From the Herald Sun
Reported by Damian Barret
Source - Superfooty Website
THE AFL's bid to control football in Victoria could destroy the state's senior competitions, according to a long-time VFL club president. Williamstown boss Trevor Monti says the AFL should stop trying to run the VFL after it failed to receive enough votes to do so at Monday night's VFL annual meeting
VFL clubs say the AFL wants to replace it with a new secondary competition whose teams would be based on the eastern seaboard.
"It is a radical change that they (the AFL) are seeking, and it will seriously erode the fundamental basis on which football in this state has grown, and been developed, and been supported," Monti said.
"The VFL is part of the cultural history of Victoria, and it stands now to slowly wither on the vine and die.
"We, along with other VFL clubs, are very concerned about what is being proposed by the AFL, as it attempts a complete and total takeover of all Victorian football."
While Monday night's vote was 16-15 for the AFL, under the VFL constitution, 23 "yes" votes were required.
The AFL has called more meetings today, seeking control, and has warned dissenting clubs that funding packages were in jeopardy.
Monti said the VFL believed the Football Victoria board had administered football successfully right across the board, from the VFL to junior competitions.
"We cannot see any need why there should be a change," he said. "We are suspicious of the reasoning behind the AFL push, and I am most suspicious, as are other clubs, about the AFL paying no heed to the senior competitions around the state, country and metropolitan."
The AFL's general manager national and international development, David Matthews, denied the AFL's plan would jeopardise senior competitions.
"There are three areas that the board works on - grants to community footy, the talent pathways and the VFL itself," Matthews said.
"The jewel in the crown is the participation that is provided and developed by community leagues.
"The issue is: what is the best governance model that means the AFL and Victorian football stakeholders can work more closely together.
"Opponents of the modes being put up will point to funding and make it an issue of politics and control, but the reality is it is none of that.
"It is: how does football organise itself and work more closely together in the face of increasing competition?"
Monti said the AFL's move was designed solely to put players in to the AFL system," Monti said.
"It has complete disregard for the rest of the competitions in the state," he said.
"I really fear for the future of Victorian football, across the board."
