Show up for your team: TAC Road Safety Round returns to the VAFA

This weekend, the VAFA community will once again unite with AFL Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to deliver a powerful message during the 2025 TAC Road Safety Round. 

Now in its seventh year, this important initiative continues to shine a light on the need to reduce road fatalities and promote safer driving behaviour across the state. In 2025, the campaign will focus on speeding, which is a contributing factor in at least 30% of fatal crashes and 25% of serious injury crashes on Victorian roads. The theme for this year’s round is: “Show up for your team. Slow down on the road.” 

Throughout the weekend, players and officials across all VAFA clubs will wear the signature blue ‘Band Together’ armbands, symbolising their commitment to road safety and solidarity with those affected by road trauma. The campaign will also be visible beyond the field, with clubs encouraged to amplify the message via social media channels and in their clubrooms. 

From this year forward, the TAC is calling on everyone to move beyond just playing their role. Regardless of whether you’re a player, volunteer, committee member, or supporter, every individual has a part to play in slowing down and driving safely. Because your actions don’t just protect you. They protect your team. They protect your community. They protect Victoria. 

“Speeding continues to be a major contributor to road trauma. Partnering with grassroots clubs allows us to reach Victorians where they live, play, and connect, embedding road safety into everyday life and driving real behavioural change,” said TAC CEO Tracey Slatter. 

“Road Safety Round is now a fixture in the community footy calendar, and its impact goes far beyond the field. When players, coaches, and volunteers wear the armband, they send a powerful message of unity and commitment to the community,” explained Greg Madigan, Head of AFL Victoria.

In 2025, the AFL’s 10 Victorian-based teams will proudly stand in solidarity with over 1,000 regional and suburban AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs by wearing blue armbands during matches as part of the TAC Road Safety Round. AFL clubs Hawthorn and Carlton will kick the round off on Thursday night, with road safety messaging on both teams’ pre-game banners and in the match record which reflects the shared commitment to ‘Band Together’ for safer roads.  

The TAC Road Safety Round is a key component of a broader, long-standing partnership between the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), AFL Victoria, and the VAFA, aimed at driving change and saving lives on Victorian roads. Central to this partnership is the TAC Club Rewards Program, which invites all AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs to be active participants in promoting road safety. Through this program, AFL Victoria and the TAC will distribute $700,000 in funding to clubs that go beyond simply taking part and demonstrate real leadership in fostering safer driving behaviours. Clubs can earn up to $10,000 by championing road safety throughout the season. Many VAFA clubs have already embraced the program, using the funding to implement meaningful initiatives that benefit their members and the wider community.  

In 2025, a fresh and innovative initiative ‘TAC Slo-Mo’ has been introduced to further increase community engagement. This campaign invites individuals to submit slow-motion football or netball videos that incorporate creative and powerful road safety messages, blending fun with education in a unique and engaging format.  

As road trauma continues to affect lives across the state, the VAFA encourages all clubs to continue leading by example. Whether on or off the field, the role of players, coaches, and volunteers is vital in building a culture of safety and responsibility. By working together and reinforcing road safety within clubs and local communities, we can help make a real and lasting impact. 

For more information or support in participating in the TAC Club Rewards Program, please contact Club Support Manager Pranav Menon ([email protected]).

One death on our roads is too many and your club can BE THE DIFFERENCE. Whether you’re heading to training, the game, or simply commuting, make the conscious choice to slow down. Show up for your team.  

Together, let’s make a difference on and off the field.