Debate at last fortnight's council meeting on the city's 2010 sponsorship deal follows the football club experiencing one of its worst years on the field in two decades.

Cr Colin Hampton said: "It's wrong to give all sponsorship money to one club.

"Many other clubs need the money. They should [just] get $10,000 for the I Love Frankston promotion. For us to give money year after year, we have to ask ourselves, where is it going?"

Cr Brad Hill staunchly defended the club, saying the Dolphins occupied an iconic position in Frankston and undertook a lot of community work.

But Cr Alistair Wardle commented: "You can't ignore the fact that the Dolphins have gambling machines which provide a significant revenue from the community at a huge cost to the community."

Cr Glenn Aitken said the Dolphins had deliberately not aligned with the AFL to ensure they nurtured and supported local players.

"I find it almost embarrassing there could be indecision or a squabble about this."

The sponsorship deal will be reviewed early next year.