Garry Lyon joined Hugh Delahunty, Chris Johnson and Grant Williams to launch a campaign for people to attend and behave at community footy finals.

AFL Victoria, the Victorian Government and representatives from the community leagues across Victoria today joined forces to encourage people to attend and enjoy their local football finals.

Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon, premiership Brisbane Lions player and now playing coach at Avondale Heights Chris Johnson and Grant Williams, General Manager AFL Victoria, were today joined by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty to launch the community football finals and urged people to continue supporting their teams during the finals.

"It's great that Victorians are passionate about sport especially during finals, and it is important that we support our teams with lots of spirit and enthusiasm," Mr Delahunty said.

"We're here today to encourage people to keep up the good behaviour that they display during the year. We all need to work together to ensure the enjoyment of participants and spectators, and encourage their ongoing involvement in the game.

"Football finals are an exciting time, and everyone has worked so hard for the chance to play in a premiership.

"Many teams have put in a terrific effort throughout the season, and I encourage fans to attend their local footy club and show their support," Minister Delahunty said.

Over 130,000 players participating in 5,440 teams have been involved in Victorian football this year, striving for the right to compete in the 2011 local community finals. Mr Williams said local leagues are looking forward to the upcoming finals.

"Finals time is an ideal opportunity for all local football fans to see the best teams from each competition in action as they compete for the ultimate reward of achieving a premiership flag together.

"I know that all leagues would encourage supporters to come along to community finals matches and enjoy the things that make local football such a great experience - kicking the footy during the breaks, listening to the coaches out on the ground and standing in the outer, close to the action supporting their team," Mr Williams said.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the fantastic efforts of our thousands of volunteers who give so much of their time putting on great games of footy week in week out during the season."

Further materials and a television advertisement will be delivered across the VCFL in the coming weeks. We ask all country leagues to support this endevour through your websites, social media and football records where available.

Article first appeared www.vcfl.com.au 26 July, 2011