George
Thank you for taking the time to forward your thoughts to the WAFC re the conversations that are occurring throughout the media re possible introduction of WCE/FFC teams into the WAFL. This issue has been around since day one when our state established our two AFL teams as both clubs believe ,and is supported by all other WAFL clubs, that having a reserves team ,whether at AFL or at WAFL levels is important for continuity of coaching , club culture, team fellowship etc etc.
The WAFL clubs have reserves teams for those same reasons but when the concept of adding AFL teams to the WAFL competition is raised there needs to be very careful analysis as doing anything that may damage the WAFL’s integrity will not happen.
The key issue for our states outstanding football system is how could our system be improved without impacting upon the INTEGRITY of the WAFL competition. That’s the conversations that will no doubt be happening over the 2011 football season.
The other important issue for you to understand ,is that the WAFL clubs have the final vote as to whether teams come in or not ,and so they will ultimately determine the outcome.
All clubs have shown their positive desire to look at any new idea such as this concept, even though they are not in favour at this stage and may not be later on once all details as to how this concept could work have been released. The fact they are prepared to listen and “not shut the door” before hand is a credit to them.
Debate as to how our states football system can keep on improving is healthy and therefore this issue will no doubt create great community conversation as has been happening so far.
We can assure you that no decision will be made without the most extensive reviews and analysis by every stakeholder body i.e. WAFL clubs /Districts/ Country/ WCE,FFC and others as that is the leadership role of the independent WA Football Commission.
Once the concept/business paper from the WCE/FFC has been released (e.g. some time at end of this month April) then all sections of the WA football family will be able to understand what and how the WCE/FFC propose this concept will work, and in particular ,will further enhance the WAFL competition and the overall game in WA.
Again, it is important for you to understand that for our game in WA to continually grow (as it has been doing over the past years) we need to fully embrace any new idea such as this one, so that once everyone has been able to review /analyse this new concept, then we as football family, can ensure that nothing is changed that will impact negatively upon any one particular area of our game in WA e.g. WAFL, Community clubs, junior development etc .
In establishing your Facebook “Say no to any AFL clubs in the WAFL” we would encourage you to make sure that all those passionate WAFL followers who may register, take time to listen to /review what our states two AFL clubs will say in their presentation later this month. Jumping at shadows today without knowledge of what might be said /offered doesn’t provide balance for our game overall in the future.
Your love of the WAFL is to be commended and we would hope that this ‘die hard” support continues into the years to come but from time to time any structure /system will be challenged as to new ideas which everyone of us must take time to think through as that is the only way our game in WA can keep on improving.
All the very best and thank you.
Kind regards
Grant
Grant Dorrington BEM
Director of Football