![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
The more I think about the american system (football that is) of all teams putting their combined gate receipts into one almighty total and then dividing it by the number of teams in the competition the more it appeals. If implemented here it would mean all afl clubs receive exactly the same ammount of cash ( from gate receipts that is). The reason they do it that way is because they want all participating clubs to be financially stable and healthy regarding revenue streams. The result is that all clubs are more viable and no club gains financial advantage at the expense of others at the gate.
Even if this strategy is implemented the big rollers (Colliew; Hawthorn etc. ) will still make more dollars by other means. This would however close the gap and bring the competition closer to a level playing field. Don't get upset Eddie sometimes it is in the interests of everyone to have the least powerful given a bit of assistance too.
Also heard on the grapevine that the afl are looking at taxing the high rolling clubs for every dollar spent in their football depts. over an afl approved limit. They must know there is a problem looming to even countenance such a thought.
Well they (afl) are at least recognising now that there is a problem - we have to believe and be positive that they will in fact deliver but please make it soon!
To me it's a no brainer. Everyone wins especially the poorer clubs, the rich clubs with the advantage will have a bit less of an advantage derived from simply having more dollars but crowds overall will probably increase and they can take some solace in that. Ah, the gate-receipts ! and the advertising dollars ! There will probably be even more dollars rolling into this code but less will be siphoned off to the comfortably rich amongst us to make them even more comfortably rich or something like that.
If it was Collingwood or Hawthorn being screwed @ the Dome I think they would have more means with which to cope with it and yes it wouldn't be right (looking at it impartially) having them effectively pay for a slice of property that the rest of the clubs could enjoy when the afl takes full ownership of the stadium. Unfortunately it is the Melbourne clubs with the least financial stability that are funding this afl arrangement.
AFL TO BUY OUT THE STADIUM DEAL AHEAD OF TIME ! WHOO HOO!!!!
GO SAINTS!
The boy can play and we can build a defence around him that will have respect.