was a key element (and fairenough - the club is still the NMFC based in North Melb as a community born club and community asset). The Perth Stadium example is a poor one. The Govt went off with the Burswood folk - and decided to go down the path they did without either the WACA or WAFL/AFL being signed up to the project. The end result looks fabulous but gee - it was not a prime example of how to go about it. The Adelaide Stadium - you need to be careful how you describe that one. A good amount of funding was for the precinct, the bridge and river side redevelopment. Money had already been allocated to projects related to the SANFL owned/operated AAMI Stadium (Football Park). These were redirected, the AFL brokered to bring the SANFL and SACA together to break down an ancient rivalry of animosity). The SANFL knock down most of AAMI Stadium and that becomes a 'local' ground - rather than the biggest in town - the Adelaide oval on the door step of the city becomes the big venue and this has proven fabulous for the city of Adelaide. It's a 'Go To' city now with this venue. And it's not controlled by the sporting bodies. There's been a major shift in 'power/control' there. re AFLW - that fulfills a determined goal of govt to increase female participation in sports full stop. That's why Govt threw lots of money at soccer over the previous decade. And now - AFLW is the tip of the iceberg of womens footy participation that is achieving what Govt policy alone can't. That's because the Govt is only so good at changing attitudes - they need the help of community partners to drive messages, facilities, opportunities etc. The AFL is very, very important in the social fabric of this country because - apart from anything else - it IS our game and it IS a reflection of OUR social attitudes in a way that the more international sports just can't.
anon
Roar Pro
It’s a symbiotic relationship – the AFL would have happily stayed at Subiaco, but the WA government wanted a big stadium for more cricket events, international events, concerts, and the footy. The only additional events that the $1.8 billion stadium have attracted are two Ed Sheeran concerts (which would have been at Subiaco any way with the best viewing position on the floor), a Taylor Swift concert (which would have been at Subiaco any way with the best viewing position on the floor), some moto cross event, and a Perth Glory vs Chelsea exhibition match. The upkeep on a $1.8 billion stadium must be $10-20 million per year and will increase over time. Completely economically unfeasible. The government has subsidised the AFL to the tune of $1.8 billion and will continue to subsidise them over the life of the stadium. It's like I exist in some kind of Twilight Zone where very profitable billion dollar businesses need and deserve government hand outs. Really weird and goes against all logic.
anon
Roar Pro
Never take off. They play Rugby in New Zealand.
anon
Roar Pro
Football isn't going anywhere if the government doesn't provide welfare to their business. People will still attend, spend money in pubs, etc. Dole recipients also put money back into the economy (in fact all their money back into the economy). Using your rationale we should increase welfare spending since it will improve GDP figures.
Aligee
Guest
Understand this!!!!!, the State Government understands that hundreds of thousands of people visit Melbourne and then possibly Victoria or parts of it because they come for the footy every year. - year in - year out. That is one huge driver of jobs, taxes and growth and money bought into the state. Melbourne is not the Barrier Reef, or even Sydney beaches or Harbour, it has its strengths which is sport and the Arts and it will spend big to stay on top in those fields. So sprucing up the place is also a driver of jobs, growth, impetus to come again and ultimately taxes. Unlike the Sydney Stadium upgrades which look a bit wonky to me, upgrading Melbournes is a sure fire winner. Understand that!!!!
Paul D
Roar Guru
Oh please "According to a report published by Fairfax, an Adelaide player contacted the AFL after the round-four match between the Crows and Greater Western Sydney alleging an opponent had sexually harassed her during the game. It is believed the player making the complaint does not want the matter taken further." So there you go. It wasn't censored, it just wasn't even a story. I would think if the player decided it wasn't worth complaining the least the media could do is drop it I bet there's plenty of girls out there glad they don't have you for a dad either
Paul D
Roar Guru
Christ, not this again. Economic infant you are. How is it corporate welfare if the WA state government opts to construct a new stadium? If the AFL didn't play there, the stadium would be pointless - it would never make any money. It's a symbiotic relationship - the AFL would have happily stayed at Subiaco, but the WA government wanted a big stadium for more cricket events, international events, concerts, and the footy. Why should the AFL be obligated to pony up every time a state government decides to improve a stadium? Explain that in an economic and legal sense how they can be compelled to do so. Your repeated statements about corporate welfare are just the lazy doggerel of someone who stopped paying attention to the news a long time ago and has never bothered to update their invective. The burgeoning TV rights deals have made the AFL financially independent, they do contributions towards stadiums (Spotless got about 15 mill, they've committed the same to Springfield, and chipped in 4 million for Geelong's upgrade too.) Traditionally the AFL has only gotten involved in funding upgrades or renovations to existing large stadiums, it has generally not paid anything for construction costs. What you know about AFLW that is accurately true could be written onto a tampon.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Really what this decision is about is saving Victorian taxpayers from paying for their own stadiums. Whereas the other states, with only 2 teams, and distance issues have to fund their infrastructure themselves, guaranteeing the MCG the grand final for a further 20 years gives the MCG financial security and stability for the future to fund their own upgrade. I think the upgrades to all the suburban sporting grounds are more important and will have more impact though, and are the real story. Any government spending on grassroots sporting infrastructure is good spending, particularly in this ever fattening and lethargic nation of ours.
Cat
Roar Guru
Every mega corporation out there benefits from special taxes breaks. Companies like Google, Tesla, SpaceX, Microsoft and Apple all have decided where to build their mega factories/server farms based on what state/local government deals they could get. Its a symbiotic relationship.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
True, but that doesn't Gina from getting them.
Nick Symonds
Guest
"There isn’t anything more that the AFL can do to “grow” AFLW yet it’s still not working." How about putting a team in New Zealand? They seem intent on putting a men's team there one day.
anon
Roar Pro
Why is the government subsidising a business that turns over half a billion per year and has media rights worth $2.5 billion? They don't provide a public service they are in the entertainment business. I think you have it backwards. Successful billion dollar businesses don't need welfare.
Aligee
Guest
I am really not sure why you cant get your head around it, i seriously cant, the flow on effect from football tourism alone to the Vic economy would be truly mind boggling, let alone Vic people visiting the city for footy etc. The amount of mum and dad businesses from takeaways to sports shops to pubs to eateries to the markets to fashion shops etc etc etc that survive, thrive and pay taxes on the back of footy tourism and indeed sports tourism would be massive. The Government's first priority is to look after its citizens, they do this by keeping people in jobs. Including women's football is just growing the pie, it widens the demographic visiting and keeps its standard demographic interested.
anon
Roar Pro
The AFL have this real beggar mentality. They tell everyone that they are worth $3 billion to the Victorian economy each year, their media rights are worth billions, yet they still go to governments cap in hand begging for more corporate welfare. They got a $1.8 billion stadium in Perth effectively for free, SA government rebuilt Adelaide Oval for $500 million, and now another lazy quarter of a million from the Victorian government. I can't get my head around why governments are subsidising what is by far the most successful professional sports league in Australia and one of the highest attended on a per game basis on Earth. And please, AFLW isn't helping grow anything. Money that goes from government coffers to AFLW is simply a misallocation of wealth. There isn't anything more that the AFL can do to "grow" AFLW yet it's still not working. It's subsidised with free entry, national television coverage (on FTA television no less), expensive marketing campaigns, yet still no-one is watching. 7k people turned up for the Grand Final. The State of Origin match last year had an even lower attendance despite not competing against men's football.
Aligee
Guest
I think you will find at many levels womens footy is great, country, suburban, amateurs etc are not all man hating radical feminists, but FME there is certainly an element of that from what i saw when on the fringes of helping out a few years ago. I