AFL TV deal: Fremantle Dockers’ Simon Garlick says broadcasting deal should ‘stay as it is’

Fremantle Dockers boss Simon Garlick has weighed into the furore surrounding a potential broadcasting rights change that would force Perth and Adelaide Aussie rules fans to fork out for pay TV, firmly saying it should stay “as it is”.

Foxtel, which is majority owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, has proposed getting more from the next broadcast deal running from 2024 to 2029.

Under the current contract that began in 2017, Foxtel broadcasts every match except the AFL Grand Final on pay TV, while Seven has the free-to-air rights.

But with talks underway, it’s believed AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is aiming for what could turn out to be the most lucrative rights deal in Australian history, including considering a knockout deal by Ten/Paramount, before leaving the role at the end of the season.

“We understand and acknowledge the importance of the AFL looking to maximise the revenue the game can produce, but we also support the balance it has managed to strike in previous broadcast arrangements between the bottom line and the growth and accessibility of the game,” Mr Garlick told The West Australian.

“The maintenance of a free-to-air broadcast for Fremantle games is of huge importance to our members and supporters in WA and the continued growth and ongoing strength of the code in our market.

“We are a traditional AFL State and our unique size and associated difficulty in accessing the game live, along with increased cost of living pressures mean that FTA access is a critical consideration and one that we strongly advocate remaining as it is.”

His comments come hot on the heels of West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett saying matches should remain free.

“There is no doubt West Australians should be entitled to free-to-air broadcasts as part of the next broadcast deal,” Mr Nisbett said.

“It is essential if we are serious about continuing the growth of our game and fan base.”

Some footy fans have pointed out on social media that WA and SA fans have it good compared to Victorian supporters, who have no choice but to pay to ensure they can watch all of their own 10 club’s games.

But others have threatened to boycott the AFL and abandoned their membership support of both WA teams if the league goes down the exclusive pay TV path.

“I would join any protest action because #AFL is no longer the Community game if matches aren’t broadcast free to air,” Twitter user Ian Mannix wrote.