Sunbury coach Ben Jordan weighs into debate about community football salary cap inequity in Melbourne’s northwest
THE reputation of one of country Victoria’s premier competitions is at risk due to the disparity in community football salary caps, says one coach.
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THE Ballarat Football League’s reputation as one of country Victoria’s premier competitions is at risk due to the disparity in community football salary caps, says Sunbury coach Ben Jordan.
BFL clubs are allowed to spend up to $140,000 this year, $10,000 less than clubs in the third tier of the Essendon District Football League including nearby East Sunbury and Burnside Heights.
Reigning EDFL premier Keilor and 2016 finalist Greenvale, both within 25km of Sunbury, will operate with a salary cap of $250,000 this year.
Jordan said Sunbury had been priced out of the market for several recruiting targets.
“You need some parity and equity across leagues or suddenly Ballarat footy, which has been considered a Division 1 competition, starts slipping back lower than a Division 3 EDFL,” Jordan said.
“I don’t see that as being great for the standing and reputation of Ballarat footy if that’s where it is going to sit on the scale of things.”
The BFL is ranked in Victoria’s top 10 competitions in this year’s AFL Victoria Community Championships fixture.
Jordan’s thoughts echo those of Rupertswood coach Kevin Fitzgerald, who hit out at the inconsistency of salary caps in the region which have been introduced as part of the Community Club Sustainability Program.
“There’s a fault there with the system and they need to address it,” Fitzgerald said.
The EDFL salary cap is the highest in Victoria, with the Northern, Western Region and Eastern leagues adopting a $225,000 cap in their Division 1 competitions.
“The bigger picture for me is whether it’s AFL Victoria or the leagues getting together and working out, where do the competitions actually sit in the standings of community football?” Jordan said.
“While we are all for salary caps and a little bit of equity and a cap on what is at times ridiculous spending, I think parity across leagues is something that really needs to be looked at.”
AFL Victoria said consideration was given to the payment limit in neighbouring leagues when setting salary caps.
Sunbury has lost a host of players from its 2016 grand final side, including Matthew Medcraft (Queensland), Jack Landt (Essendon Doutta Stars), Josh Burgess (Sunbury Kangaroos), Joe Redfern (Coolamon), Jesse McInneny and Ben McInneny (both Sunshine).
Sunbury starts its campaign against Brendan Fevola’s Melton South on Friday, April 14.
SALARY CAPS
EDFL
Premier Division — $250,000
Division 1 — $200,000
Division 2 — $150,000
WRFL
Division 1 — $225,000
Division 2 — $100,000
Division 3 — $50,000
Ballarat FL — $140,000
Riddell District FL — $110,000
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