Wingman launched on the Footy Show to encourage Victorians to stay out of trouble

The successful Wingman campaign will step up its partnership with the AFL Coaches Association for 2013 to inspire grassroots football players across Victoria to take a leadership role in reducing alcohol-related violence, Attorney-General Robert Clark said today.

Last night’s Footy Show on the Nine Network brought the Wingman’s popular anti-violence message into the lounge rooms of hundreds of thousands of Victorian footy fans.

The Victorian Coalition Government’s Wingman initiative, based on strong community and industry partnerships, aims to address the issue of alcohol-related violence and the personal implications of anti-social behaviour.

Collingwood Coach Nathan Buckley and Richmond’s Damien Hardwick praised the campaign and highlighted the importance of engaging with young footballers at a grassroots level on last night’s show.

The 2012 state winner of the inaugural Wingman Off-Field Champion award, John Parkes, from Park Orchards Football Club, also spoke about his actions as an off-field leader.

The Wingman campaign encourages young Victorians to look out for their friends, when they are out having a good time, by steering clear of potentially violent situations.

A total of 16 football leagues, consisting of approximately 350 clubs, will be encouraged to participate in the Wingman awards program. At the end of the football season, clubs will nominate their most responsible player as their Off-Field Champion. The state winner will be selected from these nominations.

“The Wingman campaign focuses on alcohol-related violence. Our partnership with the AFL Coaches Association has greatly helped the Coalition Government to get this message out to Victorians,” Mr Clark said.

“Last year’s partnership with the association introduced the Wingman Off-Field Champion awards program which recognised grassroots football players who demonstrated positive behaviour off the field, which set a positive example for their peers.

“This year’s Wingman campaign will build on the success of last year’s partnership by engaging even more closely with metropolitan and regional football leagues.”

CEO of the AFL Coaches Association Danny Frawley joined Mr Clark in encouraging football clubs across the state to embrace the Wingman Off-Field Champion awards program.

“The AFL Coaches Association is proud to be a part of this great partnership, which will see clubs across Victoria actively promoting the Wingman message at the grassroots level,” Mr Frawley said.

Mr Clark said any Victorian could take the Wingman pledge.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to look out for their friends and keep them safe to take the pledge today through the Wingman website,” Mr Clark said.

Victorians can support the Wingman campaign by taking the pledge at www.wingman.org.au