The issue of the relevance of the record and its cost to clubs was raised at the HFNL annual general meeting.

South Warrnambool Football Netball Club president Steve Harris broached the subject at the meeting.

Harris said the cost of producing the record for his club last year was $5713.

He said the idea of a change had been floated at his club.

“We are always looking at efficiencies and ways to reduce costs,” Harris said.

“The record is one area there might need to be an overhaul. There is a substantial cost to clubs to produce the record and we would question the ongoing value of that cost.

“It could be argued it is a cost for a product with limited impact.”   

HFNL president Tim Mason said the future of the record would come down to consumers.

“We think the record is a really good production,” Mason said.

“People want to see a list of team players and it’s also a great avenue for club and league news. There are some digital options that have been raised and we are happy to explore those.”

Alternative options being spoken about for the record at club land include a mobile app with relevant information. For the printed product, suggestions have come that player numbers and club news could be produced on a single sheet by clubs, similar to what happens at Sunday junior football and netball.