It's a been a massive year in country football and in the midst of of finals we stop to reflect on the past 12 months.

There is always something pretty magical about Grand Final Day. After a long and arduous winter, spring has arrived and with it comes the most important match on the football calendar.

Regardless of whether you're a player, coach, umpire or supporter with your hopes hinging on the premiership decider, or just an interested onlooker, Grand Final day is always an occasion to savour.

I would like to wish all teams who are competing today the best of luck and I hope win, lose or draw, you continue to be involved in country football in 2014 and beyond.

While I'm certain there have been many highlights on the field this season, off it, much has been achieved.

The restructure of country football administration is close to being complete, 18 months ahead of schedule.

Nine Region Commissions are already in place, with all 13 expected to be in place by November 1.

Advertising for commissioners in Sunraysia, Wimmera/Mallee, Yarra Valley and Central Murray has already begun with appointments expected in the coming months.

Of the eight larger regions, six Region General Managers (RGMs) have been appointed with the interview process having also begun in the AFL South East and advertising for the AFL Gippsland RGMs under way.

The state-wide appointment of 28 Football Development Manager (FDM) positions is also close to being complete with just two final appointments in AFL Gippsland to come.

This group, which includes many new faces as well as former Area Managers and Regional Development Managers who have transitioned into the new FDM role, represents a significant investment in country football.

The additional resources will be a significant asset to local football communities and provide on-ground support which is vital to help grow and develop the game in regional and rural Victoria.

The restructure has placed greater emphasis on ensuring administration decisions are made by local people with the benefit of local knowledge and experience, and for the long term benefit of their specific region.

Arguably the biggest highlight on the country football calendar this season was the WorkSafe Country Championships in May. Thirty six leagues took part with the Geelong FL edging out the Goulburn Valley FL to be crowned Victoria's No.1 country competition.

Plans are already being made for an even bigger carnival in 2014 with more leagues indicating their intentions to compete. Next year will also see a representative side from WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country compete against a combined side of Metropolitan Melbourne's six senior competitions for the first time since 1986.

The WorkSafe Games of the Month were again highly successful this season. Champion footballers Peter Knights, Terry Daniher, and for the first time, Gary Ayres, all entertained crowds at seven destinations across the state.

The events, which will be back in 2014, helps to spread the important message of country football's biggest supporter, WorkSafe, to communities across Victoria and ensure workplace safety is something we all make a priority in our daily lives.

Finally, I would like to thank the countless club and league volunteers that are the backbone of country football. Without your support our great game just wouldn't be possible. I hope you have a safe and happy off-season and return just as passionate in 2014.

Brett Connell
WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country
Country Football Manager

Article first appeared www.vcfl.com.au Sept 16, 2013