It's really easy to point fingers at the gov't and question them as to why the large discrepancy in funding exists given the largest participation rates. However fingers should also be directed to the FFA for the inability or flat out refusal to lobby gov't for funding. People assume the AFL just get given these handouts, and to a certain extent they probably do. However they are also constantly lobbying all levels of gov't for funding and have been for some time. Funding doesn't just happen. There needs to be a dialogue. Jack Reilly confirmed the lack of engagement between the FFA and gov't in an interview earlier this year. If we look at many of the expansion bids, many have been able to source some level of funding or support from local gov't. If non-existent clubs can lobby for support, surely it should be a walk in the park for the FFA. Hopefully the new board will be more proactive in this department.
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