Next Flag: Carlton or St Kilda?

[kruddler]

The interest rates won't discourage the applications

The larger interest rate for delaying asking for help won't discourage clubs from asking later....sure. If it gets to that stage and they need to ask its probably because its either get help or perish.
However, if you think there is any chance you will need to ask.....down the line.....just ask now. You'll save yourself money in interest by swallowing your pride.

The AFL are doing that so they can get a better indication on how to budget for the future.
If they set aside x amount of $'s now.....and then teams come out of the woodwork and need more help later, their budget goes up ship creek. So encourage them now, and you have a more stable budget to get you through this crisis.