The Sydney Swans “can’t have everyone” and should accept the trade ban slapped on them, says AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.
McLachlan responded on Monday to speculation the Swans may challenge a recent edict banning the club from trading until the end of the 2016 season unless they abandon their cost of living allowance (COLA).
The league ruling also stopped Sydney from signing up any restricted or unrestricted free agents for the 2015 or 2016 seasons.
“I can’t comment on what their view on challenging (is),” McLachlan said.
“We’ve had an ongoing dialogue with the Swans for some time, it’s just been a very tough one.
“There have to be some constraints. You can’t have everyone.”
He conceded the Swans made a “strong and compelling” case that they had followed the AFL’s rules when they contracted players including star forwards Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin under the COLA scheme.
But the “stark” measure was still justified, McLachlan said.
“This is not a reaction to anything,” he said.
“The phasing and execution (of COLA) is challenging.”
COLA is currently being phased out and will be replaced by a rent subsidy in the 2017 season.
When the edict was handed down earlier this month, Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland said he was “very disappointed” the club had effectively been punished while simply following AFL regulations.
McLachlan also predicted the rivalry between Sydney and relative newcomers Greater Western Sydney would escalate quickly to the benefit of fans and the sport as a whole.
He predicted the Giants’ latest seasoned recruits, including former Western Bulldogs captain Ryan Griffen and two-time Brisbane club champion Joel Patfull, would help them make a bid for finals in the next two years.
“I’ve… got no doubt that it won’t be long before the Giants rivalry with the Swans is akin to that between the (A-League’s) Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers,” McLachlan said.
“Clubs from the east and west fighting for bragging rights in front of packed stadiums across the city.”
kwality
Guest
Too true Jack - was his statement penned at McGuire Media? The AFL signed off on COLA, agreed a timetable & have reneged.
andyl12
Guest
The Swans were told by AD that COLA would go immediately if they went for trades in 2014, GilMac is simply holding them to that agreement. This saga wouldn't be happening if the Swans hadn't fooled the AFL into giving them COLA in the first place. Sydney need to get over this and concentrate in rebuilding their shattered "bloods culture."
Swan 1
Guest
we are not sad to see it go - just the manner in which it is being taken away. It is not being phased out as was agreed in the past, it is being ripped off the Swans and they are being told that if they stick to the previous agreement they will be penalised with NO draft picks for two years. How is that fair? Why are the Swns being targeted alone? Why the sudden change? The Swans were following the agreement and suddenly, when AD has gone, the fulkes are changed instantly. That is now way to manage a business - and the AFL and all the clubs are businesses. The Swans are being penalised, despite the fact that they have followed the AFL rules.
Maggie
Guest
The Swans were NOT abusing the COLA allowance as has been shown by factual evidence many times. The assertion of abuse have always been just that - an assertion with no evidence. And many, possibly most, Swans fans are not sad to see COLA go. The proposed accommodation assistance seems as if it will be a more appropriate and fair allowance, although it is time for the AFL to make the details and conditions of this assistance clear.
andyl12
Guest
"To take such action against ONE club is staggering." Action was taken against one club because they were the only club abusing a COLA salary cap allowance. But if, as you're saying, COLA has played no part in helping you recruit players, why are you sad to see it go?
Mango Jack
Guest
I'm no Swans fan, but this is not fair. COLA was uneccessary, but there is a plan in place to replace it and it's out of the Swans hands. To slap further restrictions on them smells of vindictiveness.
Swan 1
Guest
This is a clear demonstration that Gillon McLahlan has no understanding whatsoever of the Sydney market and is purely about stopping the Swans from recruiting any more talent - no matter who it is. It is a clear message to the Swans to "stop being successful, stop poaching Victorian players, stop being a threat to the premiership" To take such action against ONE club is staggering. To fail to acknowledge the smart management of the Swans is breathtaking., COLA did not allow the Swans to recruit Buddy or Kurt, it played no role in that. So I imagine that if the Swans win another premiership we will have a further ban slapped on us from recruiting until we end up at the bottom of the ladder again. Is the way the AFL will work in future when clubs outside Victoria win the flag? They will simply stop the club from trading for a year or two? It is utterly amazing,. unjust and destructive. Bring back the old management!!!!