The future of AFL on the Coast has been decided, with AFL NSW/ACT, the sport’s state wide governing body, confirming that the newly minted AFL Hunter Central Coast Incorporated format will go ahead in the 2019 season.
The decision has put to bed an ongoing power struggle between AFL NSW/ACT and long running governing body for Central Coast/Hunter AFL, Black Diamond AFL.
The decision has been a point of contention throughout the 2018 season, with Black Diamond AFL President, Wal Bembic, labelling the decision a difficult one on all sides. Clubs have been meeting with their members and representatives from both governing bodies, at varying intervals throughout the year, to discuss AFL NSW/ACT’s proposal and its potential implementation.
Despite Bembic and the rest of the Black Diamond AFL Board’s concerns around the seeming phase out of Black Diamond AFL in everything but name, (clubs will still compete for the Black Diamond Cup), 20 of the Central Coast/Hunter’s 21 teams, including all five of the teams from the former Wyong LGA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding confirming their membership and participation in the new league, with the last unsigned club expected to come on board in the coming weeks.
The new league will be known as AFL Hunter Central Coast Incorporated. AFL NSW/ACT Regional Manager for Northern NSW, Simon Smyth, said he was thrilled with the support of local clubs and stakeholders for the new league and was excited about the prospect of a junior-senior aligned competition next season. “These clubs have jumped at the opportunity to be part of the first strategically aligned league in the region across juniors and seniors, and we are very pleased to welcome them,” said Smyth.
“This league will provide clear pathways that will facilitate the retention and transition of players and umpires for many years to come. “It will be locally owned and driven, with clubs as the only voting members, and it has been a pleasure to see the progress that has taken place, at the recent transitional working parties, from key local stakeholders, who have ensured that this league is the best fi t for our region,” he continued.
“AFL Hunter Central Coast will leverage increased AFL investment and support to further develop clubs and competitions, and reduce costs to clubs and players. “AFL NSW/ACT is delighted to announce the appointment of, Sam Zikman, as the inaugural Community Football Manager to oversee implementation of league strategy, competition operations, club development and umpiring,” Smyth said. Zikman transitions from his current role as Regional Manager, Greater Western Sydney and Central West, and brings extensive experience in developing clubs, managing competitions, driving participation growth and overseeing effective operations, in addition to proven financial and stakeholder management skills.
Zikman said he is excited at the prospect of working with the Hunter and Central Coast’s diverse and passionate clubs, volunteers and players. “I have been lucky to work in AFL for the last number of years and the opportunity to come to the Hunter and Central Coast and help drive football to the next level there was something I couldn’t turn down,” said Zikman.
The new incorporated association has been established, with the appointment of the inaugural Board members to be finalised in the coming weeks, with the league to be fully operational before the end of 2018, including staff, budgets, by-laws and website.
AFL NSW/ACT has also confirmed the following individuals as the three AFL appointed Board members of the new league: Brett O’Farrell, CEO of the Hunter Sports Academy, Chair of Regional Academies of Sport NSW, and former AFL Player for Hawthorn Hawks and Sydney Swans; David Flynn, Chairperson of the Hunter Valley Wine Show, Managing Director of the HVG Group, Chairperson of Holes 4 Hospitals, various other Community Sporting Committee positions, former Carlton Blues FC Reserves Player and NAFL/BDAFL representative player and captain; and Smyth.
“AFL NSW ACT looks forward to supporting the new local league, clubs and all community football stakeholders to grow and develop AFL in the region,” Smyth said. The following local clubs have confirmed their participation in AFL Hunter Central Coast competitions for the 2019 season: Killarney Vale Bombers, The Entrance Bateau Bay, Niagara Park Ourimbah Dockers, Wyong Lakes Magpies and Northern Lakes Power, San Remo.
Source: Media statement, Oct 10 Simon Smyth, AFL NSW/ ACT Dilon Luke, Journalist