A major review of the Great Northern Football League has delivered several recommendations for the competition. 

Initiated by the GNFL, the review was undertaken by the West Australian Football Commission’s Integrity Unit, the WACFL, along with the GNFL’s Board, Clubs, and Umpires. 

Kane Benson, Country Football Manager – North at the WAFC, praised the GNFL and its member clubs for their transparency. 
 

“The GNFL is regarded as a highly successful, competently managed, and resourceful League which has delivered significant community benefits and positive participation outcomes over many years. 

Conducting this review via an independent review process was initiated to support and guide future strategic decision making of the GNFL in collaboration with the member clubs,” Benson said. 

The review assessed the following key areas: 

• Game Day Environments 
• Competition Governance 
• Match Day Compliance 
• Umpiring 
• Coaching 
• Facilities  
• Player Education
• By-Laws 
• Strategic Planning 

The report relied upon stakeholder feedback, available data and information provided by community stakeholders. 

Tom Bottrell, Executive Manager Country Football, Affiliates & Facilities at the WAFC, believes the review will provide a positive outcome. 
“I’d like to compliment the GNFL Clubs, Volunteers, Umpires and Stakeholders on their commitment and willingness to provide open and forthright feedback, which enabled key recommendations to be developed and designed to mitigate risk and to support the ongoing growth of the League,” Bottrell said. 

GNFL President Carrissa Bellotti welcomed the findings and recommendations within the report. 

“We acknowledge all involved within the GNFL for embracing the review, which will provide the opportunity for a healthy reset of the League. 

The GNFL is a quality League and conducting reviews and being open to feedback is essential to keep growing the competition. 

We look forward to working with all associated Clubs and Umpiring as we commence implementing key recommendations in 2023,” Bellotti said. 

Any further dissemination of the review and its recommendations will be at the discretion of the GNFL.