Bigger Squads?

[Eagle_Fan]

Can someone please explain to me why the AFL has cut the clubs list down by so much over the last decade or so? It it purely monetary in incentive?

We had a ridiculous situation on the weekend, a squad of 40 (since Lewie retired), but only ~28 fit(ish) players to choose from, including at least five rookies. I know it was a novelty, and won't happen very often, but I believe clubs should have a squad of at least 45, even 50.

Perhaps this weekend exposed our lack of deep, deep depth, but the fact is we've had to delist several players over the last couple of years, because they weren't developing fast enough. The focus is on youth, and the older players suffer because of it. We had two debutants, and a few others who really weren't ready for league footy.

Injury management is suffering too, with players coming back sooner than they ought to, to cover the loss of others.

Are squad members who don't even come close to playing a game really worth $40-50,000 a year? I'd like to see a bigger squad, and slightly bigger salary cap, with lower payments for the 'bottom' players.

Is this a justified comment, or a desperate attempt to find answers for the weekend?

Appreciate your thoughts.....

BTW/ We're getting ten of our best back this weekend, so look out Port!

 

[jod23]

This may look weird cos were both mighty WCE supporters but i agree with everything you said about not only the lenght of team lists but also the salary caps and payments. I mean we shouldnt have to pay ppl like Antwoniczs and Haynes that much money when there no where near ready for top line footy. And i dont think you should look for an excuse for why we lost, Brisbane are a good team and we were without ten of our best players, you take ten of the bombers best players out of there team and they'd lose to brisbane too. Anyways as you said most of em will be back this week for a big win over port

2000 the year of the Eagle

 

[jod23]

Oh yeah and Eagle_Fan did you see Judge on Monday night 7 news he confirmed that White will be back this weekend!!!! Praise the lord we need him badly it makes Scotty's job so much easier.

2000 the year of the Eagle

 

[Dave]

The squads were trimmed basically to allow the AFL to get rid of the reserves. They said to was to reduce cost and improve the overall quality of the competition (less dilution of talent etc).