Dutchy wrote:One of the major things I have noticed is a noticeable reduction of AFL delisted players signing back in the SANFL once the AFL dream is over.
Some SANFL cubs used to have the press releases drafted up and ready to release post draft day, doesn't seem to happen anymore, hence why I can see the 8 sovereign clubs dropping off and the interlopers benefiting and going deep in the finals.
This might be a reflection of several factors though.
Players in the AFL are now on $300k+ ( average ) and the drop back to the $40-50k ( max ) on offer from SANFL clubs is a pretty serious drop in income. Players at AFL level are now better versed than ever to make a career outside of football before they actually finish up. The money they earn gives them opportunities to invest in other areas of business prior to calling it a day. How many of them per year go into media / coaching roles? Would I also be right in saying the average AFL career is going longer now than ever before? Recruitment, development etc seem to be keeping players at that level longer so they're not 24 coming out of the AFL system but more likely to be 27-28+ and therefore might go down the coaching path themselves? ( Anecdotal only ).
I think there's reasons for this.
Barracker1 wrote:I couldn't agree more. Not only departures but meaningful footballers exiting our state league for local and regional footy or interstate. In all the years I've been involved in the SANFL I've never seen it in a sadder state with little coming from the SANFL hierarchy to support it. There will be major ramifications for clubs if the rot isn't stopped and strategies to lift the SANFL aren't implemented.
The biggest area of concern for me. The noses are in the trough and they're not coming up for air any time soon. Mores the pity.
PAFC. Forever.
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