The dramas of this year’s AFL national draft revealed a lot about why people watch and play the game. James Hird caused a stir two days after a devastating Grand Final loss when he revealed his dismay at talk that teammates Misiti and Mercuri may be traded. A rift appeared at Hawthorn between president and coach over the sudden decision to trade Trent Croad. Croad was shattered. Fans of both clubs were infuriated.

The episode was about salary caps and team balance, we know. But having a draft two days after the season’s end is a disaster. Essendon suffered most because it seemed punitive after the GF loss. One day, players were being asked to bleed for the colours. Two sleeps, and they’re threatened with ejection from the nest. 21st Century footballers are supposed to see themselves as employees, yet clubs are expected to use 1950s management techniques and sack them without warning.

A fortnight’s grace would at least allow clubs to spell the issues out to the players en masse, then speak to them one-to-one about their prospects – something they can’t do during the season. Given the disgraceful goings on at board level this year, clubs could do without the image of corporate heavy-handedness and bad leadership. Fans? The AFL had better learn quickly that fans follow their clubs first and football second.

Published in Inside Sport, November 2001