kickinit wrote:I think what everyone is forgetting or doesn't know, is that Essendon think they are bigger then the AFL itself. You only have to look how they have dealt with the drugs issue to see it and look at the golden boy Hird.
The reason why the AFL wants them to pick players who have played AFL in the last 2 years is because if this spills into the proper season, Essendon are allowed to sign players who have played AFL in the last 2 years but have not been drafted again. The AFL could of allowed them to tai players from the VFL and come season time take these players anyway. I think it's better to do it now then a day before the start of the season. At least it gives the clubs some time to restructure find some sort of replacement (even if it is to top up the reserves) before the start of season. The problem that the SANFL clubs have is that these players more then likely have a clause in their contract to leave if resigned in the AFL.
I have no sympathy for Essendon and think the club is a absolute disgrace. My view is if the club hasn't got enough players to play then they forfeit, if they haven't got enough for the year then they are out of the comp. But the AFL is a business and a large chunk of it's income is from the tv rights deal, which must have Essendon playing. The AFL was always going to look after Essendon when it come down to them losing income, like any business/club would do.
Yeah agree same as I think if a club has to keep borrowing money year after year this is also a disgrace and they should be kicked out of the comp!