05-31-2022, 11:14 PM
Wrote a long missive/diatribe which the computer ate. Very upset about AFLW on many levels.
Very annoyed that the foundation clubs (particularly Pies and us) that put the hard early work in to advance female sport, retention, respect, equality etc are now being treated as a vehicle by other clubs for talent, or by some individuals to get some place else. A lot of selfish and cannibalising behaviour which is quite frankly, repulsive. Reminds me of vultures mobbing a carcass. What's in it for us now Gil, now that we're just regarded as a developmental feeder club for everyone else?
ALFW is hurting other sports at the grassroots level. Is it helping retain 14-15 y.o. girls playing sport (something I feel strongly about)? Maybe. Is it dragging more girls into sport? Don't know.
Is it dragging players across from other sports? 100%, and the effects of this are really noticeable. The double season is really impacting other traditional sports. Common coaching issue now at start of preseason training: "where's X, she could make state if she works on stuff now?" Reply: "nah, she's at the Falcons mate, going try and get drafted".
I've heard players and parents openly state on the siddlines "there's money it" or "they give me free stuff, like boots". So what was traditionally a time for off-season development (critical in many sports for 13-16 y.o. bracket) for say tennis or netball or cricket or whatever is now being chucked for footy.
So ALFW might be appear great at the surface, but I get the feeling that the robbing Peter to pay Paul aspect of footy is being swept under the carpet.
Very annoyed that the foundation clubs (particularly Pies and us) that put the hard early work in to advance female sport, retention, respect, equality etc are now being treated as a vehicle by other clubs for talent, or by some individuals to get some place else. A lot of selfish and cannibalising behaviour which is quite frankly, repulsive. Reminds me of vultures mobbing a carcass. What's in it for us now Gil, now that we're just regarded as a developmental feeder club for everyone else?
ALFW is hurting other sports at the grassroots level. Is it helping retain 14-15 y.o. girls playing sport (something I feel strongly about)? Maybe. Is it dragging more girls into sport? Don't know.
Is it dragging players across from other sports? 100%, and the effects of this are really noticeable. The double season is really impacting other traditional sports. Common coaching issue now at start of preseason training: "where's X, she could make state if she works on stuff now?" Reply: "nah, she's at the Falcons mate, going try and get drafted".
I've heard players and parents openly state on the siddlines "there's money it" or "they give me free stuff, like boots". So what was traditionally a time for off-season development (critical in many sports for 13-16 y.o. bracket) for say tennis or netball or cricket or whatever is now being chucked for footy.
So ALFW might be appear great at the surface, but I get the feeling that the robbing Peter to pay Paul aspect of footy is being swept under the carpet.
DrE is no more... you ok with that harmonica man?