By Tim Doutré
PLAYER payments in community football are hampering the AFL’s feeder competition.
The lure of significant match payments versus the prestige and professionalism of the VFL is becoming too much for some players to ignore, according to Victorian Football League (VFL) stakeholders in the West.
After the Star reported last week that Western Region Football League (WRFL) clubs are certain that high player payments are having a detrimental effect on the competition, Werribee Football Club CEO Mark Penaluna and Williamstown Football Club general manager Brendan Curry revealed the negative impact local league paydays are having on their lists.
Penaluna, a former WRFL CEO, has seen the issue from two different vantage points and has seen more than a few VFL reserves players “pinched” by local football leagues.
“I know there are local clubs out there that in real terms would spend as much as what we are and they only have to pay seniors,” he said.
“VFL clubs play a vital support role for AFL clubs, but fringe VFL players are opting to play in competitions of a lesser standard because they are able to demand higher wages than they receive in the salary cap bound VFL.”
The “battle” between local football leagues and VFL clubs is not new with community football teams limited only by their bank accounts and the VFL clubs under a stringent salary cap.
“The salary cap that we have is $280,000 dollars, which is taxable and includes reserves payments,” Penaluna said.
“We can’t pay anymore. It’s always going to be a battle and it’s getting harder and harder, there is no doubt about that.”
Penaluna said the WRFL is below the average when it came to player payments but neighbouring leagues were another story.
“From what I am aware of the Western Region Footy League, payments are well and truly under what several other clubs are in metropolitan Melbourne.
“The Greenvales, the Maribyrnong Parks, the Northcote Parks, these sorts of clubs are offering incredible amounts of money to players, including sign-on fees.
“To the best of my knowledge that is more than what the local clubs are paying here, they are just exorbitant and ridiculous amounts.”
Williamstown’s Curry went one step further, describing the VFL as a “salary sacrifice” for some players.
“There is more money (in local leagues)… their players can go there with less commitment, train two nights a week if that, and get paid cash in hand.
“Naturally, the VFL clubs are at a disadvantage.”
The demands on VFL footballers and the limited cash outlays all stack the odds against the VFL clubs despite the significant gap in competition standards, Curry said.
“Our reserves would beat the best sides in the Western Region Football Leagues. That’s the reality.
“But, at the same token you have got to understand where some young blokes (come from), the lure of the extra money can be attractive.
“I am not going to knock anyone for that, you can understand that. The blokes who want to play the best they can, and be in the best environment they will stick with the VFL as long as they can and they will go back and get their big payday in local footy.”
Curry had “no doubt” there is plenty of VFL standard players in local competitions because they were getting more money.
