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Full Noise by SN
A WA football icon returns: The Football Budget is back
SEN • April 2nd, 2026 12:15 pm
A treasured piece of Western Australian football history is returning, with The Football Budget set to be back in the hands of fans from this weekend, thanks to Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) and the AFL Record.
First published in 1921, the 105-year-old publication The Football Budget has long been a fixture at WAFL matches, regarded by generations of supporters as an essential part of the match‑day experience. Originally known as the WA Footballer before becoming The Football Budget in 1936, the publication has chronicled the stories, players and moments of WA football for more than a century.
Earlier this year, the publication was shut down, prompting a strong community backlash from fans, historians and WA football stakeholders who feared the loss of one of the game’s most enduring traditions. In response, SEG and the AFL Record have stepped in to ensure The Football Budget lives on.
From Good Friday The Football Budget will return as a 24‑page special lift‑out, appearing in all Western Australian editions of the AFL Record. It will also be available at WAFL matches, reconnecting the publication with the grassroots heart of the game where it has belonged for more than a century.
The revived Football Budget will continue its proud tradition of covering Western Australian football, featuring WAFL content, player lists, club stories and historical continuity for supporters young and old.
SEG Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison, said bringing back The Football Budget was about preserving something deeply important to the WA football community.
“The Football Budget is part of the fabric of WA football,” Hutchison said.
“For 105 years it’s told the stories of the game at a local level, and when it was taken away the reaction made it clear just how much it means to people. We’re incredibly proud to work with the AFL Record to bring it back and ensure this piece of football history continues for future generations.”
WA Football Executive Manager, Brand and Growth, Todd Baker, also shared his enthusiasm.
“We’re delighted to have the WAFL Football Budget back for the 2026 Sullivan Logistics WAFL and ATCO WAFLW seasons and are grateful for SEN’s support in bringing the 105-year-old publication back to life,” Baker said.
“The WAFL Football Budget will have more eyeballs on it than ever before as part of the AFL Record, with footy fans able to access it at Optus Stadium home games as well as every WAFL venue and digitally through the AFL Record website.
“We’re looking forward to working with SEN to bring WAFL and WAFLW fans exclusive content, team lists, features and interviews they can read while cheering on their teams when the Sullivan Logistics WAFL season kicks off over the Easter long weekend.”
