We caught up with AFL Victoria’s General Manager Grant Williams to discuss the off-season, the season so far, and what hot topics are on the horizon for the VFL and TAC Cup.
VFL RECORD: How do you view the TAC Cup competition heading into 2013?
GRANT WILLIAMS: It just keeps on producing very pleasing results year after year. Last year there were 33 players or 55 per cent of those selected at the NAB AFL November Draft originating from the TAC Cup. Once again the TAC Cup provided the first selection, the 11th time that has occurred in the 21-year history of the competition; eight of the first 10 selections came from the TAC Cup regions and there was 13 TAC Cup graduates in first round draft selections. It again reflects very positively on the community football League network in Victoria, our High Performance Managers and AFL Victoria’s Talent Managers who look after the 12 regions where there are TAC Cup clubs. The Talent Managers are forever promoting and improving their program to ensure players maximize their ability. Not only is it rewarding to see young men progress to the AFL, but also return to their local clubs and/or leagues or transition into the Peter Jackson VFL and make an impact.
VFLR: And, what of the Peter Jackson VFL competition?
GW: Certainly, we want to build on the standard that has been established over recent seasons. Feedback from the Geelong and Port Melbourne ‘Powered by Milk’ Grand Final was most encouraging as the game showcased the high talent and skill level. The VFL, with its unique mix of AFL listed players and non-listed players, produces an exceptionally high standard of football. What underscored that high standard of football was that another nine VFL players found themselves on AFL lists after the NAB AFL Drafts. We’re looking to see the results of the additional investment that has been made in the AFL Victoria Development League and AFL Victoria VFL Academy.
VFLR: With Bendigo and Essendon fielding stand-alone teams this season and Coburg, Richmond, Western Bulldogs and Williamstown to do likewise next season, is the stability of the competition an issue?
GW: We recognise a need for the competition to be more stable and robust, but we also understand the practicalities the unique mix of clubs that are in Victoria – 10 AFL and 11 VFL clubs. What must be understood is that clubs have the right to make certain choices and therefore the competition will continue to evolve in the foreseeable future.
VFLR: Is the role of the traditional VFL clubs sustainable?
GW: Yes. There needs to be a mix of AFL, VFL and AFL and VFL aligned clubs to ensure there is enough opportunity for Victorian players to continue along the talent pathway. There are a certain number of spots available in the competition for non-listed AFL players to develop. One thing that the traditional VFL clubs, whether they be stand alone, partially aligned or fully aligned, provide is opportunities for young players to develop, pursue the best standard of football they can play and possibly gain the opportunity to progress to an AFL club. The competition has a role to play in the development of young AFL listed players as well.
VFLR: Is there a blueprint for the VFL future?
GW: AFL Victoria has provided three year licenses to all clubs to the end of 2014. Within those licenses there are a number of obligations for VFL clubs to comply with including requirements to remain financially viable. We will continue to work with all VFL clubs to provide the best possible support we can to establish their long term viability.
VFLR: Why the changes to the Foxtel Cup?
GW: The impact on the VFL fixture with three clubs participating in the Foxtel Cup was considerable. With just two clubs participating – Port Melbourne and Werribee – we have been able to pull a game from the Round 16 draw to ensure the competition doesn’t have to have byes to accommodate those VFL clubs playing in the Foxtel Cup. We have been able to structure the VFL draw to accommodate those games where VFL clubs are playing in the Foxtel Cup. The feedback from all those VFL clubs who have played in the Foxtel Cup over the past two years has been most positive.
VFLR: How does AFL Victoria handle awareness and responsibility of players adhering to the anti-doping policy?
GW: Education is the key. AFL Victoria has facilitated discussions with clubs. Given some of the breaches that have occurred in the VFL competition it should have created a greater awareness about the issues of anti-doping in competitions underneath the AFL. What is very clear is that AFL Victoria wants to educate people to make the right choice and seek qualified medical advice in the first instance. The risks are not worth it. It is also clear that commercially available supplements are not necessarily compliant. Being tested and producing a positive test is not the only way to breach the code. Items ordered over the Internet, which come through customs, will cause action to be taken that will result a breach of the code.
VFLR: Is there tangible evidence to suggest that the popularity of the VFL has increased with the explosion of social media as an immediate source of information?
GW: Twitter and Facebook have really helped AFL Victoria to promote and advertise both the TAC Cup - @TACCup - and VFL - @VFLnews. In the past two years TAC Cup twitter followers have grown by more than 500 per cent while VFL followers have soared by nearly 1000 per cent. Facebook has experienced similar spikes. If you haven’t joined either medium, join today and keep up-to-date with all the news, information and entertainment for both competitions.
VFLR: What is the key feature of this year’s VFL fixture?
GW: Firstly, there is a reduction in byes and all clubs are more comfortable with fewer byes. Also, there are more night matches with five of the nine fixtured night games to be on a Friday night, with Bendigo, Geelong, Werribee and Casey Scorpions all hosting night matches. It is pleasing to see VFL clubs looking at different times to fixture their matches. Geelong will be utilising the recent redevelopment of Simonds Stadium to host a night match, and Bendigo will once again look to Friday nights to build their support in the Bendigo community; giving locals an opportunity to experience state league football. We worked with clubs over the last few months to ensure that we have been able to accommodate as many requests as possible into the draw, with a particular focus on requests of aligning VFL and AFL byes, which we have tried to achieve where possible.
VFLR: How did you assess the AFL Development League in its first season?
GW: We supported VFL clubs with development grants targeted at their club not only in supporting their club, but also their Development League team with extra support through technology or resources. We believe it was a most positive start.
Last Modified on 24/04/2013 12:26