A PROVOCATIVE proposal for coaches to hold joint post-match press conferences has delivered a silver lining for the AFL Coaches Association, with Foxtel agreeing to a new sponsorship with the union.
The AFLCA and Fox Footy brokered an in-principle agreement during the pre-season for joint press conferences, with the AFLCA to receive $500,000 if the initiative had gone ahead.
But it failed to receive the support of all 18 coaches and was shelved on the eve of the season.
Talks continued, however, and a new partnership with Foxtel was confirmed ahead of last weekend - the pay TV network signed a lucrative two-year agreement that will see grassroots clubs also benefit.
"This is a really important partnership, representing a critical step in our efforts to stabilise the finances of the AFLCA," CEO Mark Brayshaw said in a letter to AFLCA members.
The sponsorship will include a new rewards program for local sporting clubs that rewards them for programs or initiatives that benefit their communities.
There will be three tiers – bronze, silver and gold – that give local clubs different levels of access to AFL coaches and club facilities.
The community club of the year will be rewarded with a full day experience, including training with an AFL senior coach.
