I have been a passionate supporter of the North Melbourne Kangaroos for 30 years. However, despite my longstanding loyalty, it is clear that the club has become a burden on the suburb, the state, and the AFL as a whole. Over the last 5 years, the club has struggled to perform at a competitive level and there has been absolutely no sign of improvement.

North Melbourne has one of the lowest attendance figures and membership numbers in the league. Year after year, we see the club struggling both on and off the field, with consistent bottom-of-the-table finishes that frustrate and dishearten even the most loyal fans. After five years of being the worst club to play the sport, with year after year of cop outs that have not helped the club improve one iota, it is time to put the club to bed and move on.

The AFL’s resources could be better allocated to support clubs that have the potential for growth and sustainability. The continued investment in North Melbourne detracts from the development of the sport elsewhere. Player development, community engagement, and the overall competitiveness of the AFL are undermined when resources are spread too thin.

It is time for a courageous decision to be made—a decision that prioritizes the future of Australian Rules Football over sentimentality. By folding the North Melbourne Kangaroos, the AFL can reallocate resources more effectively and ensure a stronger, more competitive league moving forward.

Please join me in calling for the AFL to take decisive action in addressing this ongoing issue by signing this petition. Together, we can advocate for a more sustainable future for the game we all love.