Time for an independent AFL Commission?

[Cards13 9,117]

It is well and truely time for an independent AFL Commission. Fitzpatrick needs to go asap.

http://m.heraldsun.com.au/news/afl-2015-richard-colless-tells-of-expletive-laden-tirade-from-afl-commission-chairman/story-e6frf7jo-1227470080663

[Dr John Dee 1,057]

Can't read it but the headline makes its direction obvious enough. Any specifics worth mentioning?

[rjay 25,306]

It is well and truely time for an independent AFL Commission. Fitzpatrick needs to go asap.

http://m.heraldsun.com.au/news/afl-2015-richard-colless-tells-of-expletive-laden-tirade-from-afl-commission-chairman/story-e6frf7jo-1227470080663

Can't read it but I've been saying for a long time now that this commission is totally conflicted and will not make decisions for the betterment of the game but quite willing to line their own pockets.

Mike 'I leave the room' Fitzpatrick has been an absolute disaster as Chief and with Dill the likeable as CEO we have a rudderless organisation...

[Rod Grinter Riot Squad 5,654]

Copy and paste the link into Google, then click on link, gets you around the firewall.

As for the article... Wow, yet again the AFL prove they have no integrity

[Sir Why You Little 37,308]

How long has Dill got in the job?

He is not the man to lead the comp in my eyes....

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,016]

It is well and truely time for an independent AFL Commission. Fitzpatrick needs to go asap.

http://m.heraldsun.com.au/news/afl-2015-richard-colless-tells-of-expletive-laden-tirade-from-afl-commission-chairman/story-e6frf7jo-1227470080663

What do you mean by "an independent AFL Commission"? Do you mean independent of other business interests or independent of connection to AFL clubs? I agree with the former but doubt that the latter is either achievable or desirable. My preference would be an AFL Commission with a mix of people with and without AFL connections (when I say "connections" I mean either as a former player of administrator).

With regard to the tenure of Gill McLachlan, I don't believe he's had long enough in the top job to be able to determine whether or not he's a good choice.

[rjay 25,306]

One thing you can guarantee is that 'Eddie' will be looking to use this to his advantage.

What we don't need here is for the clubs to get any more power back...the commission needs to be truly independent. Time for Fitzpatrick to go and for Dill the likeable to be placed on notice...

[Lucifers Hero 40,519]

Eddie's summary of the AFL role in the Buddy deal': “He (Colless) has accused the AFL of systematically cheating the salary cap, the trade rules, the free agency rules (and) collusion behind the scenes. It’s staggering."

The expletive laden tirade from Fitzpatrick to Colless at the time explains why the AFL punished the Swans with trade restrictions for two years, for following the rules. Vindictiveness for the Buddy deal can be the only reason.

I'm not a Sydney fan but it is appalling the trade restrictions the AFL have imposed!

Fitzpatrick is a disgrace. He has too many personal conflicts of interest: ANZ stadium key investor, Carlton affiliation (think Friday night Blues games; think tanking non-investigations etc), had his mate Wylie secretly negotiate (interfere) in the Essendon drug negotiations, arbitrarily appoints Commissioners. Add to that his lack of leadership, lack of AFL consistency in applying AFL rules, his self righteous press release this week on the Goodes booing etc etc.

He should go!

Not only should he go, Commissioners should be voted in, as is a Board of Directors members are in the Corporate world.

Its good enough for AFL Clubs it should good enough for the AFL Commission.

Let them show that not only can the AFL independent it can start to become democratic and put in elections!

Edited August 4, 2015 by Lucifer's Hero

[Rod Grinter Riot Squad 5,654]

Always though the Hawks got O'Rourke very cheaply, deal was obviously done before they knew Buddy was going to the Swans

[old dee 24,002]

How long has Dill got in the job?

He is not the man to lead the comp in my eyes....

Too Bloody long

[old dee 24,002]

Can't read it but I've been saying for a long time now that this commission is totally conflicted and will not make decisions for the betterment of the game but quite willing to line their own pockets.

Mike 'I leave the room' Fitzpatrick has been an absolute disaster as Chief and with Dill the likeable as CEO we have a rudderless organisation...

Those my well be the most accurate you post this year rjay

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,016]

Eddie's summary of the AFL role in the Buddy deal': “He (Colless) has accused the AFL of systematically cheating the salary cap, the trade rules, the free agency rules (and) collusion behind the scenes. It’s staggering."

The expletive laden tirade from Fitzpatrick to Colless at the time explains why the AFL punished the Swans with trade restrictions for two years, for following the rules. Vindictiveness for the Buddy deal can be the only reason.

I'm not a Sydney fan but it is appalling the trade restrictions the AFL have imposed!

Fitzpatrick is a disgrace. He has too many personal conflicts of interest: ANZ stadium key investor, Carlton affiliation (think Friday night Blues games; think tanking non-investigations etc), had his mate Wylie secretly negotiate (interfere) in the Essendon drug negotiations, arbitrarily appoints Commissioners. Add to that his lack of leadership, lack of AFL consistency in applying AFL rules, his self righteous press release this week on the Goodes booing etc etc.

He should go!

Not only should he go, Commissioners should be voted in, as is a Board of Directors members are in the Corporate world.

Its good enough for AFL Clubs it should good enough for the AFL Commission.

Let them show that not only can the AFL independent it can start to become democratic and put in elections!

Where's the evidence that he "arbitrarily appoints Commissioners"? I thought the appointment process required each of the AFL clubs (or maybe a majority of some sort?) to approve each Commissioner appointment.

[Bluey's Dad 3,419]

Sigh.

Forget the "spectacle of the game" stuff. Things like this are really driving away the fans.

[Mazer Rackham 14,971]

I dunno about this. It smells like a News Corp campaign.

Colless was the bad guy for perverting the COLA and stockpiling the dollars for a big purchase ... instead of helping out players with their rent and groceries as was intended.

He pinched Buddy from under GSW's nose and wasn't the footy world [censored] off. Including Fitzpatrick.

But now.... naughty Mike and his foul language ... naughty Mike is incompetent, naughty Mike is making a hash of things (all of a sudden mind you ... but not a peep over the last X years?).

And wotsisname on KB's show is all over Fitzpatrick, just like he has been since .... well, he hasn't really has he? It's out of the blue ...

Watch all the News journos line up to show how awful big Mike is and how they've always thought he's the wrong man, he's out of touch, or whatever.

Why? Somehow he's [censored] off someone high in the Murdoch world.

[PaulRB 6,432]

The Swans with their poaching of Franklin from under the noses of GWS (read AFL) put their own interests ahead of the game. Skrew the Swans and Collis the "he said some rude words mum" wimp.

Swans were out of order and exploited the rules to the detriment of the competition. Puts them in the same boat as us for tanking and the Dons for Jabbing...

Good on Fitzy for letting him have it.

And... what kind of [censored] bag reports on the colour of language used in a private conversation? [censored]!

Edit: additional rant.

Edited August 5, 2015 by PaulRB

[Lucifers Hero 40,519]

Where's the evidence that he "arbitrarily appoints Commissioners"? I thought the appointment process required each of the AFL clubs (or maybe a majority of some sort?) to approve each Commissioner appointment.

Fitzpatrick by-passed that with the most recent appointment (forgotten his name).

The process you speak of is casual and not written into any AFL processes.

That he is prepared to ignore the appointment process, albeit casual only adds to the list of reasons why he is no longer relevant and should go. The reasons I gave for him to go, go back years and not a reaction to the latest headlines.

[rjay 25,306]

I dunno about this. It smells like a News Corp campaign.

Colless was the bad guy for perverting the COLA and stockpiling the dollars for a big purchase ... instead of helping out players with their rent and groceries as was intended.

He pinched Buddy from under GSW's nose and wasn't the footy world [censored] off. Including Fitzpatrick.

But now.... naughty Mike and his foul language ... naughty Mike is incompetent, naughty Mike is making a hash of things (all of a sudden mind you ... but not a peep over the last X years?).

And wotsisname on KB's show is all over Fitzpatrick, just like he has been since .... well, he hasn't really has he? It's out of the blue ...

Watch all the News journos line up to show how awful big Mike is and how they've always thought he's the wrong man, he's out of touch, or whatever.

Why? Somehow he's [censored] off someone high in the Murdoch world.

They are certainly late to the party 'Ted'. They probably smell a kill.

The media as a whole have let the AFL off the hook on a lot of fronts so or me it's better late than never.

[rjay 25,306]

Fitzpatrick by-passed that with the most recent appointment (forgotten his name).

The process you speak of is casual and not written into any AFL processes.

That he is prepared to ignore the appointment process, albeit casual only adds to the list of reasons why he is no longer relevant and should go. The reasons I gave for him to go, go back years and not a reaction to the latest headlines.

Probably linked in to the secret 'PP' formula...

edit: forgot the free agent compensation formula is in there somewhere as well

Edited August 5, 2015 by rjay

[daisycutter 29,892]

fitzpatrick may well have pizzed off someone in newscorp but he has had a dream run for many years and seemingly been off-limits for criticism

his chickens may well be coming home to roost

not that collis is a clean skin either with their manipulation of cola which they should never have had in the first place

[Sir Why You Little 37,308]

Just wait for Dills Presser....


He will say nothing in a nice way


The AFL is a complete boys club and is starting to eat itself

New Blood from outside is needed....Not only is the game looking ugly on the grass....

Footy in Victoria is on the nose.....I never thought i would say that

Dodgy fkn deals everywhere (Judd VISY)....A useless MRP and stadium deals that cripple some clubs

I haven't been to a game for 2 years...That has a lot to do with work rosters but it is also value for money...Right now WE are not getting it

Victorian AFL clubs are being completely shafted by the overlords...."We must have Success in the North" (so i get my $2 million pa)

All the CEO's are meeting today....i hope they sit in there and thrash it all out for 24 hours

I have NO CONFIDENCE in the current AFL admin at all.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,016]

Fitzpatrick by-passed that with the most recent appointment (forgotten his name).

The process you speak of is casual and not written into any AFL processes.

That he is prepared to ignore the appointment process, albeit casual only adds to the list of reasons why he is no longer relevant and should go. The reasons I gave for him to go, go back years and not a reaction to the latest headlines.

I suspect the recent appointment you're referring to might be Chris Langford who was asked to return to the Commission after Linda Dessau resigned to become Governor of Victoria. I think Fitzpatrick's argument was something along the lines of "stability".

I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you say on the one hand the process is "casual and not written into any AFL processes" and then follow up by saying that Fitzpatrick ignores the process. Nevertheless, I'm still interested in the mechanics of the appointment process. Clearly it's a significant issue as Commissioners have overall responsibility for the competition.

[rjay 25,306]

I suspect the recent appointment you're referring to might be Chris Langford who was asked to return to the Commission after Linda Dessau resigned to become Governor of Victoria. I think Fitzpatrick's argument was something along the lines of "stability".

I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you say on the one hand the process is "casual and not written into any AFL processes" and then follow up by saying that Fitzpatrick ignores the process. Nevertheless, I'm still interested in the mechanics of the appointment process. Clearly it's a significant issue as Commissioners have overall responsibility for the competition.

This is the problem I have with them. I don't think they are taking responsibility and have shirked many issues bar ones they have a pecuniary interest in.

[Cards13 9,117]

What do you mean by "an independent AFL Commission"? Do you mean independent of other business interests or independent of connection to AFL clubs? I agree with the former but doubt that the latter is either achievable or desirable. My preference would be an AFL Commission with a mix of people with and without AFL connections (when I say "connections" I mean either as a former player of administrator).

With regard to the tenure of Gill McLachlan, I don't believe he's had long enough in the top job to be able to determine whether or not he's a good choice.

Independent as the can possibly be from clubs, I know virtually impossible but not supporting a scheme like COLA and when it goes against them then have a hissy fit. Independant of short sighted vindictiveness if things don't go there way. They need to be leaders but also far more transparent.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,016]

Independent as the can possibly be from clubs, I know virtually impossible but not supporting a scheme like COLA and when it goes against them then have a hissy fit. Independant of short sighted vindictiveness if things don't go there way. They need to be leaders but also far more transparent.

I think there will always be a need to have some ex-AFL footballers or ex-AFL administrators as Commissioners or the Commission will be accused of not having any "football nous". I'm not sure I necessarily agree with that view, but I'm pretty confident that the community would assume a Commission without any individuals with this background wouldn't "understand" the game.

The best I think we can hope for is that any person appointed to the Commission who has an AFL background recognises the need to distance him or herself from any previous association. In short, I don't think individuals such as Eddie McGuire would make good Commissioners because of an inability to separate from the club he loves. Conversely, people such as (say) Peter Jackson have shown an ability to move from one club to another and could bring a dispassionate and independent view to the Commission.

My concerns about Mike Fitzpatrick are not about his former association with Carlton, because I believe he can adequately separate himself from that association, but with the company that owns (or owned) Etihad and whatever that concrete monstrosity in Sydney is called.

[rjay 25,306]

My concerns about Mike Fitzpatrick are not about his former association with Carlton, because I believe he can adequately separate himself from that association, but with the company that owns (or owned) Etihad and whatever that concrete monstrosity in Sydney is called.

That is a big concern, a huge concern.

My other concern is while Mike 'leaves the room'...he and his commission do a lot of sitting on their hands.

With Dill the likeable in charge and not wanting to ruffle any feathers and a commission who won't make tough decisions and only concerned with their own self interest it is a recipe for disaster.