Following the AFL’s record breaking $2.508 billion television rights deal, CEO Gillon McLachlan has announced a daring plan to reinforce the game’s position as the number one sport in the country.
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra earlier in the week, McLachlan unveiled a new zoning arrangement set to target multicultural and indigenous talent pools.
“Australia is changing and if we want to continue to be Australia’s game, we need to change too,” he said.
“We have a machine and we need to pivot and focus on new and emerging communities.”
“After a positive discussion with the (AFL) commission, the AFL has also received support from our club CEOs to examine a new zoning system where a region is assigned to each club and the clubs are empowered and funded to develop talent and recruit in indigenous or multicultural communities.
“It would mean carving up areas in our suburbs, inner and outer, regional communities, for clubs to grow their talent base and ultimately their support base.
“The talent developed in those zones will be available to clubs through a priority draft bidding system.”
The $2.508 billion deal will also allow the AFL to invest in improving clubs and training facilities.