AFL clubs set to take financial hit in 2022

The AFL is set to announce a new funding model for 2022 as the league looks to rebound from the disaster of COVID.

After two seasons of teams either being forced to relocate or play in front of crowds reading either zero or a significantly reduced number, 2022 promises to be a return to normality for the competition, pending on the events which are yet to transpire in Western Australia regarding their borders.

But a new funding mode will see the base amount clubs receive slashed from $10 million to $8 million for the season ahead.

The report, made by The Age follows an official league statement on Sunday morning stating that grassrooms and community football will be receiving increase funding for 2022 as it looks to restart following two years of completely ruined seasons.

The report suggests that some clubs will continue to receive more than the base figure of $8 million, however, those at the top of the financial chain - the Collingwood Magpies, Richmond Tigers, Hawthorn Hawks and West Coast Eagles - will only receive the base rate of $8 million in funding from the AFL.

It's understood expansion clubs the Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns are expected to be handed more than the $10 million clubs were currently receiving under the new variable model, while Carlton will be among the clubs who won't have their funding changed from $10 million.

The report suggests that up to $26 million of the $36 million in reduced funding under the new base rate will be redistributed to clubs on a needs basis in an apparent move to even the competition up.

It's understood the AFL are taking these steps following financial changes across all clubs during the pandemic and lockdowns, with some non-Victorian clubs including the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions also to receive similar levels of funding as they did in 2021.