North Melbourne Football Club has torn itself a new one this week. The last-minute announcement of no contract extensions for four of its veterans has to be the most-botched player management and public relations exercise in AFL/VFL history. What were they thinking?
It’s telling that none of the four were aware of their fate until the day before the axe fell. That means, despite the coach’s assurances to the media throng, there had not been honest and meaningful discussions with the four about their futures. Only the draft and trading period will show whether the prospect of a deal ‘forced’ the club’s hand.
There are few things about AFL clubs that are as meaningful to the members who pay their membership dues and the punters who buy their general admission tickets as the respect and love afforded to club champions and stalwarts. An appropriate exit builds club legacy and culture. Clubs disrespect club champions and stalwarts at their peril.
Last year, Geelong showed how the same objective could be accomplished with dignity and respect. The final game with the Cats for Steve Johnson, James Kelly and Matthew Stokes, with the three held aloft at the end of the game and receiving the thanks of thousands of supporters was a blueprint for how to manage the scenario. Clearly Johnson felt he had more to offer, but that didn't dampen the fans’ enthusiastic send-off.
It’s hard to imagine how there can be any unambiguous celebration of the storied careers of Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo.
The North Melbourne administration and coach Brad Scott have tarnished their reputations beyond repair. Whatever the logic of moving veterans on to give opportunity to up-and-comers, the club's leaders have disrespected three club stalwarts and the club’s fans, driving a dagger of mistrust through the Shinboner Spirit. It will be a football generation before the club recovers.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Roo cull mis-steps
It’s telling that none of the four were aware of their fate until the day before the axe fell. That means, despite the coach’s assurances to the media throng, there had not been honest and meaningful discussions with the four about their futures. Only the draft and trading period will show whether the prospect of a deal ‘forced’ the club’s hand.
There are few things about AFL clubs that are as meaningful to the members who pay their membership dues and the punters who buy their general admission tickets as the respect and love afforded to club champions and stalwarts. An appropriate exit builds club legacy and culture. Clubs disrespect club champions and stalwarts at their peril.
Last year, Geelong showed how the same objective could be accomplished with dignity and respect. The final game with the Cats for Steve Johnson, James Kelly and Matthew Stokes, with the three held aloft at the end of the game and receiving the thanks of thousands of supporters was a blueprint for how to manage the scenario. Clearly Johnson felt he had more to offer, but that didn't dampen the fans’ enthusiastic send-off.
It’s hard to imagine how there can be any unambiguous celebration of the storied careers of Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo.
The North Melbourne administration and coach Brad Scott have tarnished their reputations beyond repair. Whatever the logic of moving veterans on to give opportunity to up-and-comers, the club's leaders have disrespected three club stalwarts and the club’s fans, driving a dagger of mistrust through the Shinboner Spirit. It will be a football generation before the club recovers.
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