Rod Jameson says ‘healthy’ Adelaide is blessed by member support but tough decisions will be made to beat COVID-19 threat
How the Crows are ‘blessed’ by membership base and the cuts Adelaide’s board are modelling for survival from the key figure who has done it all at West Lakes.
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No punches are being pulled at board level to ensure Adelaide’s post pandemic recovery and Rod Jameson won’t sugar coat the medicine required to beat COVID-19’s financial attack.
Foundation Crow, premiership defender and board member Jameson has seen it all at West Lakes and concedes casualties are unavoidable as AFL clubs confront the insidious effects of pandemic.
“You just know when you get into the more difficult times … you just have to get through it,” said Jameson, re-elected unopposed as the member representative on Adelaide’s board in January.
“We don’t waver from the approach we need to be successful. It is just having all the detail in front of you to make the right assessment, judgment.
“The great thing about the board is we don’t necessarily always agree but there are some robust decisions about what is in the best interests of the footy club, players, members, corporates and supporters.”
Adelaide would be forced to shut up shop if its members requested refunds en masse or key sponsors like Optus and Toyota walked in a season with no matches, exposure or corporate value.
The goodwill of the members he represents won’t be forgotten, but speculation over refunds is premature until the AFL announces its revised plan.
“The season is not done, the AFL are really adamant to get games away. It is how we stay prepared and when they say ‘ready’ we have to be in the position,” Jameson told The Advertiser.
“You back the members, supporters and corporates through a time like this. We are very lucky to have the quality we do and we appreciate their patience through this time to allow us to assess where we are at.
“We just don’t know what it looks like if we get six games, 10 away, 12 away, no one knows. That is the way all clubs are.
“There are ways you can defer your membership and put it on hold if required. We are absolutely mindful of everyone’s financial position and hardship they are going through.
“They have just been phenomenal Toyota, Optus. Our members have been the same and know our supporters are hanging to see a game of footy.”
Jameson concedes there ‘might have to be’ a painful financial industry correction. The impact will be felt by clubs if ‘soft caps’ are reduced by 30 per cent. Players wages and lists face significant reductions.
Around 80 per cent of AFL and club staff have lost jobs due to the 2020 AFL season suspension.
A condensed season or cancellation will trigger widespread cost-cutting with Ross Lyon and Matthew Lloyd advocating reduction in lists from 44 to 35 which could save $100 million. Jameson’s premiership coach Malcolm Blights wants assistant coaches pared back.
“All clubs are looking at their soft cap,” said Jameson, referring to the annual $9.5 million per club allocated to coaches, analysts, welfare, conditioning and recruiting.
“We have lost an assistant coach and development coaches. Certainly they are wanting us to model what the soft cap looks like if we are two or three million dollars less next year.
“If the playing salary cap is reduced significantly what does that look like if it’s 35 players? No-one has landed on what that model is but they want us to review that.
“I think lists will be severely reduced which then changes the landscape significantly, the people involved on the football side, soft cap, salary cap and administration. You have to build it back up in time and who knows where that might end up again.”
The AFL has a $500 million loan to keep struggling clubs running through the COVID-19 scourge but Adelaide – assures Jameson – enjoys a position of security rare in AFL circles. However, it could be two years before the full ‘financial position of the club’ is known and ‘recalibration’ possible in the wake of the Wuhan origin virus.
“I think we are really strong and healthy. The on-field is always what it is about and everyone has the heart in the right spot to make sure it is successful,” said Jameson.
“You have to have the right balance, you are dealing with people’s lives and what makes you different from other clubs.”
Just as the roaring 1920s decade of excess preceded the depression, AFL’s good times have screeched to a halt. If there is any silver lining it could be a back to basics approach that nourishes the game’s soul.
The modern player focus has been financial security in a ruthless industry where flags are a bonus. The game’s prime motivation has been skewed by the riches on offer with a salary cap increase from $1.25 million in 1987 to $12.75m per club.
Jameson was front and centre in Adelaide’s golden era under Blight where the pure team emphasis was winning flags.
“The thing I have found a little frustrating is when I hear players leave clubs and they don’t say they want to win premierships, they want to look after their future and take care of that,” said Jameson.
“If you reflect on the 1980s and 1990s it was all about premierships. Through the ability of the industry to earn like they can and seek the security of a long term opportunity sometimes clouds why we play and you play footy to win premierships.”
Nine AFL players commanded over $1m last season while the average wage of those who started a game was $401,552.
Jameson believes the ‘critique’ on Adelaide losing players has been harsh at times given the circumstances and money on offer with Phil Davis’ exit to GWS conspicuous.
“Phil Davis has been a ripping captain at GWS and player but was probably paid two or three times what we could fit in our salary at the time. We wanted to keep Alex Keath. Players pick and choose,” said Jameson.
There could be change on the horizon with a reduced salary cap or payment pool beyond this season.
“For the sake of $50,000 to $100,000 just take what you need, stay together, enjoy the environment and build something that will be long lasting. That is ultimately what we play for. If something comes out of it that might be it in the coming six to 18 months,” said Jameson.
Clubs welcome then farewell players, coaches and staff but the fans remain. It took Jameson to leave the players bubble after 153 games in 1999 to fully comprehend the commitment of fans and members that can be taken for granted.
“When I finished up I probably didn’t give it the full credence. I started calling games and would roll up a couple of hours before and people were already lining up to get in,” recalled Jameson.
“Members and supporters start their journey and line up for four and six hours pre a game, watch the game and have to travel back home. We are very blessed with our membership and supporter base, we never lose sight of that.”