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The AFL and Victoria state government have announced an $18 million, three-year boost to country football.

The AFL and Victorian state government will pour an additional $18 million into country football from 2020-2022.

The three-year funding announcement marks the largest investment in country football in Victoria in more than two decades.

The initiatives include the removal of all AFL Victoria affiliation fees which will save country football clubs a total of $3.22 million each year, the removal of umpire registration fees and significant reduction in the cost of club apparel.

There will be almost $1 million in initiatives to help volunteers run their clubs.

Funding will also be focused on growing the next generation of players, umpires and coaches with $330,000 dedicated to the introduction of Village Hubs which will be launched in select regions to align local schools, community clubs and AFL clubs together.