One of the most respected coaches in the Western Region Football League gives his verdict on the decision to scrap player payments for 2020 and what the future may look like for clubs.
Luke D’Anello, Leader, 17 June, 2020
Spotswood coach Anthony Eames says the decision to scrap player payments for 2020
marks a much-needed reset for community football.
The Western Region Football League will have a zero salary cap if a season goes ahead, along with the
Essendon District and Southern leagues, while AFL Victoria is set to slash salary caps by at least 50 per
cent next year.
As a result of the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis, it appears unlikely player payments will
return to their normal levels anytime soon as clubs look to safeguard their futures.
JJ Liston Trophy winner Eames, who steered Altona to the ultimate prize in 2012, said the ruling not to
play players was “an appropriate move”.
“Hats off to the WRFL for making that call, because I’d hope it’s put a couple of clubs at ease,” Eames
said.
“At the end of the day, I think it’s a good reset. Football, for a lot of people, it’s not always about money.
One of the most respected coaches in the Western Region Football League gives his verdict on the decision to scrap player payments for 2020 and what the future may look like for clubs.
“For both males and females, it’s about camaraderie, getting together a couple of times a week,
catching up with mates and doing what mates do.
“Training is just a form of getting those people together. For us, it’s an important move just to get back
to training and hopefully a sign of things to come, where we can get back to actually playing.”
Melbourne’s suburban leagues are set to make a final call on their seasons next week.
The State Government has given senior competitions the green light to start from July 20, but leagues
are eagerly seeking clarity on crowds and the impact health protocols will have on volunteers.
Eames said club committee members were put under enormous pressure to raise revenue, even if they
weren’t touching the player payments limit.
“Everyone has taken a hit this year, even at AFL level,” he said.
“The reality should hit home for some clubs. I think the pressure that’s on volunteers of local footy
clubs to generate funds, even if you’re paying half of the salary cap of what it was, it’s still a massive
effort from those people to generate the funds it takes (to be competitive).”
Costs for clubs stretch far beyond just senior players, however, with a bill for a nine-round season
expected to be at least $30,000.
Affiliation fees, insurance, medical supplies and lighting are among the costs and clubs will need
spectators at games to ensure their futures are not put in jeopardy.
Several have also suffered a collapse in sponsorship in recent months.
“There’s a lot of work involved to get enough sponsorship in the door just to keep the footy team on the
field, let alone pay a senior playing group,” Eames said.
“At the end of the day, everyone’s going to take a hit and I think the clubs with a really strong culture,
as far as mateship and the reason why players are there, will survive.
“Clubs with strong junior programs will certainly survive and be here for the long haul.”
WRFL boss Matthew Duck said the league had “slashed and burned every potential cost we could” in
recent weeks and were awaiting advice on player insurance from AFL Victoria.
Twenty-two of the WRFL’s 25 senior clubs favour a season going ahead.