Club statement

The Preston Football Club has released a statement on today's decision by the AFL.

The Preston Football Club, the President and his Board of Directors, acknowledge the decision by the AFL to terminate the Club's licence following a number of concerns the AFL has held over the past three years.

Those concerns related to performances on the field and the administration of the Club.

The AFL expressed the performance of the Club over the past three years was unsatisfactory, citing its win/loss ratio and its percentage, making it – in the eyes of the AFL – uncompetitive in such a strong and viable competition.

With respect to governance, the AFL acknowledged it was approached by Rohan Welsh and Darren Bassett regarding concerns they had in the early part of season 2025 regarding the performance of the then-administration, to which the AFL stated it could not intervene and it was a matter for the Club's Board to work through.

President Neil Howard indicated to the AFL that the Club recognised there was a potential saviour to the current debt, and sought further time to make necessary enquiries with that entity before the AFL would formalise its decision to grant or terminate the Club from the VFL. Asked if this would place the Club in a different position, AFL Head of State Leagues Jennie Loughnan replied, “no it would not,” stating “the damage had already been done”.

Ms Loughnan recognised and applauded the current board for its resilience and dedication during what could only have been difficult times, however the decision had been made, as difficult as it was to terminate the Club's licence.

The Club is committed to supporting its players, coaches, staff and volunteers, and remains focused on clearing all debt including player contracts, coaches' payments and other administrative payments before the end of the calendar year.

President Neil Howard will again meet with the AFL tomorrow to ascertain what financial position the AFL might commit to for assistance in clearing that debt.

In finalisation, the Club and its Board would like to thank Ms Jodi Weightman for her momentous assistance in structuring the recent business strategy plan.

Further statements will be made in due course.