Scandal AFL accused of exploitation after dancers asked to perform for free at grand final

Johnny Bananas

Premiership Player Hater
Sep 10, 2010
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Next door
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Brisbane Lions

Am organisation the size of the AFL expecting free labour is idiotic. If you're putting on one of the nation's biggest annual events, you can afford to use professional entertainers and pay them for it. And if not, why bother having them at all?
 

Jimpson

Club Legend
Sep 17, 2006
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I think it's a bit overblown. They're not looking for professionals they're just looking for school kids who would probably jump at the chance to perform on a big stage like that. Similar to the ball boys/girls at the Australia Open who (I believe, unless it changed recently) don't get paid.
 
Aug 16, 2006
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Am organisation the size of the AFL expecting free labour is idiotic. If you're putting on one of the nation's biggest annual events, you can afford to use professional entertainers and pay them for it. And if not, why bother having them at all?
I've asked the ladies at Kittens for a free dance plenty of times. I don't see the issue
 

AndyLucimitis

Norm Smith Medallist
Nov 14, 2002
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Carlton
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I think it's a bit overblown. They're not looking for professionals they're just looking for school kids who would probably jump at the chance to perform on a big stage like that. Similar to the ball boys/girls at the Australia Open who (I believe, unless it changed recently) don't get paid.



Agree - it's a beat up. Give the kids a pie and a can of coke and they will be stoked.
 

Johnny Bananas

Premiership Player Hater
Sep 10, 2010
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Next door
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I think it's a bit overblown. They're not looking for professionals they're just looking for school kids who would probably jump at the chance to perform on a big stage like that. Similar to the ball boys/girls at the Australia Open who (I believe, unless it changed recently) don't get paid.
Why would you put on a grand entertainment spectacle with millions watching and use substandard entertainment? Do they use bands composed of high school kids for music performances?
 

Jimpson

Club Legend
Sep 17, 2006
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Geelong
Why would you put on a grand entertainment spectacle with millions watching and use substandard entertainment? Do they use bands composed of high school kids for music performances?

Probably because they don't need professionals to carry a giant Richmond flag onto the ground. They're not looking for halftime entertainment, they're looking for people in minor roles.
 

Johnny Bananas

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Sep 10, 2010
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Probably because they don't need professionals to carry a giant Richmond flag onto the ground. They're not looking for halftime entertainment, they're looking for people in minor roles.
You don't need any sort of dancer to carry a flag, just regular kids. They are specifically looking for people with dance training.
 

Jimpson

Club Legend
Sep 17, 2006
1,461
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Adelaide
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Geelong
You don't need any sort of dancer to carry a flag, just regular kids. They are specifically looking for people with dance training.

I would assume because dancers are fit, organised, disciplined and know how to perform on a stage. If they hire kids off the street you don't know what you're getting.
 

Ricky112

Senior List
Aug 29, 2020
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Western Bulldogs
If you can't afford to pay the entertainers then don't have pre-game entertainment.

This is pure exploitation. Aren't there laws to protect people against predatory organisations that operate like this?

It's pathetic of Gil.

WA were offering $50 million to host the finals.

I'm sure with $50 million the AFL could have afforded to pay for entertainment.

But they chose to sacrifice tens of millions of dollars (and 20% of their workforce) in order to host the finals in Brisbane.
 
Sep 16, 2006
35,834
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If you can't afford to pay the entertainers then don't have pre-game entertainment.

This is pure exploitation. Aren't there laws to protect people against predatory organisations that operate like this?

It's pathetic of Gil.

WA were offering $50 million to host the finals.

I'm sure with $50 million the AFL could have afforded to pay for entertainment.

But they chose to sacrifice tens of millions of dollars (and 20% of their workforce) in order to host the finals in Brisbane.
IIRC we offered a parade as well and a number of big Perth acts were keen on performing (Tame Impala, etc).
 

burge13

Brownlow Medallist
Jan 25, 2019
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AFL Club
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WA should never have got it due to their stupidity over borders throughout.
That said, who cares about HT entertainment. Does anyone watch this? Get Meatloaf back and have a laugh

I see they're thawing out the old boy for Up There Cazaly for the 47th time. Just don't bother...
 

Herne Hill Hammer

Cancelled
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Jun 22, 2008
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If you can't afford to pay the entertainers then don't have pre-game entertainment.

This is pure exploitation. Aren't there laws to protect people against predatory organisations that operate like this?

It's pathetic of Gil.

WA were offering $50 million to host the finals.

I'm sure with $50 million the AFL could have afforded to pay for entertainment.

But they chose to sacrifice tens of millions of dollars (and 20% of their workforce) in order to host the finals in Brisbane.

They get free entry to the gf, an event where tickets will be at an absolute premium.
 

Herne Hill Hammer

Cancelled
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lol and if they are lucky, they might catch a glimpse of gil or eddie! :straining:

If the Eagles were in the game and you could get there, how much would you pay for a the.ticket?

If they're young kids they'll probably at least have one parent each with them too.
 

Ricky112

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Aug 29, 2020
254
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AFL Club
Western Bulldogs
They get free entry to the gf, an event where tickets will be at an absolute premium.

I doubt they get a seat in a reduced capacity venue, and if they did they'll miss half the game. Not to mention I doubt a dancer in QLD has a keen interest Aussie Rules.

Just pay people if you want them to do a job.
 
Dec 21, 2005
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My first grand final was 2002, Collingwood Vs Brisbane. I was a year 12 student and went on the ground for the pre match - waving some banner while trying to get a glimpse at the lead singer of killing Heidi.

All done and sitting in my seat right behind the goals (perfect direct line to Rocca's goal that was called a point) for the first bounce. It was awesome. There'd be a ton of kids that would do it for free, just for the excitement and possibility of catching some action.
 
My first grand final was 2002, Collingwood Vs Brisbane. I was a year 12 student and went on the ground for the pre match - waving some banner while trying to get a glimpse at the lead singer of killing Heidi.

All done and sitting in my seat right behind the goals (perfect direct line to Rocca's goal that was called a point) for the first bounce. It was awesome. There'd be a ton of kids that would do it for free, just for the excitement and possibility of catching some action.

Killing Heidi were good. Weir...great track.

I always assumed you were a little bit older Hard Ball...somewhere near my vintage!
 
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