WA footy retains independence
The AFL has given assurances a national review into second-tier and community football will not be the death-knell of an independent WAFL competition.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan announced the review yesterday while detailing a list of focus points for the AFL this year.
A national women's competition is high on the agenda, along with a more rigorous accreditation scheme for AFL coaches.
McLachlan hoped the women's competition would be introduced within two years, but conceded it could take longer.
He said the review of second-tier and community football would be wide-ranging, but would not result in the WAFL and SANFL being rebranded under the AFL banner.
A range of initiatives will be considered to improve the State leagues and create a streamlined pathway for players moving into the AFL system.
The implementation of a level salary cap spanning across the three major State-based competitions, including the VFL, will also be considered.
However, McLachlan insisted the review was in its embryonic stages and would not pre-empt major changes to the status quo.
Crucially, McLachlan said the WA Football Commission and its South Australian counterpart were on board with the review.
"We will be looking at a review of the spend through our States and look for opportunities for improvement across talent, across community football and across broader participation," McLachlan said.
