The AFL has today announced that in addition to the existing Coles AFL Schools partnership it is expanding its partnership with Coles to include AFL Indigenous programs.

When the drugs in Australian sport investigation was announced in early February, much was made of the importance of protecting fans from the actions of wrongdoers. But here we are, three months into this investigation and attendance records are being set, membership sales are strong and public interest in sport seems solid. It raises the question – do sport fans really care?

Greater Western Sydney Giants’ Head Coach Kevin Sheedy has today launched the inaugural ‘Tribute to Farmers’ game, which will see the clash between the Giants and Geelong at ŠKODA Stadium on June 8 acknowledge the farmers of Australia.

The AFL has announced that it will be writing to the 18 clubs and the AFL Players’ Association in the coming days to seek their respective feedback on a range of potential fixture-structure options as the competition considers its future format.

It seems the AFL decided a decade ago that the best way to market Aussie rules is to mute its physicality. Recent concussion concerns have warranted some worthy changes. But is today’s all round softer, stricter game more palatable and pleasing? Or has constant tinkering turned the rulebook and into a gluggy trifle; a layered mess of touchy technicalities that could turn fans off the AFL brand?