Support for the AFLPA in the press

12 Jul 2005 - Jason Murnane

So it was terrific to hear Leigh Matthews, writing in the July 13 edition of The Brisbane Courier Mail , offer some sage advice about the value of partnerships.  Now Leigh knows a thing or two about this caper, having an unparalleled playing and coaching career built on a foundation of successful partnerships.

Leigh Matthews' Courier Mail piece highlighted the harmonious relationship that exists between the AFLPA and the AFL. Many other player associations would be envious of the productive relationship the AFLPA enjoys with the AFL.  As Leigh stated in his article, "Many are critical of what is seen to be the cosy relationship between the AFL and the AFLPA but it shouldn't be understated because it allows for the very orderly running of the game."

Matthews made the observation that between the 2004 and 2005 seasons, just 17 AFL players changed clubs.  During the same period, a staggering more than 70 players changed clubs in the NRL. 

A player draft does not exist in NRL as it was outlawed by the courts when challenged as a restraint of trade.  It's fair to say the AFL draft operates efficiently mainly due to the level of co-operation that exists between the AFL and AFLPA.  As Leigh states, "It is because of this give and take relationship that the AFL has such key mechanisms as the draft and the salary cap, and doesn't have the system of free agency which leads to the high annual turnover of players."

And Matthews also made some interesting observations on the current WADA debate.  "When formulating a drug code that was implemented this year, the AFL consulted at length with the AFLPA.  Rightfully so.  The drug code affects the players - and only the players.  It is all about on-field performance and has no bearing on any other football people."  He goes on to state, "The difference between the AFL and WADA drug codes is almost infinitesimal.  Performance enhancing drugs are banned under both, and it seems the main variation is the treatment of people found to have illicit drugs in their system.  Again, we should emphasize that we are not talking performance enhancing drugs but illicit drugs which would very much hinder performance." 

But Matthews's final point is most telling, "Yet the AFL places such a high priority on its relationship with the AFLPA that it is prepared to buck the WADA system.  If the price to preserve this relationship is, say, $1 million in lost Government funding then I'll argue that's fair enough." 

The mutually beneficially relationship that exists between the AFLPA and AFL plays a key role in the ongoing success of our great game.  AFL footy has never been stronger, and as the representative body of all AFL players, we will always put the best interests of our game and its players first.