FOOTY fans may miss the football this winter, but they won’t be starved of their beloved AFL Record.

Crocmedia announced today that despite no matches at AFL grounds until May 31, a free edition of the AFL Record would be available online each week.

The AFL Record, presented by Karcher, has been a staple of the AFL landscape since 1912.

Each Friday, the AFL Record will be available for FREE download on the AFL app; afl.com.au; SEN app; SEN.com.au and aflnation.com.au, ensuring footy fans right across the country can still get their regular weekly footy fix even while there are no games.

Last week’s edition was the first ever online and the weekly digital edition will continue again from this weekend, in collaboration with SEN digital.

AFL Record Editor Michael Lovett said that the publication felt a social obligation to provide content and companionship to fans this winter.

“The AFL Record has survived world wars, floods, the great depression, you name it,” Lovett said.

“We’ll do our very best to deliver for our fans in the circumstances, keep the supporters updated and replicate a tiny part of their weekend experience as best we can.”

AFL’s General Manager Commercial Kylie Rogers said: “During these unprecedented times, the much-loved AFL Record will provide an important and comforting connection with our fans and supporters.

“It has always been there for the fans and we expect will be welcomed now more than ever before,” Rogers said.

Football fan Daniel Nailer summed it up best in one of the many letters to the editor this week; “The Record is an integral part of the game that I love. The game that is part of normality of life for me.”

“I want you to know how much many others like myself are thrilled to have the Record in our hands for the first game of Round 1,” Nailer said.

SEN digital director Simon Chapman said it was an honour to be allowed to distribute the AFL Record free to fans.

“Our team and the AFL Record team have enjoyed collaborating over the past year and the fast-growing SEN app is already there to add to the fan experience for free every day of the year,” Chapman said.

“We’ve all loved hearing the record girls and boys yell “Record” at the footy, and now they get to hit the tab each Friday for free on our ever evolving app.”

This week’s edition will be jammed-packed with great yarns to keep the fans up- to-date, whilst taking a look back at the great rivalry between Collingwood and Richmond and what makes it so special.

In this week’s edition, Andrew Slevison reveals The Premiership Club, an insight into every club’s premiership.

Former Geelong star Steve Johnson reflects on his rollercoaster AFL career which went from a near delisting to triple premiership success with the Cats and a Norm Smith Medal in 2007.

And fans can still enjoy regular features like Footy Trivia, a dedicated kids’ section, up-to-date stats and more.

To download your free digital version of the AFL Record this week go to the AFL app, afl.com.au, SEN app, sen.com.au or aflnation.com.au

Listen to Mick Lovett's chat with Gerard Whateley below: