Funding boost for Victorian clubs

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AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou believes the gap between the Victorian clubs and the non-Victorian clubs in terms of player facilities will be bridged enormously thanks to a $10.5 million grant from the Victorian Government; announced on Monday.

Victorian Premier John Brumby announced the grant at Richmond's Punt Road Oval with all nine AFL clubs based in the Melbourne metropolitan area set to benefit.

Under the 'Victorian AFL Club Facilities Funding Program', the money will be shared between the nine clubs with the funding going to:

• $2.5 million to Richmond's Punt Road Oval for both ground improvements - including drought-proofing - and the building of a new indoor facility. * $2 million to North Melbourne for their new administration building at Arden Street. * $1.5 million for re-configuration of Essendon's Windy Hill training ground. * $1 million to Melbourne for its relocation to the new rectangular stadium being built at Olympic Park. * $1 million to Carlton for its re-development of Princes Park. * $500,000 to improve training facilities at Collingwood's Lexus Centre to be shared by the Melbourne Vixens netball team. * $500,000 to St Kilda to open up Moorabbin for community access and * $500,000 to the Western Bulldogs for an indoor sports facility at the Whitten Oval.

Demetriou said the funding would make a huge difference to the Victorian clubs, most of whom badly trail their non-Victorian rivals in terms of player facilities.

"It does bridge the gap because there are clubs in Victoria that certainly don't have the net asset base of other clubs and if you have got a really first class facility then it can give you an edge, particularly in the areas of rehab and preparation of your players," Demetriou said.

"Keeping players on the park can give you an advantage and this will all help and I know the Victorian clubs are greatly thankful that this has come about."

Mr Brumby said the funding would not only benefit Melbourne's AFL clubs but would also ensure the improved facilities are available for use by the respective local communities.

"This announcement ensures that the Government's vision of transforming former suburban AFL venues into multi-purpose sport and recreation hubs comes to fruition," he said.

"The funding will also allow our Victorian clubs to be as competitive as possible in the national competition, where interstate clubs have historically had better training and administrative facilities."