The footy-fan comedians who are taking a punt on a gambling-free game

In the backroom of the Great Northern Hotel in Melbourne's inner north, a retro arcade-style video game cabinet draws curious glances. Its plywood frame, plexiglass panels, and clunky animation evoke memories of 1990s local pubs. This isn't just a nostalgic relic, it's the physical manifestation of Pro Jank Footy, a chaotic, comedic take on Australian Rules football created by David Ashby and Broden Kelly. The game, housed in a makeshift cabinet, represents the first phase of a larger plan to integrate humor and gaming into the fabric of footy culture, free from the influence of gambling. Ashby, a filmmaker from Adelaide, and Kelly, a comedian and co-founder of the Aunty Donna comedy troupe, are pushing against the commercialization of football and the pervasive presence of gambling in fan culture. For them, Pro Jank Footy is more than a game, it's a statement. The game features absurd elements such as pies and cars invading the playing field, while the goals change size based on player control. These whimsical touches reflect the duo’s desire to diversify the conversation around football, using comedy and gaming to create a new kind of engagement. Both creators emphasize their opposition to gambling. Ashby expresses frustration over the dangers of gambling addiction, particularly among young people. "I really wish kids just gambled on themselves rather than sports," he says. Kelly echoes this sentiment, adding that he finds it offensive when gambling companies use sketch comedy, his own specialty, to promote their products. "Their aim is to be your 'friend' so that the next time you see their brand, you feel familiar with it," he explains. In contrast, his work aims to foster genuine connection through humor and shared experience. Ashby and Kelly have built careers rooted in creativity and independence. Ashby has spent two decades creating content with his longtime collaborator Dario Russo, producing notable works such as Italian Spider-Man, Danger 5, and Koala Man and Dad’s House. Kelly, a founding member of Aunty Donna, has helped establish Haven’t You Done Well Productions, a company dedicated to producing unconventional content. Their latest venture, Grouse House TV, offers direct access to fans for a modest monthly fee, further distancing them from traditional media models. The pair’s project is partly a response to the growing corporate influence of the Australian Football League (AFL) and the monetization of fandom through gambling. They argue that the gambling industry has become deeply embedded in the culture, often at the expense of authentic fan engagement. Kelly notes that many podcaster and content creators face pressure to accept financial support from betting companies early in their careers, effectively compromising their independence. His own podcast, The Footy With Broden Kelly, stands out as one of the few that refuses to accept wagering money. Ashby, supported by Screen Australia’s $30,000 seed fund, developed Pro Jank Footy from an idea born during casual conversations with friends. He managed the animation and partnered with Tyler Roach, a developer with a background in football, to bring the game to life. The result is a playful yet technically sound game that challenges conventional expectations of what a football simulation should look like. As the project moves forward, Ashby and Kelly hope to expand the reach of Pro Jank Footy beyond the initial arcade setup. They envision integrating the game into broader footy rituals, potentially transforming it into a staple of pre-match traditions. While they don’t seek mass popularity, they aim to spark a meaningful shift in how fans interact with the sport, prioritizing culture and humor over commercial interests.