The AFL could review Greater Western Sydney’s cost of living allowance (COLA) separately after the Giants broke ranks with cross-town rivals Sydney over the controversial issue.
AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick confirmed the issue was being discussed at the Commission meeting in the harbour city on Monday, but said he did not expect a decision for another couple of months.
“I wouldn’t say it was a key part of the meeting, but we are looking at competitive balance,” Fitzpatrick told reporters.
A number of clubs have labelled as unfair the 9.8 per cent allowance granted to the Swans and Giants above the league-wide salary cap to help cover the high cost of living in Sydney.
Criticism turned to anger at the end of last season when the Swans found room in their cap to recruit star forward Lance Franklin, a year after also signing Kurt Tippett on a big-money deal.
Giants chairman Tony Shepherd suggested on Monday that it was time for the Swans to no longer receive AFL help.
The Swans, meanwhile, have hired a global management consultant firm to help mount their case to retain the extra player payments.
Fitzpatrick said the COLA review was “not specifically” connected to Franklin’s acquisition, adding that it had been on the table for some time.
“I think the Franklin deal … was almost exogenous. It turned up out of the blue,” he said.
Asked whether the Giants and the Swans would be assessed separately, Fitzpatrick said: “I think if your question is, are Greater Western Sydney are at a different stage of development to Sydney? I think the answer’s yes.”
GWS have previously asked the AFL that, if COLA was abolished, the Commission consider granting an “expansion allowance” at the same level to help them attract and retain players during their formation years.
Fitzpatrick conceded the Homebush-based club was “slightly behind” where the AFL would like to see them in terms of their on-field success, but was confident the addition of five senior players – including former Collingwood star Heath Shaw and ex-Swan Shane Mumford – would make a difference this season.
“On most indicators, they’re good and we believe GWS can become one of the big clubs in the AFL,” he said.
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