Tweet
Mr Gillon McLachlan
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Football League
GPO Box 5275
Melbourne VIC 3001
Dear Gillon
I write to you firstly as an AFL fan bit secondly as a long term Sydney Swans supporter, one who was at our first ever game at the SCG against Melbourne back in 1982.
In that time I have staunchly followed my team through thick and thin, have experience the lows and enjoyed the highs. I have never been as angry as I am now about the running of our game and the treatment our club is receiving, particularly from Eddie McGuire who is, in my opinion, abusing his position of authority and doing untold damage to the code in this state.
Our club has long fought the good fight in this state, most of with limited assistance from the AFL. For years all we requested was to get a first pick at the Draft in return for developing the kids in this state but we were always refused.
It has taken the introduction of GWS to get it but we are finally in a position where we are able to genuinely able to take on this responsibility and we have taken up the challenge to set up our academies and invested huge sums in our Academy system.
Like most fair-minded fans, I recognised that the COLA was a system past its use-by date. We are now in a position to offer the off-field opportunities to offset the higher standard of living and the new system still affords rental support for those that need it. I applaud the AFL for the common sense approach on resolving this issue. I?m sure that Mr McGuire can attest to the high real estate costs from his brief but ill-fated promotion to Sydney.
What is totally unacceptable is the recent attacks by Mr McGuire on the Academy system that has only been recently introduced and is still being established. The academy system is essential to grow the game in NSW and Queensland and is the best thing that ever happened to football in these states.
Why is Mr McGuire trying to tear down something that has not even borne any fruit yet? Kill off a great concept because we might get a goof first round draft pick who we have developed? I am sure you are well aware of the lack of draftees in recent years from NSW in particular and a big part of that was the fact that any kids good enough would probably end up interstate. Kids in Sydney need to be able to dream of playing for the Swans or GWS (or Lions or Suns if in Queensland).
I am sure you aware of our Chairman?s comments that parents are already ringing him asking if the Academy System is going to be killed off. Does this concern you? Is this the message you want to send?
It is absolutely disgraceful that someone like Mr McGuire, who is meant to serve the games interests is doing so much damage to the code in this state through his narrow self-interest and irrational hatred of our club.
I applaud our Chairman for getting on the front foot but it is time for you to show some leadership on this issue. The longer you stay silent the longer your silence will be interpreted as tacit approval of Mr McGuire.
You may not like to hear this but you are perceived as a stereotypical Melbourne establishment figure beholden to the Old Boy networks of your city. You have been elected to serve all interests of our game, not just those of establishment clubs and it is about time you stood up for the Swans.
Your required response is simple. An unequivocal statement of support for the Academy system and an outright condemnation of the damage Mr McGuire is doing to our great game in this state.
Nothing less will be acceptable.
Regards
Mug Punter (not really....)
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Football League
GPO Box 5275
Melbourne VIC 3001
Dear Gillon
I write to you firstly as an AFL fan bit secondly as a long term Sydney Swans supporter, one who was at our first ever game at the SCG against Melbourne back in 1982.
In that time I have staunchly followed my team through thick and thin, have experience the lows and enjoyed the highs. I have never been as angry as I am now about the running of our game and the treatment our club is receiving, particularly from Eddie McGuire who is, in my opinion, abusing his position of authority and doing untold damage to the code in this state.
Our club has long fought the good fight in this state, most of with limited assistance from the AFL. For years all we requested was to get a first pick at the Draft in return for developing the kids in this state but we were always refused.
It has taken the introduction of GWS to get it but we are finally in a position where we are able to genuinely able to take on this responsibility and we have taken up the challenge to set up our academies and invested huge sums in our Academy system.
Like most fair-minded fans, I recognised that the COLA was a system past its use-by date. We are now in a position to offer the off-field opportunities to offset the higher standard of living and the new system still affords rental support for those that need it. I applaud the AFL for the common sense approach on resolving this issue. I?m sure that Mr McGuire can attest to the high real estate costs from his brief but ill-fated promotion to Sydney.
What is totally unacceptable is the recent attacks by Mr McGuire on the Academy system that has only been recently introduced and is still being established. The academy system is essential to grow the game in NSW and Queensland and is the best thing that ever happened to football in these states.
Why is Mr McGuire trying to tear down something that has not even borne any fruit yet? Kill off a great concept because we might get a goof first round draft pick who we have developed? I am sure you are well aware of the lack of draftees in recent years from NSW in particular and a big part of that was the fact that any kids good enough would probably end up interstate. Kids in Sydney need to be able to dream of playing for the Swans or GWS (or Lions or Suns if in Queensland).
I am sure you aware of our Chairman?s comments that parents are already ringing him asking if the Academy System is going to be killed off. Does this concern you? Is this the message you want to send?
It is absolutely disgraceful that someone like Mr McGuire, who is meant to serve the games interests is doing so much damage to the code in this state through his narrow self-interest and irrational hatred of our club.
I applaud our Chairman for getting on the front foot but it is time for you to show some leadership on this issue. The longer you stay silent the longer your silence will be interpreted as tacit approval of Mr McGuire.
You may not like to hear this but you are perceived as a stereotypical Melbourne establishment figure beholden to the Old Boy networks of your city. You have been elected to serve all interests of our game, not just those of establishment clubs and it is about time you stood up for the Swans.
Your required response is simple. An unequivocal statement of support for the Academy system and an outright condemnation of the damage Mr McGuire is doing to our great game in this state.
Nothing less will be acceptable.
Regards
Mug Punter (not really....)
Comment