Weekly Times | AFL Barwon has taken the step to shut media out of Tuesday’s forum where clubs will openly discuss the future of football and netball in the region.
AFL Barwon released its proposed restructure plans last month and this will be the first opportunity clubs have the chance to voice their concerns, air their support or seek clarification over elements of the working document.
One of the key drivers to change anywhere is transparency and the decision to close the doors to the media is the wrong one.
People need to be informed to make informed decisions and AFL Barwon, an organisation that has driven great growth in the game locally, should be confident that it has nothing to hide through this tough process.
AFL Barwon’s ultimate plan outlined in its proposed restructure is for a promotion-relegation four-division competition featuring 40 clubs in about 15 years. Six of those clubs don’t exist yet, but the plan is catering for expected growth in areas such as Armstrong Creek and Torquay.
In the short-term, however, the GFL will be cut from 12 teams to 10, keeping a final five, the BFL will remain a 10-team competition while the GDFL will expand to 14 teams with a final eight. All this is to be implemented as early as next year.
The Geelong Advertiser has contacted a number of clubs to gauge their initial reactions to the proposed restructure. Many have serious concerns, while it has found support from others.
But there are legitimate questions that AFL Barwon will need to answer on Tuesday night.
The media’s role in all this is to accurately report what happens inside and outside the meeting.
Often the most vocal voices will be the descenders. And they will be there.
If the media is locked out, it will be their voices that will ring loudest in the aftermath. The answers and responses AFL Barwon provides from behind the closed doors, or the quiet words of support, will be lost among that noise.
AFL Barwon has been entrusted with a big job that matters plenty to this community. And to this newspaper.
For the past two years, the Geelong Advertiser has won best overall coverage at the AFL Victoria media awards. We do this on the back of accurate reporting and our large investment in the game locally. We celebrate everything about the game, offer forthright opinion, and never shy away from the big issues.
Tuesday’s meeting is big. It is an open forum for clubs to discuss the future structure of the game locally with its governing body. It matters to plenty of people, more than just those who are allowed inside the closed doors.
Hopefully, common sense can prevail and AFL Barwon allows the media in to act as the independent observer. You all need to know how this plays out.
