THE AFL will contribute $12 million to South Australian clubs Port Adelaide and Adelaide over the next three years after the League reached an agreement with the SA Football Commission on Thursday.

The two SA clubs, financially hamstrung by a poor stadium deal in recent years, appealed for assistance from the AFL in order to ensure a smooth transition from AAMI Stadium to a refurbished Adelaide Oval in 2014.

"Football in South Australia needs two strong clubs in Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows competing strongly on the national stage and the AFL competition wants both teams to have every chance to bring success to their supporters," Demetriou said.
 
"This financial model negotiated with the SA Football Commission for the two AFL clubs in South Australia is aimed at ensuring the long-term health of both clubs, with the benefits of two strong football clubs flowing through to all levels of football in the state."

The Power will be the major beneficiary with a total grant of $9 million while the Crows will receive a financial package worth $3 million from 2012 to 2014.

The AFL will also provide the SA Football Commission with the facility to draw $1.5 million per year over the next three years as it looks to manage its own debt.

As part of the gradual move to Adelaide Oval, Port Adelaide will host this season's round 24 game against Melbourne at the ground.

Port's dire financial state in recent years has been well documented, but Demetriou said it was important Adelaide be given the opportunity to secure its financial situation during the challenging transition period.

"During negotiations, it became clear that while Port Adelaide does need assistance for the short-term period before the move of football to the Adelaide Oval, it was also important for further support to be provided to the Adelaide Crows, to enable them to also expand their activities," he said.
 
The terms of package will see the SA Football Commission and the AFL review both the Adelaide and Port Adelaide Football Club licences to determine the best governance structure for both clubs ahead of the move to Adelaide Oval.