AFL Victoria in collaboration with metropolitan football leagues and country football regions has amended the process for club and team transfers and the subsequent appeals process ahead of the 2026 application period, following an assessment of recent cases across metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria.
The amendments come after it was recognised that the current Victorian state affiliate regulation which administer this process, and the introduction or amendment of any underage competition was not adequate in managing the significance of such changes.
The amended regulations have been designed to best provide a collaborative and strategic approach amongst community football bodies in Victoria to prioritise positive outcomes for the game.
By providing early intent notifications to relevant parties and maintaining transparent communications throughout the process, the revised process to assess a proposed transfer will allow more informed and efficient decision making.
Newly created resources to capture evidence relevant to a proposition and amended timeframe requirements will ensure a more thorough assessment of applications by all involved stakeholders. Effective collaboration to reach agreement on these applications is important due to the weight of influence that such decisions can have on the future direction of the game in Victoria.
The AFL Victoria Affiliate Regulations which contain the Transfer of Clubs and Teams guidelines are effective April 23rd 2025 and apply for all relevant applications for the 2026 season onwards.
Previously applications had to be made by October 31 with that being bought forward to June 30.
There has been an introduction of forms to make a transfer application, including the requirement for more specific evidence to support the application.
There is now the requirement for clubs to meet with their existing league to discuss the application once the intention to transfer form has been lodged.
The two relevant leagues must meet to discuss the proposed transfer and the consequences, both positive and negative with a view to resolving the application in a way that is most beneficial to all involved parties.
“Whilst a collaborative and strategic approach amongst community football is necessary, it is possible that an agreement on a transfer proposition may not be reached and therefore an objection process (appeal) has been retained,” AFL Victoria said.
“The appeal is to be submitted to AFL Victoria with all parties having full disclosure of the evidence in support and defence throughout the entire process, not just in the final stages.
“In summary, the amended processes (both application and appeal) require the evidence in support of the proposed transfer to be identified at the earliest possible stage of the process, as opposed to the latest under previous regulations. This allows all interested parties to be fully informed and for an accurate and thorough assessment of the proposed transfers strategic benefit to the game immediately and longer term. “
