The 2021 season will look a lot different to any before it, and naturally that means changes all ’round the club. President Martin Carter and CEO Mark Penaluna got together to answer some of the questions regarding the club moving forward into the new competition.

Will we still have same number of home games?
The season will include 16 home and away games, with 8 home games @ Avalon Airport Oval.

Is the club paying for interstate trips, flights and accommodation?
The AFL will cover return flights for our players and staff. Should we require overnight accommodation, this will also be covered via the AFL.

Can the club afford that?
There will be some interstate travel costs, however the AFL will cover the greater percentage of these.

Is this just a one year plan? Has the club any assurances re the future?
The AFL is very confident that this new competition will be successful and that we are a strong club in a major growth corridor.

Who runs this new competition?
Grant Williams has been announced as the AFL Talent Pathway Manager, which includes overseeing the VFL/ East Coast competition.

Do you know list size and make up yet (as in age of players)?
Yes. As a VFL Stand Alone Clubs our list size will be 40, which includes a minimum of 12 players under the age of 23.

Will this new competition make recruiting players harder or easier given interstate trips for players with jobs and study?
Time will tell, however, we are extremely confident that playing against 14 AFL clubs will be very attractive to potential recruits.

When will the fixture be released and what is the finals system?
This is expected to be announced prior to Christmas.