A Glimpse into History
Delving into the past, sponsorship in AFL was an ongoing process deeply rooted in financial backing. The narrative began in the vast open spaces of Melbourne around 1858, evolving from marngrook, Gaelic football and English public school football games. Early matches between “Scotch College” and “Melbourne Grammar” students marked the start of organized Australian football.
By the 1870s, the sport’s magnetic charm pulled crowds of 10,000 people to the “Melbourne Cricket Ground”. Clubs formed across regions with the “VFA” and “SAFA” emerging as eight-team leagues by 1877. The mutual growth of clubs and businesses was evident even then. Sponsorships, beyond mere financial transactions, thus, blossomed into symbiotic partnerships while offering companies visibility and association with this uniquely Australian game.
Brands like “Toyota”, “McDonald’s” and “Virgin Australia” have since intertwined their stories with the AFL. Each of them are contributing to the leagues and drawing vitality from the league’s expansive reach and passionate fanbase. But, they are not just limited to commercial entities, the AFL’s embrace extends to philanthropy, hence, coming together with “Lifeline” and the “Children’s Cancer Foundation” to use its considerable influence for community betterment and support.
The Landscape Today
In today’s dynamic world, the role of sponsors in the AFL is undergoing a significant transformation. It’s not merely about injecting funds anymore. The landscape is abundant with diverse and collaborative efforts. Companies now actively engage in joint promotions and community projects. The addition of engaging games, like Australian pokies online, mirrors this evolving sponsorship environment. As the online gaming world broadens, its integration within sponsorship agreements highlights the expanding scope, thereby bolstering financial stability and enriching the fan experience in the AFL.
Nowadays, the 2023 AFL season marks its 127th year, and unfolds with 18 clubs and a 23 game home-and-away season. It kicked off on 16 March and is set to culminate with a thrilling clash between “Collingwood” and “The Brisbane Lions” on 30th of September. This season echoes the rich history and the continued growth of AFL, underscored by the involvement of notable teams such as “Port Adelaide”, “Melbourne Football Club” and “Carlton Football Club”.
