Plans for the adventurous $70 million redevelopment of AAMI Stadium are in jeopardy after the federal government yesterday rejected the SANFL's funding application.

And the SANFL has not ruled out becoming an activist in this year's federal election if the Labor Party commits to supporting upgrading the West Lakes arena.

SANFL chief executive Leigh Whicker yesterday learned of Canberra's reluctance to endorse funds for AAMI Stadium as Federal Finance Minister Senator Nick Minchin went to Alberton to sign $2.5 million grants for each of the Adelaide and Port Adelaide football clubs' plans for new training and community facilities.

"We welcome what is great news for the Power and the Crows," said Whicker, "however, the SANFL is bitterly disappointed. And I am sure the one million passionate South Australians who annually flock to AAMI Stadium to watch their AFL football are bitterly disappointed.

"They have a high expectation for facilities being improved at AAMI Stadium. Our plans now have to be totally recast if there is to be no money from Canberra.

"And the SANFL will have to consider what options can be presented by an alternative federal government."

The SANFL presented its request for federal government funding to the prime minister's office in April.

Whicker labelled yesterday's rejection as "ignoring the needs of the South Australian football community".

"Considering Canberra has put up $25 million for the SCG, $25m for Adelaide Oval, $14m at Skilled Stadium at Geelong, $15m for a new swimming centre at Marion, $2m for the Kangaroos and now $5m for the Crows and Power, we were optimistic of a favourable response from the federal government," he said.

"The SANFL has invested $48 million at AAMI Stadium in the past 10 years. The state government has contributed $20m in the past two years, and we're grateful for the Rann government's support. We expected a slice of the $86m the federal government has carved up in grants in the past nine months."

Senator Minchin yesterday argued the grant to Adelaide Oval - the state's cricket headquarters and part-time SANFL venue - was supportive of Australian football.

"The federal government has provided significant funding for sporting facilities in this state (including) a $45 million injection over the last 12-18 months," Senator Minchin said, referring to the grants to Adelaide Oval ($25m), the marion swimming complex ($15m) and the state's two AFL clubs ($5m).

"We've decided our commitment to football will go through the two clubs, and we're not currently in a position to make a further investment in AAMI Stadium."

Neither Port nor Adelaide could outline just how they will redevelop their centres at Alberton and West Lakes respectively.

However, Power chief executive John James and Crows counterpart Steven Trigg said their facilities needed to be upgraded and expanded to not only keep pace with AFL rivals but also to allow community groups to engage with their clubs.

"The Allan Scott Power Headquarters was built in 1999 and the club has outgrown the current facility, both for our needs as a professional football club and in the way we wish to involve ourselves and engage with the community," James said.

Trigg said of Adelaide's case: "Our facilities urgently need significant refurbishment and expansion and we have several key objectives."

Courtesy of The Advertiser
Story by Michelangelo Rucci

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