S A N F L A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 6CorporateI would also like to acknowledge the continued support of theLeague’s valued sponsors, including our major partner, the SouthAustralian Brewing Company, and our stadium naming rightspartner, AAMI. During the year, AAMI extended its support for afurther four years to the end of 2010 in what continues to be anoutstanding partnership.MediaThrough negotiation and a spirit of cooperation, the League wasalso able to secure an ABC TV commitment for a further threeyears of <strong>SANFL</strong> football coverage. ABC TV’s support of the StateLeague through this agreement ensures that every Saturdayafternoon <strong>SANFL</strong> football will continue to reach our competition’svast number of metropolitan and regional fans in all corners ofthe State.The media’s role in bringing football to the community is anessential element in the continued success of the game and thesupport the print and electronic media gives to the State League iswell-recognised and highly valued by the <strong>SANFL</strong>. The mediaprovides an important forum for football fans to learn what ishappening in our code, while – at the same time – football itselfprovides a point of interest that draws readers, listeners andviewers to the various arms of the media. The League is delightedthat this long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship is asstrong as ever, notwithstanding the competing influences fromvarious other sporting codes.In that context, I am very pleased to report a modest 2.2 percentgrowth in spectator numbers at <strong>SANFL</strong> matches. This show ofsupport reflects the continuing commitment of the League and the<strong>SANFL</strong> clubs to provide a relevant competition in a quality forum.AFL ClubsAt AFL level, the Adelaide Football Club enjoyed a fine season,playing two home finals before bowing out in the Preliminary Finalagainst West Coast. While the Port Adelaide Football Club did notenjoy the success it hoped for, the club did unveil a batch ofexciting youngsters whose continued development will help pushthe Power back up the ladder in 2007.During <strong>2006</strong> the <strong>SANFL</strong> – as licensee of the Adelaide and PortAdelaide Football Clubs – negotiated fixed licence fees with bothclubs for a five year period commencing 2007. This is a positiveoutcome for all parties and is in line with the AFL’s strategicdirection, which is a critical consideration, since continuation ofthe strong working relationship between the <strong>SANFL</strong> and the AFLis crucial for the future prosperity of our local game.AFLThe AFL’s successful negotiation of a record television broadcastrights agreement will help provide funding for the <strong>SANFL</strong> andother State leagues to deliver football programs at all levels –from League level through to metropolitan leagues, regionalfootball and junior development.For the first time in the history of football, a landmark gamedevelopment strategic planning conference was developed by theAFL in <strong>2006</strong>, when 350 representatives from around the nationgathered in Melbourne to devise an exciting and aggressive plan tounify the delivery of Australian Rules football across the country.In 2007, AFL funding for game development in SA will beincreased by 52 percent to a level of $1 million. This will enablethe <strong>SANFL</strong> to establish a dedicated Game Developmentdepartment to devise and manage strategies that will lead toincreased participation rates across the State. In addition, the AFLapproved a $2.5 million grant to assist the Planned DevelopmentProgram for AAMI Stadium.These initiatives reflect the <strong>SANFL</strong>’s outstanding relationship withthe AFL, which is the keeper of the code. The AFL develops thenational programs and the <strong>SANFL</strong> and other State leagues deliverthem to the community, in partnership with the AFL.I commend the AFL Commission for its critical role in overseeingthe well-being of Australian football and, in particular,congratulate Chairman Ron Evans and Chief Executive OfficerAndrew Demetriou for their outstanding contributions in <strong>2006</strong>. TheLeague also acknowledges the leadership and support of AFLCommissioner Bob Hammond, who assumed the position of ActingAFL Commission Chairman late in <strong>2006</strong> when Mr Evans stoodaside due to ill health. The <strong>SANFL</strong> and its clubs wish Mr Evans aspeedy recovery.FOOTBALL INDUSTRY LEADERSHIPThe <strong>SANFL</strong>’s commitment to the continued growth of AustralianRules football and the ongoing professional development of ourindustry is unshakeable. This commitment is increasinglyimportant in the light of concerted efforts by competing codes toattract participants and spectators.By continuing to work closely with the AFL, our <strong>SANFL</strong> Clubs andAffiliated Leagues, we have dedicated our resources to industryand community leadership.The League’s role in administering the Footy for Gladstone Appealis a shining example of such leadership. The appeal, which waslaunched in May by AFL Commissioner Bob Hammond, galvanisedthe South Australian community and helped raise $573,666 in aremarkable display of unity and support from the widerfootball family.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSIn closing I would like to extend my personal thanks to <strong>SANFL</strong>President Rod Payze for his ongoing support and to my fellowmembers of the South Australian Football Commission for theirvision, leadership and assistance in <strong>2006</strong>.I also thank the League Directors, Board Members, GeneralManagers, officials, players, staff and volunteers of all nine<strong>SANFL</strong> Clubs, as well as football fans right across the State.I acknowledge and thank both AFL clubs for their terrific supportand co-operation in particular Adelaide Football Club ChairmanMr Bill Sanders and Chief Executive Officer Steven Trigg; PortAdelaide Football Club President Greg Boulton and ChiefExecutive John James.A special thanks to AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou and hisprofessional team who provided fantastic support and assistancethroughout <strong>2006</strong>.I acknowledge and pay tribute to the League’s ExecutiveManagement team for their outstanding efforts: General Manager,Commercial Operations, Strategic and Major Projects – JohnLyons; General Manager, Football Operations – Glen Rosser; andGeneral Manager, Marketing and Corporate Affairs – PaulAnderson.Their dedication and commitment – and that of my personalassistant, Vasso Fessas, and every other <strong>SANFL</strong> staff member hascontributed towards making <strong>2006</strong> such a successful year andputting the <strong>SANFL</strong> in a position to meet the challenges that areunexpectedly placed in our path, as well as those we setfor ourselves.Leigh Whicker, Executive Commissioner4
S A N F L A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 6OFFICE BEARERSPresidentRod J. PayzeVice PresidentJohn A. Halbert, MBEPatronHer Excellency, Marjorie Jackson Nelson, AC,CVO, MBEGovernor of South AustraliaVice PatronsMax R. Basheer, AMHis Honour Mr Don M. Brebner, AMThe Honourable Justice Kevin P. Duggan, AMLt. General Sir Donald Dunstan, AC, KBE, CBSOUTH AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL COMMISSIONBack: Philip J. Gallagher, David J. Shipway,Jamie R. Coppins, Dion A. McCaffrieFront: Brian A. Cunningham, Leigh R. Whicker(Executive Commissioner), Rod J. Payze (Chairman),John A. Halbert, MBE (Deputy Chairman)LEAGUE DIRECTORSBack: Brian Nankivell (South Adelaide), Tom Zorich (Central District),Ian M. Stasinowsky (Norwood)Middle: David N. Basheer (Port Adelaide Magpies), David S. Tidswell(West Adelaide), Bohdan Jaworskyj (North Adelaide)Front: Don P. McSweeny (Affiliated Leagues), Les G. Stevens(Woodville-West Torrens)Absent: Gary V. Metcalf (Glenelg), Steve J. Chapman (Sturt)PAST PRESIDENTSA. Grainger † 1877-78T.A. Caterer † 1879-80R. Whitfield † 1881-82, 1884A.J. Diamond † 1883A. Gill † 1885, 1887-91T.W. Hall † 1886R. Bertram † 1892-93R. Cruickshank † 1884-96W.A. Magarey † 1897F. Johnson † 1898J.R. Anderson, KC † 1899-1911E.E. Cleland, KC † 1912-1919A.J. McLachlan † 1920-25T.S. O’Halloran, KC † 1926-39Sir Eric Millhouse, KC † 1940-50S.H. Lewis † 1950-61A. Kenny † 1961-66His Hon. Mr D.M.Brebner, AM 1966-78M.R. Basheer, AM 1978-2003R.J. Payze 2003-† Denotes deceased5
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