Ask Robbo: Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson answers your football questions
Talks between the AFL and AFLPA over player payments and list sizes are set to heat up. And it could impact players on mega-deals and those looking for their next contract. Chief football writer Mark Robinson answers your burning footy questions.
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It’s been another massive week in football news.
All eyes were on Jack Steven at the start of the week, with the Geelong recruit in hospital after being stabbed.
The Cats were less than impressed with Collingwood president Eddie McGuire’s take on the situation.
The cuts continue at club land, with a number of high profile assistants told they will no longer be needed.
There are calls to revamp the under 18 and VFL competition. And memberships were once again in the headlines.
Plus, we now know exactly when the season will resume.
Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson answers your big footy questions below.
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MONEY OVER INTEGRITY
Luke: Why are big Melbourne clubs (Richmond, Collingwood, Hawthorn) exempt from playing Geelong in Geelong? In a competition where top eight, four and two positions can be decided by percentage, this isn’t fair.
Robbo: It’s all about the cash Luke, which is all about MCG deals and crowd sizes. I’m sure we are the only professional sport in the world where money is viewed to be more important than competition integrity. How any club can earn the right to host a home final and then be forced to play that final at their opponent’s home ground (MCG) is truly unique to the unique sport which is Australian rules.
BRAD SCOTT’S AFL ROLE
Travis: Has Brad Scott kept his job at The AFL?
Robbo: I know Brad, I like Brad, but I’m not calling him and find out if he still has a job. That said, if I took a guess, I’d say he was among the 80 per cent of staff stood down.
REDUCED ROTATIONS
Brett: Given the shortened format, I believe the number of rotations will reduce. A hot topic at the moment is rectifying some of the band-aid fixes. When fixing a problem we need to look at the source, and congestion and flooding has mainly stemmed from a significant increase in rotations. Do you believe the AFL should take this opportunity to reduce rotations given they will reduce anyway?
Robbo: I suspect they will reduce through shortened quarters. I’m a believer in reducing rotations overall. KB would like to see zero rotations, but I’d be happy with, say, 40. But in doing that coaches will discover new ways of flooding and congesting things around the ball. There’s always a consequence of rule change.
CUTS IN FOOTBALL
David: Will list cuts and budget cuts mean players from Tasmania or the NT who may have been later (or rookie) picks in past years may be overlooked as scouting costs, travelling to interview them and relocation costs make them less appealing than players from within a club’s own state?
Robbo: If you listen to the clubs, the answer is yes. The clubs might be reluctant to take a punt on a kid from the NT, or any kid, who will need development and nurturing on and off the field. Staff and monetary cuts will have an impact on clubs’ resources, and that will narrow the recruiting of project players. Marlion Pickett was a punt and became one of the great Grand Final stories. Those sorts of stories could be lost.
Troy: I believe the cut back of coaches will have more positives than negatives. Both from an overkill of instruction to players and financially for clubs. Do you agree Robbo?
Robbo: It’s a worthwhile discussion. I’ve had players tell me there is overkill of information and strategy and clubs have said everyone employed is there to improve individuals and the team. If you cut, for example, 15 staff from a footy department, would that decrease improvement? The answer has to be yes.
NIGHT GRAND FINAL
JJ: What danger is there of the AFL introducing unpopular changes like a night grand final with the excuse of the pandemic and then forcing them on us permanently because in their eyes they can justify a success? This sort of arrogance will drive a lot of fans away.
Robbo: The AFL has withstood a night Grand Final because they know the majority of fans don’t like it. I’m in that group. That said, a night GF this year wouldn’t be a concern to me. Try it, look at it, but at the same time it’s not a forerunner to having a permanent night GF.
CLUBS IN FINANCIAL STRIFE
Joe: Which AFL club had the most financial pain during the pandemic?
Robbo: Don’t have a table of pain, but there are some clubs doing it harder than others.
PLAYER SALARIES
Philip: They say 60 per cent of workers will be gone from AFL house, how many people work there? Will they get rid of the rules committee (hopefully)? Who else will be gone? If they are going to slash the salary cap, what happens with players that have signed long term contracts, like Brodie Grundy? And players that have held off signing big contracts like Jordan De Goey? A mid rank player could end up on more money than him.
Robbo: Some anxiety in your words, Phil. I don’t know how many people work at the AFL because colleague Michael Warner asked recently and the AFL wouldn’t tell him. As for exact cuts, only the AFL can answer that. The player salaries is a curly question. Talks between the AFL and AFLPA will hot up over the total player payments (TPP) and list sizes. I reckon that issue will be massive and that will determine future contracts and the possible recalibration for existing ones. If the TPP comes down by two million, how is it possible players can still earn, say, $1.2 million which their current contract stipulates? Interesting the rugby league has announced their salary cap won’t be changing next year despite the financial debacle.
AFL SELLING MARVEL?
Glenn: Is it time to sell Marvel Stadium for a princely sum and clear pressing debts. The AFL could then redevelop the Showgrounds as a viable venue with a capacity of 50-55,000. It could be a unique combination of seating and some open air and undercover standing room with outside eating areas. Parking no problem. Your thoughts?
Robbo: No.
EDDIE MCGUIRE’S COMMENTS
Robert: Why does a seasoned media operator like Eddie McGuire continually make such poorly-timed and structured commentary that he knows will only open up, as it has time and time again. If we accept it is delivered for a reason, what is the strategy when the outcome is a given?
Robbo: Ask Ed. Call Triple M tomorrow morning and ask him.
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