AFL rich-poor gap divides ranks

AFL Players' Association chief Matt Finnis has confirmed he is becoming increasingly concerned about the fate of players drafted to struggling clubs. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

AFL players say a widening chasm between the game's richest and poorest clubs is splitting their ranks.

Players believe the AFL system condemns some teams to extended spells in the lower reaches of the ladder - career-long in some cases.

The powerful player union yesterday said it could not rule out withdrawing support for key pillars such as the salary cap and national draft if the league failed to bridge the gap.

Footy's equalisation debate reaches flashpoint tomorrow when club and league chiefs meet to discuss ways to share the spoils of the game better.

In a submission to the AFL Commission, Geelong warned the fabric of the competition was threatened if the gap continued to grow.

The Cats forecast that players "would have reasonable cause to challenge the salary cap".

AFL Players' Association chief Matt Finnis yesterday confirmed he was becoming increasingly concerned about the fate of players drafted to struggling clubs.

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League data reveals players at wealthy clubs are far more likely to experience finals and success.

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"Basically, Geelong put in black and white what other clubs and the AFL know full well - that the game has been very reliant on player-based restraints to promote an even competition over the past 20 years," Finnis said.

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"But if these measures are no longer achieving their desired outcome then it is incumbent on the AFL Commission to consider other mechanisms to balance the game.

"Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing divide in the competition between clubs.

"The gap in resources is growing and clubs spending more in football are getting better results on-field.

"This trend has increased in the past five years and is going to continue unless we do something about it."

Proposed equalisation measures include a "fan tax" on seats at blockbusters matches and a "pokies tax" on excessive gaming machines profits.

A "luxury tax" on the amounts clubs can pay on their football departments has also been floated.

Collingwood spent $21.2 million on its football operation last year, compared with North Melbourne's $16.5 million. The Western Bulldogs spent a league-low $15.7 million.

No team in the bottom four of football department spending has won a premiership since North Melbourne in 1999.

Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said yesterday: "I think there is general agreement that the more money you've got - the better you are likely to go on the field.

"If we also agree with the logical premise that the more even the competition and unpredictable the results, the better it is for the competition as a whole - then bridging the financial divide is in the absolute best interest of the game."

Wealthy clubs, including Carlton, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond, met privately last month to discuss the push.
 

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