AFL 2020: Dale Morris let go at Bulldogs as staff cuts hit AFL

He has served the Bulldogs for more than 15 years, but club champion Dale Morris has been let go from Whitten Oval as a string of heart-breaking decisions were made across the AFL.

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan. Picture: Andrew Henshaw/NCA NewsWire

The AFL and United Services Union have been told to meet privately and resolve their differences in the opening round of a Fair Work Commission dispute over job cuts.

The USU has taken the league to the commission claiming league staff have been unfairly treated under a savage cost-cutting plan.

It comes as two more AFL Media journalists — Marc McGowan and Adam Curley — were let go on Monday.

The AFL and United Services Union have been told to meet privately and resolve their differences Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“Today, the parties agreed to the recommendation of the Fair Work Commission for the parties to meet formally and discuss our respective concerns properly and in detail,” USU organiser Troy Dunne said.

“This is a great outcome for our members and employees and we look forward to working with the AFL to resolve these issues.”

Documents leaked last week revealed the league’s workforce had ballooned to almost 800 before the COVID-19 crisis hit - almost one staffer for every listed player.

The USU has also expressed disappointment at a decision in March to cut the maximum redundancy payment for axed AFL workers from 52 weeks to 26.

The ringleader behind the dispute, NSW state umpiring manager Pierce Field, says he is fighting for a fair deal for his colleagues.

The ringleader behind the dispute NSW state umpiring manager Pierce Field.

Field last week lifted the lid on what he described as a “boys’ club protection racket” at AFL House, claiming a culture of “bullying and intimidation” had thrived for years.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett questioned the timing of Field’s claims, suggesting the alleged staff complaints should have been raised at the time.

“Respectfully, I’d encourage Mr Kennett to take a couple of minutes and read the article in full - it clearly states that the issues were reported at the time and were swept under the carpet,” Field said on Monday.

“I would be more than happy to chat to him at any stage so he can hear first hand why I have elected to speak out.

“Personally, I couldn’t speak out until I knew I had secure employment elsewhere. I needed to pay my rent and put food on the table. And this actually highlights why people don’t always report issues about people in power because they are often disbelieved or discredited.”

The AFL declined to comment on the commission recommendation Monday.

Dogs hero gone in ‘agonising’ cuts

- Lauren Wood

Western Bulldogs premiership hero Dale Morris has been let go by the club after a “heart-breaking” call due to the effects of COVID-19.

Morris, a much-loved club figure who played 253 games for the Dogs including the 2016 flag win, had been serving as a development coach but will depart alongside assistant coaches Joel Corey and Jordan Russell and football operations manager Ben Graham.

They were “agonizing decisions” to make, according to the club, with chief executive Ameet Bains saying spending had to be cut “significantly” amid the crisis.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve had to make some heart-breaking decisions as we adjust our business to prepare for the future and the club’s reset strategic priorities,” Bains said.

Dale Morris after the 2016 premiership. Picture: Alex Coppel.

“The pandemic has forced us to reduce our spending significantly across our administration and football departments, to allow us to progress in the best manner possible and to meet AFL requirements.

“Inevitably, this means we’ll need to move forward with a leaner workforce, and prioritise our operations. Some wonderfully talented, dedicated and passionate Bulldogs people will depart the club over the coming weeks.

“With an awfully heavy heart, we thank them for their service and wish them well for their futures, knowing they will always be welcome back to our club.”

Former player turned football operations manager Ben Graham has also been let go by the Dogs. Picture: AFL Media

Dogs football director Chris Grant said each of the departing quartet had “put their heart and soul into their roles”.

“Football clubs are like families, and to farewell great people through no fault of their own is a painful thing to do,” he said.

“We wholeheartedly thank them for their tireless contribution to the club, and they can rest assured they’ll be in our thoughts as we move into the future.”

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Originally published as AFL 2020: Dale Morris let go at Bulldogs as staff cuts hit AFL