SANFL should benefit from Crows and Power Adelaide Oval cash boost, writes Kym Morgan
SA’s AFL clubs’ new found wealth has created the chance to turn the SANFL into the nation’s dominant state league, writes Kym Morgan.
SA’s AFL clubs are about to enter an era of unprecedented wealth and it has created the chance to turn the SANFL into the nation’s dominant state league.
It has long made sense that a genuine elite state league should exist where the nation’s mature-age players outside the AFL play.
It has also made sense to me that the SANFL — with its passionate local following, strong clubs and rich history — be this competition.
The problem with this is obvious — it doesn’t suit the AFL or, more to the point, the Vics.
Why would Victoria’s dominant AFL forces want the best mature-age players playing outside of the VFL and its empty grandstands?
Last week’s estimate by SA Football Commission chairman John Olsen that the Crows and Port Adelaide are each about to receive a $6 million a year economic upshot thanks to Adelaide Oval changes everything.
So does the fact the Power and the Crows have reserves sides in the SANFL and have a genuine vested interest in seeing the local competition thrive.
They also have a responsibility to support the SANFL, which assisted their move to the city and allowed their reserves into the state league.
The Crows are eyeing a multi-million dollar profit in 2014 and Port Adelaide, unbelievably, may post a similar result.
It puts these clubs in a position to each invest $800,000 per year into increasing the SANFL salary cap from its current $360,000 to about $560,000, creating a genuine semi-pro competition.
The benefits in SA footy will be widespread.
SANFL clubs will have the money to bring more mature-age recruits from across the border.
Yes, this will take away league games from locals, but right now, there are players getting games at every local club who aren’t yet at league level.
SANFL clubs will also be able to pay their fringe players properly and reduce the increased poaching by cashed up country clubs.
The Crows and Port will be obvious beneficiaries because their reserves sides will come up against better opposition each week.
The SANFL will also become a better product for the viewing public.
This will ensure crowds stay healthy.
It will also ensure the league remains attractive to telecasted Channel 7 and possibly even attract competition from the likes of Channel 9 which has shown an increased interest in grassroots footy.