Clubs cut football departments as doubt grows over coaches’ future
The reality of the AFL-imposed cost cuts are coming to a head with coaches and staff told they’re no longer required. But AFL coaches boss Mark Brayshaw has hope that some will emerge elsewhere.
AFL News
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Clubs were tonight finalising their new-look football departments, with a host of coaches and staff told they were no longer required as brutal AFL-imposed cost cuts came to a head.
The hard conversations with club staff this week came after the AFL mandated on Tuesday that only 25 football department staff would be allowed to attend games when the season resumes.
Cuts of up to 40 per cent in football departments could remain next year, placing the futures of up to 60 coaches in doubt.
AFL Coaches’ Association chief executive Mark Brayshaw said while the cuts had been expected for some time, it had been a dark week for football’s coaching fraternity.
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“The clubs have responded to the advice from the league about the headcount restrictions in footy departments when we reconvene and sadly that has meant several coaches and other people in footy departments have been let go,” Brayshaw told the Herald Sun.
“It’s sobering. People have been thinking this day would come for months but here it is, so it’s been a tough week.”
Nearly 200 coaches consulted an employment lawyer in an online video conference yesterday, but Brayshaw said support for those who have lost jobs would be ongoing.
“The next step is to try and assist them get another job, which sometimes involves helping them prepare a CV or prepare for an interview or making them aware of opportunities that they otherwise aren’t aware of,” Brayshaw said.
“Overarching that is counselling advice if they need it, in the medium term, to make sure they’re not forgotten about.
“One size doesn’t fit all because everyone is different but we’re certainly reaching out.”
It is hoped many coaches who have been let go will find employment in 2021, either back in the AFL or at other levels.
“The league’s reshuffle of the industry is going to create opportunities for coaches within the pathway programs and at the state league level,” Brayshaw said.
“It’s a tough week but the game will survive and I think some of the coaches who are leaving at the moment will emerge elsewhere.”
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