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.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
It's not the AFL's fault. North was made an incredible offer to relocate to the Gold Coast. If they had, their financial troubles would hav been greatly lessened, if not eliminated. They choose to stay. "It’s like Demetriou doesn’t want them anymore and is hoping they die on the vine." The AFL has shown in the past (Fitzroy) that if wants to kill a club, the club will die. Demetriou doesn't want North to die; with North, there will be 18 clubs, which will mean easier scheduling and more money. There is no way the AFL would allow North to die, not if it impacts upon the money they get in future TV deals.
Nathan
Guest
re: Docklands Stadium deals: One of the greatest reasons for the financial strength of the Eagles and Dockers is that both the clubs and the stadium are on the balance sheet of the WAFC. Life gets much easier when people are no longer looking to profit off you.
Nathan
Guest
AFL's non-profit and member-owned systems make for a very different dynamic than is immediately apparent. To the extent that they require aid to remain afloat they will have it, but there is no reason for the AFL to subsidise profligacy and incompetence beyond that! Suffice to say, no one will be letting North Melbourne die, despite the mocking of rival supporters. Tough love approach to the contrary.
OzFootballSherrin
Roar Pro
To be fair, the AFL provides life support for clubs like North Melbourne - - and the AFL pushes and forces clubs to develop proper governance, business plans etc. Even as a North supporter, I can see that's better than just guaranteeing bucket loads of cash irrespective. And Demetriou is a North old boy - on a personal note he seriously does not have a deathwish for the Rooboys - however, he has his professional role as well. Whether there's a conflict there or not?? The AFL offer to North to relocate to the Gold Coast was a pretty good one - - and I for one supported North taking it up.......however, for the good of footy I preferred the start up Gold Coast club scenario that has played out - - alas, my North Melb are still in a dodgey state. North was left though to wither for a bit too long with the really severely dodgey stadium deal at Docklands. The AFL has finally come to the party and muscled better deals at both the MCG and Docklands. North though, don't benefit uniquely form that but will benefit. The big thing is to again find a 'niche' such as during the '90s with Friday night matches. Be it Ballarat, or Hobart - both sound like good ideas if they could be made to happen. That, and survive until 2025 when the AFL assumes 100% ownership of Docklands stadium - then one would imagine the 'stadium deals' for tenant clubs will improve!!!!
Moonface
Roar Guru
With the AFL holding so much cash, it’s a sad indictment on the AFL that traditional clubs like the Kangaroos are treated so badly. The AFL are spending $200M each on the new GCS and GWS clubs and another $200M promoting AFL in NSW, but North have to fend for themselves financially and play games in Tassie or Ballarat so they can pay a few bills. It’s like Demetriou doesn't want them anymore and is hoping they die on the vine. This is more shameful than the treatment of NQF by the FFA and Kangaroos fans should b very concerned. Have the courage to speak up for your club, otherwise it will become extinct in the next few years .
OzFootballSherrin
Roar Pro
As a North member I got I guess scared off from voting. Right now, I do just want some stability at the top and the debt seems the next major issue to focus on. That North have the new facilities, and returned 3 years of small profits is nice, but, for a $5-6 million debt - something substantial needs to be done. The key questions now are around the sourcing of revenue. North currently is the only club without external sources, such as pokies. Towns such as Ballarat and Hobart start entering one's thoughts. Wait and see. For now though, alas, Bastinac is out for the first half of the season, and Big H and Grima are working through issues.