Has the AFL lost the plot with funding?

[Dave]

From real footy:

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/08/17/1155407955669.html

"The truth is that the AFL still doesn't seem to quite get it. Half the Victorian clubs are labouring to service multimillion-dollar debts. More than a quarter of the clubs in the competition will register losses of well over $1 million this year and the clubs are what this game is all about."

"The AFL is rich. Half the clubs are poor. The AFL works and travels in style. Many clubs do not. When will the game's administration face up to the fact that the on-field game can get better only if the clubs grow stronger?"


This is interesting though:

"While the clubs were offered about $1 million a year ? all except Sydney pushed for double that amount "

Things must be ticking along OK for the Swans if that's the case.

[ROK Lobster]

Re: Has the AFL lost the plot with funding?

Originally posted by Dave


"While the clubs were offered about $1 million a year ? all except Sydney pushed for double that amount "

Things must be ticking along OK for the Swans if that's the case.

Had something to do with the Swans not wanting to make an unrealistic claim and jeopardise the players pay negotiations, or something.

[goswannie14]

Re: Has the AFL lost the plot with funding?

Originally posted by Dave
"The AFL is rich. Half the clubs are poor. The AFL works and travels in style. Many clubs do not. When will the game's administration face up to the fact that the on-field game can get better only if the clubs grow stronger?"

I think that's where the possible relocation of clubs come into it. To be the premier sporting code in Australia, the AFL cannot continue to have 9 clubs based in 1 city. Financially it is just not viable.

I await the day when others have to face up to the fact that many of us here did over 20 years ago, that it is better for your club to relocate and be successful than for them to go the way of the old VFL club University and just cease to exist.

[Damien]

Re: Has the AFL lost the plot with funding?

Originally posted by Dave

"The AFL is rich. Half the clubs are poor. The AFL works and travels in style. Many clubs do not. When will the game's administration face up to the fact that the on-field game can get better only if the clubs grow stronger?"

I think the AFL work pretty hard with clubs to help them out, but surely the clubs shouldn't receive massive funding just because they have debts and haven't managed themselves well enough.

The Victorian clubs were pretty happy to take nice licence fees off the Non-Victorian clubs (off Sydney a few times!), so they can deal with the consequences of a tough national competition and manage their businesses accordingly.

The Swans manage themselves in a much tougher environment than any Victorian club has to deal with, I am sick of the sooking I am hearing from down there.

If Hawthorn and Geelong can turn yearly losses around to profits, then surely the rest of the clubs can, and if they can't, then it's time for them to give the Swans a call, we can give them some tips on relocating.