Concerning Times in the SANFL?
Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:48 amConcerning Times in the SANFL?
As 2008 draws to a close when the SANFL bragged about increasing attendances one wonders is the SANFL really on an upward spiral or are there some underlying concerning circumstances that are covering up a crisis in our beloved competition?
Reports abound that 4 of the "power" clubs of our competition which were involved in the finals this year have made large financial losses in the previous year, consisting of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 3 CEOs/General managers have resigned and 2 clubs have asked the SANFL for assistance be it financially or for professional guidance. Other clubs not regarded as "power" clubs are also allegedly showing big losses with only 2 or 3 clubs in the entire competition looking in a solid state. Very concerning when reports abound 1 or 2 clubs are doing extremely well financially.
Allegedly the SANFL find themselves caught between a brick and a hard place having already set a precedence earlier thie century in not providing financial assistance to North Adelaide when they were on the brink of closing their doors. Can they professionally and/or morally be seen to show favouritsm and assist clubs in crisis when already setting a precedent not that long ago?
If they do they will be seen to favouring some clubs over others, if they don't then the entire competition will be put at risk as without intervention we may see a plight akin to the National Basketball League where clubs are falling over left, right and centre thus eroding a huge portion of our great competition.
Rumours abound that at least one more club has thrown itself into turmoil with blatant salary cap breaches which may result in their board's president resigning. This will in effect mean more than half of the clubs in the competition have been caught for salaray cap breaches this decade making the whole salary cap in the SANFL seeming pointless.
More will be revealed in the coming months as clubs make their financial reports public but it will be interesting to see if the SANFL put a positive spin on it like they have on crowds in recent years which have despite increases been covering concerns (you can't have Glenelg, Sturt, Port and Norwood making the finals every year) or will they admit there is an issue publicly and show the leadership and provide the assistance required to help get these clubs out of the hole they've found themselves in?
Its hard to see the SANFL "winning" whichever way they go but these are concerning times for fans of most clubs and with the current financial worldwide crisis its hard to see things improving amongst some clubs in a hurry.
All is not doom and gloom however, reports abound that at least 2 clubs virtually have a license to print their own money, ironically one of these clubs is one of the minority that hasn't been found to breach the salary cap. Would the SANFL crack down harder on some clubs IF they were found to be flouting the salary cap rules?
Interesting times ahead for SANFL fans.
As 2008 draws to a close when the SANFL bragged about increasing attendances one wonders is the SANFL really on an upward spiral or are there some underlying concerning circumstances that are covering up a crisis in our beloved competition?
Reports abound that 4 of the "power" clubs of our competition which were involved in the finals this year have made large financial losses in the previous year, consisting of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 3 CEOs/General managers have resigned and 2 clubs have asked the SANFL for assistance be it financially or for professional guidance. Other clubs not regarded as "power" clubs are also allegedly showing big losses with only 2 or 3 clubs in the entire competition looking in a solid state. Very concerning when reports abound 1 or 2 clubs are doing extremely well financially.
Allegedly the SANFL find themselves caught between a brick and a hard place having already set a precedence earlier thie century in not providing financial assistance to North Adelaide when they were on the brink of closing their doors. Can they professionally and/or morally be seen to show favouritsm and assist clubs in crisis when already setting a precedent not that long ago?
If they do they will be seen to favouring some clubs over others, if they don't then the entire competition will be put at risk as without intervention we may see a plight akin to the National Basketball League where clubs are falling over left, right and centre thus eroding a huge portion of our great competition.
Rumours abound that at least one more club has thrown itself into turmoil with blatant salary cap breaches which may result in their board's president resigning. This will in effect mean more than half of the clubs in the competition have been caught for salaray cap breaches this decade making the whole salary cap in the SANFL seeming pointless.
More will be revealed in the coming months as clubs make their financial reports public but it will be interesting to see if the SANFL put a positive spin on it like they have on crowds in recent years which have despite increases been covering concerns (you can't have Glenelg, Sturt, Port and Norwood making the finals every year) or will they admit there is an issue publicly and show the leadership and provide the assistance required to help get these clubs out of the hole they've found themselves in?
Its hard to see the SANFL "winning" whichever way they go but these are concerning times for fans of most clubs and with the current financial worldwide crisis its hard to see things improving amongst some clubs in a hurry.
All is not doom and gloom however, reports abound that at least 2 clubs virtually have a license to print their own money, ironically one of these clubs is one of the minority that hasn't been found to breach the salary cap. Would the SANFL crack down harder on some clubs IF they were found to be flouting the salary cap rules?
Interesting times ahead for SANFL fans.
. You got part of the Morphett Vale area off us in the last redistribution. Not saying you shouldn't have but as Adelaide sprawls out South as a club that has alligned itself with the Southern area can reasonably expect to have its boundary moved south.