Rumour Power, Politics and the AFL Boys club

[bresker]

Power, politics, and the AFL’s ‘Boys’ Club’ - ABC Radio National

Illegal drug taking, alleged bullying and harassment, and deliberately losing matches to gain access to prized young recruits. These are some of the scandals that, over the years, have plagued the biggest sporting competition in the country, the AFL – the Australian Football League. But despite...

www.abc.net.au

I listened to this podcast the other day. Very interesting stuff.

Dean Bailey and James Hird portrayed as fall guys, who took the flak so that board members and AFL head honchos smell of roses.

Inquiries into dodgy behaviour quietly shelved and hidden

Bullying rife, but hidden with big cash payouts to victims along with silence clauses.

Has anyone read the book this podcast is based on?

 

[Big Crow]

Yes I’ve read it. It’s not bad, but it is bleak reading if you value having a shred of confidence in the integrity of the league.

Consistent themes throughout the book are:
1. Individuals or groups being forced to take the fall for the league.
2. “Facts” shaped to fit the preferred outcome of the league.
3. Inconsistencies in decisions and policy on the run depending on what the league wants to happen.

 

[Lockyer24]

Hirdy being portrayed as a victim is rather ironic when trying to make claims of boys club

 

[brmi]

The AFL has a boys club?

I'm shocked to be sitting here.

 

[Cornelius Roy]

3. Inconsistencies in decisions and policy on the run depending on what the league wants to happen.

This should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone watching the tribunal/free agency compensation decisions over the past few years. The AFL sponsored media are blatantly obvious at hawking the desired outcomes before games are even finished. Yes, that means you Jon Ralph.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Yes, I've read it. A bit of bullshit in there, but I have to admit, many very good points were made. Worth a read.