Just to be a little fair, Geelong (the City and greater area) has been slaughtered in terms of local employment, with large industries (manufactoring in particular) shedding employees in huge numbers over the last three years - this region has lost more employment than any other in Aust over the past few years at alarming levels.
It is no surprise that the locals can no longer afford to attend the footy or donate money to the club via gaming machines.
I think it is important that the AFL recognise that every now and then regions will face unique and unplanned circumstances and should be ready to assist financially in the short term, if only to ensure that the short term pain does not translate into long term recovery.