I'm told that as of 2026 there will be a two-tier division for the VFL comprising stand-alone in 1 division and AFL/VFL aligned clubs in a second structure. I haven't read or seen any further reporting either on TV or the print media. Anyone enlighten me?
Lots of rumours Timeball, but I'm yet to see (or hear) anything official in writing.
Nothing official as far as I know but VFL Rewind Radio Program on Facebook floated this idea a few weeks ago.
In reply to Nothing official as far as I by Bearsman
Yeah that sounds more like being closer to the truth - a thought bubble from some radio commentator.
The problem I see with trying to break the VFL into divisions or conferences is the number of clubs. You really want to have conferences of an equal number of clubs. In a couple of years there will be 23 clubs. Let’s say a Melbourne splits from Casey, bringing the total to 24. Then you could break into the following conferences:
VFA West: Port Melbourne, Williamstown, Werribee and Coburg
VFA East: Preston, Sandringham, Frankston and Springvale
VFL West: North Melbourne, Essendon, Footscray and Geelong
VFL Central: Melbourne, Richmond, Collingwood and Carlton
VFL South: St Kilda, Box Hill, Tasmania, Southport
AFL: GWS, Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane
Those groupings are a bit of a mess. To make a conference or divisional system work you need an even number of AFL clubs and Standalone clubs.
I don't think a grand final between the two premiers of each division is a good idea. Maybe the VFA premier could have the right to challenge the AFL spooner to a playoff game or series that would decide who plays in the upper division the next year.
One of the rich suburban clubs could come into the VFA to make an even number and theres the possibilty Southport could withdraw depending on whether on not the AFL would fund their travel (unlikely). I would have two seperate comps with no GF between the two winners. It would be fantastic to have a VFA comp again.
Bearsman has the right idea, 2 divisions is the best way to go. Split them performance based and have 2 teams promoted each year abd the 3rd last side in div one play the 3rd side in div 2 in a one off play off. It brings little pleasure or benefit to all seeing a Preston get thrashed by a side who is at the top half of the table - spliting the competition performance based would create a more equitable, enjoyable and beneficial competition for all.