Overview of the WAFC

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) is a not for profit sports association that acts as the caretaker of football throughout the State.

Football is the best resourced sport in WA with a unique model that delivers funding from the elite AFL competition back through all levels of football.  Central to the WAFC’s role is the administration and reinvestment of the funds generated by football for the overall development of the game.  The WAFC undertakes its role in an independent manner, impartial to individual clubs or competitions, with the focus on the greater good of the game.

The WAFC makes direct cash contributions to clubs and competitions while also employing staff to undertake roles necessary to meet its football objectives such as umpiring pathways, talent academies, tribunals and multicultural and indigenous engagement.  The WAFC employs approximately 100 people throughout the State.

With almost 350,000 participants across the State and a rich history dating back to 1885, football is more than a game in WA, it’s part of our cultural fabric.   The WAFC places tremendous value on the significant social benefits and the creation of better communities through the values of teamwork, responsibility, respect, leadership, commitment and community participation. 

The WAFC is governed by a voluntary Board of Commissioners.

Underpinning the WAFC's purpose are our Values.

Sources of Funding

The WAFC owns the State’s two AFL teams – the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Football Club and a significant portion of its funding is related to the AFL competition.  WA football’s AFL related income streams are:

Royalties from the WA based AFL clubs dependent on their individual profitability;

An agreement with the State of Western Australia for funds generated by the AFL clubs’ use of Optus Stadium to be re-invested back into football; and

Direct contributions from the AFL.

In addition to AFL related income, the WAFC generates income through player registrations as well as its own commercial arrangements such as broadcast rights and sponsorships.

Reinvestment of Funds back into Football

The WAFC plays an important role in funding the ongoing development of football via our affiliates, schools, competitions and academies across all WA communities.   Driving participation in the game is a key deliverable for the WAFC.  This ensures that football can have an active role in building better communities through various development programs.

The WAFC runs and supports:

The WAFL competition

The WAFL Colts competition and supporting talent pathway

State talent academies for males and females

The umpiring talent pathway

School competitions and the AFL School Ambassador program

Multicultural engagement programs

Indigenous engagement programs including the Nicky Winmar and Kirby Bentley carnivals

Auskick, junior and youth football

All community competitions through our affiliated leagues

Tribunals, governance and integrity programs

Community facility funding

Coaching, umpiring and volunteer accreditation and development