The AFL receives a heavy following within Australia and is a major representation of Australian culture.
Australian Rules football is Australia’s only indigenous sport and is something which many Australians are proud of.
The topic of equalisation among AFL clubs provides a variety of opinions.
Many poorer clubs believe their prolonged struggles are due to unfair measures within the AFL, whereas the wealthier clubs believe it is poor management and governance that has caused such clubs to perform under expectations.
The annual release of the AFL fixture list is always met with scrutiny.
The Friday night game time slot is a topic which draws heavy interest when the fixture is released. The highest-drawing teams are usually allocated this time slot, whereas the less supported clubs are put on at a different times with less exposure.
This restricts the less supported clubs from showcasing themselves, as well as growing their fan-base and membership. Smaller clubs must be given more opportunities to play in these time slots so that they are enabled to prove themselves.
The salary cap and the annual draft are primary equalisation tools which work, however these alone are not enough. Further supporting the smaller clubs is essential in having a fairer and exciting league.
One major issue with the salary cap is that some of the poorer clubs are unable to spend the full amount. A competitive league which provides an even chance for all clubs is ideal, as spectators prefer to see closer and more competitive games.
A cap on off-field spending is something which many believe could be an answer to further equalisation. Clubs with high memberships and rates of success post large profits annually and spend this accordingly. Due to the excess funds are their disposal, further revenue sharing is also another viable option.
Although the AFL competition is not as equal and competitive as it could be, it is certainly headed in the right direction. The AFL is a business in which revenue is, and always will be, one of its primary focuses.
However, profitability does not necessarily have to come at the expense of equalisation, and the best effort possible must be made not to compromise this.
A competitive league that provides all clubs the chance to win the premiership is desirable and achievable. A fairer and closer competition is vital for the continued interest and growth of the AFL.
The only way to achieve this is via further implementation of equalisation methods.
jax
Guest
That's why two of them have to go or relocate. There are 10 teams in Vic and 2 teams each from the other states. It's lop-sided in a major way
jax
Guest
The point is they spent the money wisely and used it to turn things around unlike the perennial money wasters
jax
Guest
Couldn't agree more. Geelong and Hawthorn were nearly broke a few years ago and look what they've been able to do. Until these poor clubs bring a broom like Kochie, Costa, Cook etc into the place I can't see things changing anytime soon. Hopefully the Dees are on the right track.
jax
Guest
That's a good example of the performance based support I spoke about further up the page. Hopefully the Dees are finally on the right track. If they had some performance targets on and off field to achieve before they got the next handout that may have stopped them flushing millions down the drain over the last 10 years. They aren't the only club to have wasted millions btw, just a good example. I hate throwing good money after bad
jax
Guest
It would be a good thing for the league to lose some Melbourne clubs. Not a good thing for the supporters, it's a touchy subject I know but I don't agree with a welfare league.
jax
Guest
I like you're idea Andy
jax
Guest
You can't cap the strong clubs footy dept spending because that will hold them, the players and league back when we should keep setting new benchmarks. There are too many teams in Victoria and I'd rather see two of them go or relocate before the introduction of more equalisation methods. Port is an interesting case. They have turned it around very quickly. Look what Kochie has done to that club. Why haven't the poorer clubs being able to emulate that? They've had decades to do it. Any support given to poorer clubs should be performance based and if they can't perform more drastic measures should be introduced.
jax
Guest
I disagree that's players should earn more than administrators. It's a multi billion dollar business that needs a great leader at the helm and he should be compensated accordingly. Gillian has played a lot of footy but never quite made it to the top grade. What has that got to do with his ability to run the league and who would you rather see in charge besides the usual suspects like Brian Cook or Trevor Nisbett?
Matt Carcich
Roar Rookie
It sure is mate haha. I'd agree that if they continue playing the way they are they'll get rewarded with some Friday night games. Regarding the reserves teams, they did about 15 years too late but it's great to see because it helps their list management and hopefully makes them more competitive. It probably happened too late because of the money hungry SANFL and their control of the two clubs which is a story itself along with their terrible stadium deals...but I'll stop here before I get into a rant.
Ben
Guest
Not sure but he seems to be doing an OK job over there.
joe b
Guest
I wouldn't think it would be a worthwhile exercise for brisbane to re-engage a dwindling fitzroy supporter base...their efforts are best focused on the region they are based in. Fitzroy fans can support their local vfa side and/or adopt another Melbourne club in the AFL...I would suggest a club that is financially stable (I.e. a big club), as the poorer/smaller clubs are susceptible to folding. Clubs fold, empires collapse, reigns end...but the game goes on.
aydosv
Roar Rookie
Yes, they need to reconnect with the Roy supporters of old i think. Offering something along the lines of an 'Old Roy' membership, which would provide access to all games in Melbourne at an affordable price. They could also wear the Fitzroy Guernsey for all their Melbourne games. The changing of that terrible 'Paddle Pop' lion will be welcomed by supporters as well.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Good call Judy, recent boards/management have frittered away a wonderful inheritance in six short years - one bad decision after another. At least we know one thing for sure - the AFL won't let the Lions die - but they won't dip in to the same extent they did back in the 90s.
judy morris
Guest
Reported, Brisbane is 10 million in debt.How did this happen over the last 10 years.?Boards, who are not qualified to manage football clubs and their finances.Obviously we haven't had the right people for some time.. If Brisbane fold then we've lost more than our present club,Fitzroy is gone too.Maybe they should be encouraging Fitzroy supporters with more free coverage to Melbourne when they play. These supporters have been left out completely.The AFL needs to get back to grass roots supporters and stop money grabbing as usual.I feel for the Brisbane supporters because they are heading for the same position we were in in 1996.Something drastic needs to be done..With the high debt maybe its too late now.Shows what conditions Voss had to work with.No money at all.
Shouts Chen
Guest
Australia is a multicultural country where we have different cultures from all over the world. We have some people who were born overseas.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Also, Andy knows Collingwood will never come to Canberra to play the Giants, so he will never have to worry about watching the two play against each other (in terms of attending such a game).
Plainsman
Guest
Same as me
Cat
Roar Guru
as of 2013 the salary floor is 95% of the salary cap (which is $9,148,500 for season 2014, except for GWS and GCFC)
Pope Paul VII
Guest
LOL, I thought you were swearing.... smiley face.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
I'm not being bitter, just stating the reality of the situation. It would be a bad thing if one of more of these 130 odd year old clubs folded.