PA1870
Senior List
- Mar 2, 2014
- 287
- 316
- AFL Club
- Port Adelaide
Great speech, Im not moving the blame on you, happy for both the Crows and Power to be in the AFL, good luck to you and I hold the crows equally to blame for what is happening in the SANFL. I do blame the Glenelg football club directors for their vote and all the other clubs that voted for these AFL franchises playing in a local league
I find it amazing that you dont consider paying $2.5 million against $340K an advantage.
Firstly, it's great to share some similar views on football in this state
It's $2.5m due to the AFL salary cap standards. Regardless of what we think players should be paid, AFL clubs are expected to pay a minimum wage to their draftees, rookies, 1st year, 2nd year, etc. There are levels of payments, which have been arranged between the AFL and the AFLPA. I'd almost see it as a different currency ($SANFL vs $AFL if you like).
Furthermore, would you prefer a Clint Alleway or Mason Shaw? You cannot bring age and future into this equation. The reality is, if Shaw reaches his full potential, he doesn't play for the Maggies anyway; He'd be playing in the AFL. If Shaw has reached his full potential at SANFL level (at his current age), he wouldn't be receiving his min. AFL wage as he'd be delisted and sent packing to find another club.
Our boys are living in a cut-throat environment. Many of them young and inexperienced. Many haven't yet got jobs to full back on.
On the other hand, a Clint Alleway gets paid PLENTY by the 'Tiges' and can also obtain/maintain a full time job. The reality is, he would be on similar wage (football and non-football combined) to a first year draftee. I'd dare say more!
Port rookies such as Kane Mitchell, Brent Renouf and Sammy Gray (prior to being upgraded) are on very minimal wages. IIRC it's somewhere around $60k. First year draftees are on very similar wages. Many of these players will make-up the SANFL squad. Including players who are fighting to stay on an AFL list.
So you've got to ask yourself the question. Does a Kane Mitchell leave the AFL system to obtain a full-time permanent job and receive a DECENT amount of $$$ at another SANFL club? Or does he keep his dream alive and play on the biggest stage for his current club?
I'd say the latter. Enter: Matty Thomas!