Sport
10 June, 2026
AFL Western District launches road map
AFL Western District has announced the start of its Road Map Project Scope.
The road map is a region-wide strategic planning initiative designed to create a clear, evidence-based framework for football and netball from 2026 through to 2036 and beyond.
Developed through consultation between AFL Western District heads of leagues, the Future Directions Group and the AFL Western District Region Council, the project is intended to deliver an agreed, actionable plan that stakeholders across the region can own and implement.
The road map will focus on establishing a unified strategic direction for competitions, strengthening club sustainability and governance, improving player pathways across junior, youth, senior and female participation, and reviewing competition structures for fairness, viability and long-term growth.
It will also identify infrastructure priorities, explore opportunities for resource sharing, and strengthen collaboration between leagues, clubs, councils, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.
As part of the project, AFL Western District will undertake stakeholder engagement with clubs, leagues, players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and local councils through workshops, surveys and interviews.
The process will also include a review of current competition structures, club sustainability, participation trends, junior development programs, female participation growth, and umpiring and workforce development across the region.
Key project deliverables will include a stakeholder engagement report, a competition structure analysis, a club sustainability assessment, a phased Western District Road Map covering three, five and 10-year priorities, and a detailed implementation plan with clear responsibilities and accountability measures.
Following project initiation, stakeholder consultation is scheduled to begin this month, with data analysis to follow later in the year.
A draft road map has been targeted for March 2027, stakeholder review in May 2027, and final delivery by July 2027.
The project is sponsored by AFL Western District and Netball Victoria, with oversight from a steering committee comprising region council, western district leagues, Netball Victoria and the Future Directions Group.
Success will be measured by the delivery of a practical plan for leagues and clubs, improved tracking of participation trends and stronger collaboration across the region.
Its success will also be measured by positive movement in club sustainability indicators, and the implementation of meaningful resource-sharing initiatives where they benefit stakeholders.
Framed by the theme ‘Our Game. Our Region. Our Moment,’ the AFL Western District Road Map is intended to help guide long-term decision-making and support a stronger, more sustainable future for football and netball across the western district.
Clubs, leagues and umpire associations, in conjunction with AFL Western District and Netball Victoria, will conduct a region forum to outline the process and timelines of the project.
This will be held at Deakin University in Warrnambool from 7pm next Monday, June 15.
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