AFL fans may miss the football this winter, but they won’t be starved of their beloved AFL Record, thanks to the publisher Crocmedia.
The company has announced that despite no matches at AFL grounds until May 31, a free edition of the AFL Record would be available online each week.
The AFL Record, now sponsored by Karcher, has been part of the AFL landscape since 1912.
Each Friday, the AFL Record will be available for free download on the AFL app, afl.com.au, SEN app, sen.com.au and aflnation.com.au, ensuring footy fans right across the country can still get their regular weekly footy fix even while there are no games.
Last week’s edition was the first ever online and the weekly digital edition will continue again from this weekend, in collaboration with SEN digital.
AFL Record Editor Michael Lovett said that the publication felt a social obligation to provide content and companionship to fans this winter.
“The AFL Record has survived world wars, floods, the great depression, you name it,” Lovett said.
“We’ll do our very best to deliver for our fans in the circumstances, keep the supporters updated and replicate a tiny part of their weekend experience as best we can.”
AFL’s general manager commercial Kylie Rogers said: “During these unprecedented times, the much-loved AFL Record will provide an important and comforting connection with our fans and supporters.
“It has always been there for the fans and we expect will be welcomed now more than ever before,” Rogers said.
SEN digital director Simon Chapman said it was an honour to be allowed to distribute the AFL Record free to fans.
“Our team and the AFL Record team have enjoyed collaborating over the past year and the fast-growing SEN app is already there to add to the fan experience for free every day of the year,” Chapman said.
“We’ve all loved hearing the record girls and boys yell ‘Record’ at the footy, and now they get to hit the tab each Friday for free on our ever evolving app.”