GNFL review could continue into next year as the league looks for ways to improve

The review into the Great Northern Football League could extend into the new year, the WA Football Commission has confirmed.

Following a 2022 season marred with on- and off-field incidences of violence and antisocial behaviour, the league and associated club presidents requested an in-depth review of the league to support and guide the GNFL.

The review is looking into all facets of the league from the quality and standard of game-day environments to umpiring, administration and safeguarding measures.

The review began in September and the commission confirmed it could run into next year.

“It is still in process and will likely run into and potentially through December,” a spokesperson said.

“This timeline was completely expected and the review process will take as long as it needs to take to ensure it is thorough.”

Following the completion of the review, the WAFC will appoint an independent company to develop a strategic action plan for the league to implement.

Eighteen players were suspended or reprimanded, while coach and ex-AFL player Jayden Schofield and a parent were slapped with hefty bans, following an ugly on-field brawl during the Brigades and Mullewa colts side in July.

In September, former AFL player and Rovers forward Shannon Cox was involved in a heated carpark fight on preliminary final day, which saw him rubbed out for the grand final.

The GNFL has stated it will not tolerate “any unbecoming behaviour, be it towards players, club officials, the GNFL or our GNFL umpires”.