Supporting AFL Football in Western Victoria

The AFL Western District region encompasses six community football leagues across Western Victoria:

Greater South West Junior Football League
Hampden Football & Netball League
Mininera & District Football League
South West District Football & Netball League
Warrnambool & District Football & Netball League
Western Victoria Female Football League

In addition to the above community football leagues, we provide support and services to affiliated umpiring associations, local government, schools and a variety of other stakeholders of the code within the region. Our team conduct a variety of programs and initiatives including coordinating the Auskick program across the centres.

Geographically the region has coverage across approximately 23,000km2 bordered by towns Cobden, Lismore, Great Western, Hamilton and Portland with an approximate population of 110,000. The region has approximately 10,000 direct participants across community football, Auskick, school football, umpiring and volunteers representing a strong community passionate for Australian Rules Football.

Increasing participation

One of our major roles is supporting increased participation in Australian Rules Football throughout the region.

Through the support of our affiliated leagues and associations, we aim to drive participation to new levels, providing an infrastructure that encourages our sport to flourish. This includes supporting volunteers, umpiring bodies and fans, to ensure football is here for everybody to enjoy.

Key functions

Our major responsibilities include:

Participation: Increasing pathways for players of all ages, gender and abilities;
Community: Administrative and strategic support for leagues, clubs, schools;
Engagement: For our affiliates with the community;
Talent and Second Tier: Developing pathways, local representatives to elite competition;
Facilities: Supporting and assisting improvements in local facilities;
Fan Development: Building relationships with supporters and volunteers; and
People and Culture: Ensuring the best people are working in our sport.

Our History

In 2011, the AFL undertook a review of country football in Victoria. One of the key findings was to encourage more regional-level decision making and a direct investment of resources into country regions. As a result, AFL Western District was formed to ensure regional representation in football governance.

AFL Western District was established in April 2013. We are responsible for the strategic direction and growth of Australian Rules Football participation. AFL Western District is also responsible for the operation and enforcement of the Community Club Sustainability Program as well as other duties conferred by the AFL Victoria Rules & Regulations that govern affiliated leagues and clubs across Victoria.