Like a poorly-run Labor Party leadership challenge, the North Melbourne board elections have been played out in the media.
Accusations are getting nastier, relationships have been broken and the club seems to have descended into anarchy.
For those who do not know what I am talking about I will give you a recap.
North Melbourne Football Club is holding elections for its board of directors. Former shareholder and board member Peter De Rauch is running for a place on the board because he feels the current board isn’t doing a good job.
This, he is entitled to do as it is a democratic process.
However, James Brayshaw had reportedly threatened to resign if De Rauch got elected and since then both sides have traded blows.
There have also been accusations of dirty tricks, with De Rauch left off the ballot paper that went out to members.
When it comes down to it, both parties have performed like spoilt brats who have had their toy stolen in the Kindy playground.
De Rauch has carried on like he has a god-given right to be elected to the position.
He is also hypocritical in saying that Brayshaw has done nothing for the financial position of the club, when in the many years on the board it could not put the club in better financial shape despite winning two premierships.
When Brayshaw took over, the club was on its knees, and nearly left Melbourne because previous boards couldn’t capitalise on the good times.
But Brayshaw cannot go on and say that nothing is wrong at the club when there are a few concerns.
Debt has grown to $5 million at the Roos and unlike Melbourne they have not launched a campaign to reduce it.
Brayshaw had also promised the club will always stay in Melbourne and yet he tried to sell up to seven games in Hobart because the club needs money. After that fell apart, he tried Ballarat.
While De Rauch’s board couldn’t put the club in better financial position, Brayshaw’s board seems to have stagnated and not moved the club forward.
Brayshaw, like the Rudd government, has promised much but not delivered everything and is resorting to old NMFC board tactics to make money which has fans nervous and confused.
I say, stop taking umbrage to so called “unfair” criticism because you have questions to answer.
The biggest loser from this split is the club. While these two swing verbal punches, the club remains in limbo. Both are behaving like brats and hurting the club they claim to love.
Irrespective of who gets elected to the board, I hope they move on and make the club stronger because NMFC don’t deserve the tripe they are getting from these two.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Australians are among the sportiest people on Earth. Much as we like to play code wars with each other, the fact that we can…
Over the years 47 players have represented Australia in rugby league and union - so who is the best of the dual code internationals?
Proposed rule changes to Origin eligibility might be that rarest of things: a solution that works for everyone.
The shortlist for the International Rugby League (IRL) Golden Boot Award has been announced, with a host of hard-runners listed for the top prizes.…
After Australia's 30-nil thumping in the Pacific Championship final, there could be a vastly different Kangaroos team in the next international competition.
A famous day for New Zealand as the Kiwis thrash Australia to take the Pacific Championships title.
