Bomber, Kangaroo & Cats Free Zone

[servo]

Because almost all the threads have degenerated into slanging matches between the aforementioned clubs supporters I thought we should have a thread that does not go in that direction.

So lets discuss something else.

If your son grew up to be a star footballer and they were playing for their/your favourite club, how much would they need to be offered to leave that club for another?

To make it an equitable discussion lets assume the following;

a) The other club is interstate.

b) They are not married and have no kids.

c) Inflation is NIL so we all talk about todays amounts.

d) They have no outside business interest yet.

e) They are no older than 23.

f) They are being offered $150,000- per year by their current club.

g) They have been passionate supporters of their current club all their life.

So how much would be enough given that everyone has their price and that club loyalty has diminished greatly over the last 15 years. Both player loyalty to their club and perhaps more relevant, club loyalty to their players.

Thoughts?

 

[Dave]

Dunno Servo, you'll have to ask him in ~16 years time

 

[Bloodstained Angel]

The crucial point is a) the so-called 'interstate' club.

Some players, no matter how mercenary their outlook, simply are not interested in moving out of Victoria thats why clubs like Sydney and Brisbane are often seen to be offering ridiculous amounts of money to entice players to leave Victoria.

Take the Justin Blumfield episode from last year as an example. The Swans were very keen to recruit him and offered him something like $800,000 to come up but he didn't - for a variety of reasons including his wish to stay in Victoria and play for the club he has always felt the most loyalty to.

At the end of the day I think the money has surprisingly little to do with it. It gets down to the individual player concerned, its all about how they feel as individuals, and there are 3 main types :

1) Players who regard the Melbourne footy culture as a life support system and wouldn't consider playing anywhere else.

2) Players who hate the Melbourne footy culture and want to play interstate because the 'microscope effect' isn't quite so bad.

3) Players who will go anywhere just to get a kick.

In answer to the question - I dunno - but there are alot of examples of the Swans (and others) offering up to 2 and 3 times a players current salary - and still not securing their services. So you have to ask yourself - Is the money really as important as we like to make out ?

 

[Pessimistic]

Most 20-23 year olds don't really think that much about money - so long as they have enough for their immediate needs. $150,000 would be more than enough for say 90% of them so if they are happy with their lifestyle - why change ?

 

[Drakey]

This is where good recruiting staff are vital. Especialy at non Melb clubs.

Its not enough to recruit a young kid with talent. He has to be prepaired to stick with a club long term.

Brisbane has a bad record with this witness Buckley. Loads of talent but only stayed 1 year. Was that really of benefit to the club.

Sydney was the same with Rocca.

Good recruiting staff are vital.