Sport
27 March, 2026
Woodies launch 150th season, AFL boss backs local autonomy
LOCAL leagues running their competitions was the best model for country sport, according to Australia’s top administrator.
AFL chief Andrew Dillon was in Inglewood last Saturday to launch the Loddon Valley league club’s 150th year.
The league this year reverts to administering itself after being part of the AFL’s regional satructure now being phased out.
Dillon said the AFL was committed to having the best model for country clubs.
He said there was a strong relationship between the AFL and Netball Victoria and “we work together ... that’s important to mnake sure we have the best model for country clubs and also metropolitan clubs”.
“It’s imcumbent on us to have the right set up and not be be beholden to history,” he said.
However, Dillon said there were no plans for a single umbrella structure for football and netball in country Victoria.
Dillon said football remained the people’s game and the AFL invested 10 per cent of its revenue into game development, half in country areas.
Dillon said the Inglewood club had an amazing history.
“It’s great to see one of the oldest clubs around thriving and reaching this milestone,” Dillon said.
In 1877 the club became a foundation member of the Victorian Football Association and Melbourne club visited Inglewood in 1877, playing a match against an Inglewood District team. A similar match was played against the Carlton in 1879.
Current and past players attended the 150th season launch dinner on Saturday night.
The formal kick-off celebrations came after a practice match against Central Highlanbds league club Hepburn which the Blues dominated.
A major 150th celebration will be the King’s Birthday weekend clash with Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
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