Harris at Odds over Contract Talks

[DJC]

I find myself in two minds over the whole Tayla episode.

1. Her career as a boxer and AFLW player will be short lived, maybe another 4-7 years, so she has every right to do all she can to secure her long term financial future. Perfectly understandably.

2. However, and as harsh as this may sound, our club must manage its finances intelligently. No one is bigger than the club.

As difficult as it may be to wave her good-bye, and be strongly compensated, if it is to be... so be it.

She is an inspiration for women in sport, generally. I wish her the very best and to keep up her inspiration/role model ways. No matter what, her time at PP will always be well regarded, as it should be.

I think that Tayla, and athletes generally, have an obligation to themselves and their family, to make the most out of their generally short careers and, as far as possible, set themselves up for life after sport.  However, it may be that Tayla and her manager have priced her out of the AFLW.

In terms of what Tayla offers on the football field, LP's observation that she may be umpired out of the game seems to have a solid foundation.  Then there's the matter of the first generation of AFLW players being outclassed by youngsters who have grown up playing Aussie football and, as a result, having a limited career window.  Tayla is an excellent mark and, prior to THE photograph, was an excellent kick.  Her positioning, reading of the play, second efforts and playing the ball below her knees are not strengths and have been exploited by younger, more complete footballers.

Best of luck to her, I enjoyed her time in navy blue and I will follow her boxing career - one that I hope is successful but short.