What is glowingly clear is that Melbourne and Sydney live in their own world and the rest of the country needs to get real on the fact that sport in this country is ready to take the next step and become proper, professional sports.
Rugby league and union have touched on it, by allowing mid-season signings. We as fans, need to get real about trading during the season, free agency for players, sacking coaches when they don’t perform; be real if they are not heading in the right direction, so that after four years it won’t happen in another four.
Big contracts for players shifting to new franchise teams, allowing new teams in your sport which will mean bigger ability to get the corporate dollar, players that misbehave, and betting on sports now is a prerequisite when you have betting agencies sponsoring teams and competitions.
It would seem that we fight the natural course for these sports to grow and evolve. We, the fans, need to embrace the change and encourage the powers that be, the ability to make these changes happen.
What we know is that it has been proven in other lands around the world; sure there are lockouts and teams that don’t survive, but let us let the market decide to a degree.
It’s time some of these states, namely NSW and Victoria let go of their stranglehold of these sports and truly let them be national sports and to all us, the fans, to sit back and see what happens.
Now, I am not saying we don’t have salary caps and keep the game interesting on that part, ensuring teams viability. We don’t want sport and its commodity, the players, to be the most affected, but give the new facet of the trade, the free agency and the long term contract a chance to succeed.
But lets be real, it gives the games of choice further interest and Commercial Bargaining Agreements will get sorted in time, it won’t mean the game will never be played again; there is too much money to be missed out on.
Our country is growing and we, the fans, need to allow this to happen and use this growth to encourage sport.
We need to understand that real players are a commodity and they also have a shelf-life, there is no loyalty in teams from players when they are the commodity, and as fans, we need to remain loyal to the team show our passion and interest for the greater good of the game.
Lets enjoy professional sports for what it is.
oikee
Guest
Sheek, i find no problem with it, when it haoppens in your game and like workchanges who are kicking and screaming not to change, it becomes normal practice for players and coaches. Not so much coaches changing clubs, but being replaced, it can help a team. Players, well they sometimes need a change or are not happy in that enviroment, so why not let them go for the best of your team. It becomes the norm after a while, happens all the time in league now, we just get on with the season regardless, so you could say we have embraced change, where your hanging onto the past. Dinosaurs are my pet hate.
sheek
Guest
No, I don't agree with mid-season trades at all. Have you thought it through, it would be absolutely ridiculous. Having players, or even coaches, move between two clubs in the one year is absurdity in the extreme. Boards, players, coaches, fans, sponsors, broadcasters all need to suck it up. You start with a particular roster for the year, & you see it through. If it hasn't worked out for the team, coaches, players or board, then you make the changes at the end of the year. Not before! Let's get real about this. Everyone needs to exercise discipline & restraint, & accept you can't have it all your way, all of the time. Develop your integrity & your wisdom, that's how you will get better results.
Mick
Guest
I reckon they should be able to change mid season as plenty of players have fallen out with coaches & have been sidelined If a player that has changed clubs plays a required number of games for new club he should be able to play finals although I hate seeing player association & managers spruiking it as all they want is $$$$$ for negotiating a change
Tony
Guest
Leave AFL out of this........your comme ts apply to competitions with teams owned by the wealthy. Australia's tradition is of clubs with members.