Gary Ablett signs autographs for fans during the opening of Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast.
In the modern world of AFL, players leaving clubs for contracts of greater financial value and plying their trade elsewhere has become a common trend.
With the addition of the Gold Coast Suns this season and Greater Western Sydney in 2012, it is only going to become a more prominent concept.
And we’ve already seen it in full swing. First it was Gary Ablett’s move to the Gold Coast Suns after two premierships and a Brownlow Medal with Geelong. He was followed by Nathan Bock, Campbell Brown and Jarred Brennan, just to name a few.
The question was then raised: who was Greater Western Sydney going to target first from the existing pool of AFL players? Rumours were flying around about various players having already signed contracts with the AFL’s newcomers, but only Adelaide’s Phil Davis has validated the rumours circling his departure in albeit unusual circumstances.
And with The Age reporting that Callan Ward is all but gone from the Western Bulldogs, it seems like this is going to be the norm for many years to come.
But the past two weeks have been refreshing for those footy fans and personalities who gain satisfaction and comfort from seeing players remain loyal to clubs that gave them an opportunity to compete at the games highest level.
Seeing the likes of Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile and Andrew Moore re-sign with the Port Adelaide Football Club is great to see despite the media speculating about their potential departure. It suggests that despite the changing nature of the playing landscape in the AFL, many players still want to remain at football clubs with their mates and try to build towards something special.
The next name on the list is Port Adelaide youngster John Butcher. After only three senior games of AFL football, Butcher has already been linked with Carlton, North Melbourne and Richmond. Butcher, who has not yet put pen to paper with the Power, is the man many believe can be the next Warren Tredrea for the club. He has kicked 11 goals in three weeks, including a six-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs.
As a Richmond fan, I would love for Butcher to come to Tigerland as he would be a welcome addition to the forward line. But as an avid AFL fan, I would also like to see him stay at Alberton. Not only does Port Adelaide need to desperately hang onto as many key position players as possible in order to rise up the ladder again, it is also a positive outcome for the game itself.
Well, maybe not for Andrew Demetriou and his cronies who clearly want as many players as possible to sign with GWS. But for those who still see the value in remaining a one club player, it is a great sign, and one that I personally hope still remains in the game despite the ever so changing nature of the AFL world. It is one element that separates our game from the US and European sports, where money does all the talking.
I understand that the league must move with the times and I concede that there is benefit in the concept existing, but don’t tell me it’s not at least a little bit refreshing to see some players still wanting to build a dynasty at a football club with their mates.
Republican
Guest
The Cattery Call it by any other name you choose but NOT 'loyalty'.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Old Melbourne fans still talk of the absolute shock with which the news was met circa 1965, that Ron Dale Barassi had chosen to move from Melbourne to Carlton. The favourite son, raised by the club since the death of his father in WWII, a premiership player with the club himself. That's the fan perspective, noting that they had witnessed Barass assist the club in winning six flags. But Barass' perspective was, well, he had helped the club win six flags, was paid a pittance, and had the opportunity to set himself up for life, which he did, expanding on the legend to-be's resume. These things are never straightforward, and similarly, who can begrudge Yablett jnr, or Mrs Ward's son from setting themselves up for life. I remain satisfied that when it's all said and done, there is as much club loyalty as anyone could reasonably expect in such a professional environment - be happy with that.
Jaceman
Guest
8 year free agency vrs 10 year veteran rule salary cap allownce. 26 year old with wife, kids, permanent girlfiend in the town he plays mmm not much movement but we will see..maybe more fringe player movement
Republican
Guest
Ian Firstly, there are exceptions in a sporting culture that lacks loyalty. Secondly, as evidenced on this thread, many delude themselves otherwise. Thanks for your vote of confidence; you clearly comprehended my unthinking bluster and bombast, you are to be commended.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
I don't particularly like the word 'loyalty', however there is a massive difference between the Yankees and the most dominant AFL teams. The fact is that it is impossible for any AFL team to dominate over an extended period of time, unlike the Yankees, and you will never get a situation where a team can win 8 straight flags. The difference, and the reason why dominance in the AFL is more difficult than overseas, is because of the salary cap and team sizes. Every team has the same salary cap, as well as the same size limits. The reality is that even if every Collingwood player accepted a minimum salary, in order to stay with the club, it wouldn't be beneficial to Collingwood as they would be unable to recruit too many free agents or players from from other clubs, which would affect Collingwood's chances of dominating the competition for much longer. There comes a point where no matter how good your list is, you need to go outside of it. However Collingwood wouldn't be able to do so if every player stuck with the Magpies forever. Therefore, we will never see a situation where a club dominates the AFL in the same way that Manchester United dominates the EPL, the Yankees dominates MLB, and various teams dominated the NBA. Salary cap and list sizes won't allow it to happen, and nor would human nature. Even if most players agree to take pay cuts to stay, some won't, and most players will only accept a pay cut of a certain size. A player might be willing to stay with the Magpies for 20-40% less money than they can earn elsewhere, but 50%? 60%? I doubt it.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Republican, To point out your logical errors, you cannot both point out exceptions and delude yourself, as exceptions are, well, exceptions and to not notice them would be, well, deluding yourself. A better position would be to say - and Im trying hard to get your combination of unthinking bluster and bombast - "The few examples of club and player loyalty are just there to fool wooly-headed fans into thinking loyalty is something other than a thing to be bought and sold"
steve howard
Guest
what about hawthorn and max bailey!is that not the club showing loyalty?
CJ
Guest
The flip side of this "one team forever" argument is that you get dynasties, stretches of domination by a few clubs, etc; all of which are excellent if you're behind that team but probably hurt the sport in general - see Yankees, New York. I understand they don't win due to keeping a core of young, in-house developed talent, but they are a dynasty that many feel harms the sport. A freer player market will make this "loyalty" idea weaker still (because star player salaries -should- be bid upwards), but would you rather a sport where "loyal" players stick to one club forever and that club then win eight straight flags, or one where 2007 Grand Finalists can be favourites for the wooden spoon in 2011 and some team (from WA, say) makes a meteoric rise from the ashes? Probably the former, if it's your team doing it ;-) Besides, we wouldn't get all these warm fuzzy stories of players sticking with their clubs forever if everyone did it.
brendan
Guest
The concept of loyalty and being a one team player is fantastic but it isnt always the best thing for team or player.As a catter rapt to see Jimmy Bartel sign a contract that will make him a one team player (being from Bell Park and all).Ablett leaving Geelong was hard to take but we have recieved two draft picks and kept a good player that would have been traded to keep him.Three players from the superdraft of 01 have been traded Judd ,Ball and Ablett and each of the original clubs have recovered sufficiently to be in with a chance this year(Stkilda should have taken Wellingham and pick 30 for Ball but didnt ).I personally think when the stars get traded the original club benefits more ala Pitura for Teasdale,Jackson and Roberts or in recent times Colbert for Mooney ,Enright and Spriggs.I think Essendon got some of the Danihers for ''Nifty '' Neville Fields it will be interesting to see if Collingwood have to shed any future champions to keep Swan, Thomas and Pendlebury.
Republican
Guest
Loyalty? The relevance this word holds in modern day elite sport is oxymoronic to say the least. Loyalty is bought and sold almost without exception and that some seek comfort in deluding themselves otherwise, is desperate.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Yeah. I've heard a rumour Melbourne's premiership-winning captain, Ron Barassi, might take the money on offer from Carlton. Players moving like this as free agents will ruin the game !
Nick
Guest
Nathan Buckley should not be mentioned in an article on one club players and loyalty. He refused to join Brisbane when drafted, staying in the SANFL for a year. He only joined Brisbane when he had a clause inserted into his contract that would allow him to move to a club of his choice after one season. So after winning the rising star, FIGJAM bailed.
Sue Lucin
Guest
I see both sides of the issue. There is nothing better the the loyal one-club player like Richo, Jimmy Hird, Bucks to name a few. Those one-club players earn the respect of their supporters for a lifetime and usually earn enough money to last a lifetime. Most players have very short lived careers and need to make their money in a short period of time. I don't blame Callum Ward for jumping ship. In my eyes (i might be wrong as I don't know much about him) he is an average player who will not have a massive future in AFL and must set himself up now, while he can.
Sam Patrick
Roar Rookie
Great to see !
Tony
Guest
Daisy Thomas just re-signed with C/wood
cheongas
Guest
money talks sammy... loyalty is undoubtedly still there but it will be interesting to see if it lasts as players start getting 7 figured sums to move clubs. great read though champ :)
Sam Patrick
Roar Rookie
I am not saying that we can or should stop it happening...I understand modern business and am all for player movement now, as it is inevitable with free trade coming next year....but I just thought it was very refreshing and still satisfying to see players stick with their club who are obviously struggling. Thanks for reading guys and the discussion/comments have been great.
Redb
Roar Guru
It;s the good the rules have been relaxed for players like Rischitelli.
Redb
Roar Guru
Oh boohoo. Like the NFL the AFL is a closed market for players.
Redb
Roar Guru
It will create more movement but is not a free for all. 8 years service min. Regardless the marquee players will mostly stick becuase the clubs will make sure they get good money. Each club still has a salary cap. GC & GWS will be reigned within a couple of years.