Millions to spend on washed-up American artists for the grand final, but apparently assisting under-resourced standalone clubs (who continue to provide players with a mature-age pathway to the AFL) isn't in the budget.
Very sad news that further shows how little respect the AFL has for the game's history. Is there any chance of Preston regaining their licence like Frankston did? Or is it too early to say?
Absolutely disgusted to hear the heartless decision made by the AFL. it's been mentioned by many about how much money was pissed away on interstate AFL clubs and on AFL Grand Final entertainment.
Since the VFA gave up the administration to the AFL it has been clear that the competition has not been run to benefit Victorian football and has just been used as a means to service the AFL.
The Preston Football Club has released a statement on today's decision by the AFL.
The Preston Football Club, the President and his Board of Directors, acknowledge the decision by the AFL to terminate the Club's licence following a number of concerns the AFL has held over the past three years.
Those concerns related to performances on the field and the administration of the Club.
The AFL expressed the performance of the Club over the past three years was unsatisfactory, citing its win/loss ratio and its percentage, making it – in the eyes of the AFL – uncompetitive in such a strong and viable competition.
With respect to governance, the AFL acknowledged it was approached by Rohan Welsh and Darren Bassett regarding concerns they had in the early part of season 2025 regarding the performance of the then-administration, to which the AFL stated it could not intervene and it was a matter for the Club's Board to work through.
President Neil Howard indicated to the AFL that the Club recognised there was a potential saviour to the current debt, and sought further time to make necessary enquiries with that entity before the AFL would formalise its decision to grant or terminate the Club from the VFL. Asked if this would place the Club in a different position, AFL Head of State Leagues Jennie Loughnan replied, “no it would not,” stating “the damage had already been done”.
Ms Loughnan recognised and applauded the current board for its resilience and dedication during what could only have been difficult times, however the decision had been made, as difficult as it was to terminate the Club's licence.
The Club is committed to supporting its players, coaches, staff and volunteers, and remains focused on clearing all debt including player contracts, coaches' payments and other administrative payments before the end of the calendar year.
President Neil Howard will again meet with the AFL tomorrow to ascertain what financial position the AFL might commit to for assistance in clearing that debt.
In finalisation, the Club and its Board would like to thank Ms Jodi Weightman for her momentous assistance in structuring the recent business strategy plan.
Preston have just released an official statement and it contains a very interesting paragraph about their debt situation. Sounds like they were working on having a large portion of their debt waived and the AFL rejected their request for more time. Not too dissimilar to how they treated us in 2016.
I see very little chance of Preston regaining their licence like we did. The club is in an awkward geographic position whereas Frankston has always had a large region to draw supporters and players from. And with the league comprising more than 20 teams, the AFL is no doubt more eager to trim some fat than they were in 2016.
Terrible news. The woke afl would rather spend millions on garbage like snoop dog. They also pump millions to aflw and not one cent to clubs like Preston. Very sad to see a 143 year old club go like this. I went to their last ever win against Williamstown. Listened to their club song after the game. I'm hoping for a miracle but unlike Frankston due to their location will be much tougher.
Since the VFA handed over administration of the competition to the AFL in the mid 90s we have seen..
VFL/AFL clubs join the competition
A 12/10 rule to have a ratio of AFL listed players to VFA/VFL players removed
The scrapping of the VFL reserves/development league
Salary cap reduction as ratio to reduction of playing lists
TAC/U18 pathway alignments stripped away (eg Oakleigh > Port Melbourne)
AFL clubs player restrictions on VFL finals eligibility weakened
AFL clubs no longer required to pay a license fee
VFA/VFL clubs still required to play a license fee in their own comp
Interstate AFL clubs added to the competition
Fixturing games at ridiculous start times that reduce crowd numbers and club income.
And that's just off the top of my head.
Factor in the AFL salary caps.. Even individual AFL listed players are earning more than the total debt that Preston is experiencing
Since the AFL has taken over the competition, it has purely been run to further the AFL's self interest.
After the terrible news of Preston it makes me more determined than ever to organise a full on formal celebration of VFA 150 years in 2027. The woke afl can go jump. The vfa clubs past and present, players,committee, supporters, coaches and everyone involved deserve a massive 150 celebration in 2027. I will set the ground work in next few weeks and start the ball rolling. Have plenty of time to start planning. Will keep you posted. With facebook, YouTube, past players committees and sites, vfa halcyon days, vfl rewind and many other various ways we will start getting the word out.
Millions to spend on washed-up American artists for the grand final, but apparently assisting under-resourced standalone clubs (who continue to provide players with a mature-age pathway to the AFL) isn't in the budget.
Very sad news that further shows how little respect the AFL has for the game's history. Is there any chance of Preston regaining their licence like Frankston did? Or is it too early to say?
Absolutely disgusted to hear the heartless decision made by the AFL. it's been mentioned by many about how much money was pissed away on interstate AFL clubs and on AFL Grand Final entertainment.
Since the VFA gave up the administration to the AFL it has been clear that the competition has not been run to benefit Victorian football and has just been used as a means to service the AFL.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Official statement from the Preston Football Club
https://www.prestonfc.com.au/post/club-statement
Club statement
The Preston Football Club has released a statement on today's decision by the AFL.
The Preston Football Club, the President and his Board of Directors, acknowledge the decision by the AFL to terminate the Club's licence following a number of concerns the AFL has held over the past three years.
Those concerns related to performances on the field and the administration of the Club.
The AFL expressed the performance of the Club over the past three years was unsatisfactory, citing its win/loss ratio and its percentage, making it – in the eyes of the AFL – uncompetitive in such a strong and viable competition.
With respect to governance, the AFL acknowledged it was approached by Rohan Welsh and Darren Bassett regarding concerns they had in the early part of season 2025 regarding the performance of the then-administration, to which the AFL stated it could not intervene and it was a matter for the Club's Board to work through.
President Neil Howard indicated to the AFL that the Club recognised there was a potential saviour to the current debt, and sought further time to make necessary enquiries with that entity before the AFL would formalise its decision to grant or terminate the Club from the VFL. Asked if this would place the Club in a different position, AFL Head of State Leagues Jennie Loughnan replied, “no it would not,” stating “the damage had already been done”.
Ms Loughnan recognised and applauded the current board for its resilience and dedication during what could only have been difficult times, however the decision had been made, as difficult as it was to terminate the Club's licence.
The Club is committed to supporting its players, coaches, staff and volunteers, and remains focused on clearing all debt including player contracts, coaches' payments and other administrative payments before the end of the calendar year.
President Neil Howard will again meet with the AFL tomorrow to ascertain what financial position the AFL might commit to for assistance in clearing that debt.
In finalisation, the Club and its Board would like to thank Ms Jodi Weightman for her momentous assistance in structuring the recent business strategy plan.
Further statements will be made in due course.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Preston have just released an official statement and it contains a very interesting paragraph about their debt situation. Sounds like they were working on having a large portion of their debt waived and the AFL rejected their request for more time. Not too dissimilar to how they treated us in 2016.
I see very little chance of Preston regaining their licence like we did. The club is in an awkward geographic position whereas Frankston has always had a large region to draw supporters and players from. And with the league comprising more than 20 teams, the AFL is no doubt more eager to trim some fat than they were in 2016.
Terrible news. The woke afl would rather spend millions on garbage like snoop dog. They also pump millions to aflw and not one cent to clubs like Preston. Very sad to see a 143 year old club go like this. I went to their last ever win against Williamstown. Listened to their club song after the game. I'm hoping for a miracle but unlike Frankston due to their location will be much tougher.
Since the VFA handed over administration of the competition to the AFL in the mid 90s we have seen..
VFL/AFL clubs join the competition
A 12/10 rule to have a ratio of AFL listed players to VFA/VFL players removed
The scrapping of the VFL reserves/development league
Salary cap reduction as ratio to reduction of playing lists
TAC/U18 pathway alignments stripped away (eg Oakleigh > Port Melbourne)
AFL clubs player restrictions on VFL finals eligibility weakened
AFL clubs no longer required to pay a license fee
VFA/VFL clubs still required to play a license fee in their own comp
Interstate AFL clubs added to the competition
Fixturing games at ridiculous start times that reduce crowd numbers and club income.
And that's just off the top of my head.
Factor in the AFL salary caps.. Even individual AFL listed players are earning more than the total debt that Preston is experiencing
Since the AFL has taken over the competition, it has purely been run to further the AFL's self interest.
Disgusting.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
3WBC VFL Rewind put up a special episode yesterday :
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5k00m096LmrOYe1i2lY92Q?si=cikFd2HmSH6rF...
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
After the terrible news of Preston it makes me more determined than ever to organise a full on formal celebration of VFA 150 years in 2027. The woke afl can go jump. The vfa clubs past and present, players,committee, supporters, coaches and everyone involved deserve a massive 150 celebration in 2027. I will set the ground work in next few weeks and start the ball rolling. Have plenty of time to start planning. Will keep you posted. With facebook, YouTube, past players committees and sites, vfa halcyon days, vfl rewind and many other various ways we will start getting the word out.