AFL makes massive flood relief announcement for local clubs at Bensons Lane

The CEO of the AFL Gillon McLachlan and GWS GIANTS player Phil Davis visited The Hawkesbury Saints and Norwest Jets at Bensons Lane for the announcement.

Mr McLachlan said the funding could be used for anything that would help clubs recover from the natural disaster.

"These floods were devastating for so many people across NSW," he said.

"As it sits, we have 11 football clubs significantly impacted in NSW and of course we want to help, especially with the community season getting underway this weekend.

"This money is for them to spend on what is most pressing to ensure their players and officials can get on with the game as seamlessly as possible."

The AFL has made $50,000 available initially to distribute to affected clubs and will consider granting special compensation to clubs that have experienced extraordinary losses.

For many clubs, the clean-up continues and each of them will be supported by the AFL through the AFL Flood Relief funds and administration assistance.

The Saints and Jets two-storey clubhouse was almost completely submerged in the flood with the adjoining playing arena completely underwater, including an electronic scoreboard.

Each club will receive $5,000 from the AFL to help them recover.

Hawkesbury Saints President Heath Sharpe thanked Mr McLachlan and Phil Davis for coming down to the club and for the assistance the AFL is providing.

"It is really going to set us up going into the year," he said. "And not just at our club, all of the flood affected clubs that have been impacted by the inundation of water that we have copped.

"I'd also like to thank AFL NSW who have been in contact with us since the water really hit and also all the other AFL Sydney clubs that have reached out to try and give us assistance, it really is appreciated.

"We're custodians of the club and I am sure this relief package is going to be a relief to the committees and the volunteers that have come before us.

Head of AFL NSW/ACT, Tiffany Robertson, said the clubs will welcome this relief from the AFL.

"Devastating events like the March floods show us there is much more to life than football," Ms she said.

"However, football can unite a community and clear their minds from challenges off the field.

"I'm proud the AFL can assist these clubs recover from the floods and ensure they continue to be an integral part of their communities."