28 minutes ago, Demon Disciple said:

Here’s an idea AFL HQ, invest that money in grass roots footy. I’ve read recently (given footy seasons are just around the corner) of many local level footy clubs and leagues struggling to get teams on the park due to all matters of financial problems. COVID has brought local clubs to their knees…………… but no, let’s continue to reward the elite 1% of the footballing fraternity who are already well remunerated 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♀️🤦

I mean, why should Gil and his executive mates care about the health of grass roots football 🤬

They can do both. The Premier Team each year should have been given a financial Prize years ago. 
That said Salary Caps must be absolutely strict, any club in the wrong must be harshly dealt with 

10 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

This is the last word from me🙃. 

Games won will be heavily distorted by the draw in both comps.  In the AFLM by who plays the bottom 4-6 teams twice.  The impact of the draw is even more significant in the AFLW where each team plays only 9 of the other 17 teams and the draw is designed to give the new teams more wins. 

AFL, change the method!!

Firstly, this returns to the original concept of the Trophy - as in it's a club rather than team competition. Someone smart i know (actually it was me) suggested this on this forum 18 months ago. The introduction of a monetary prize was unexpected, but IMHO a huge addition. The money will help establish the award, it's prestige, and help promote the 'club' concept rather than just the 'team'. We're in a great spot as a club to score $1m this year.

The trophy in its original format (1951-90) awarded points per win for the three tiers - seniors, reserves and u/19s on an 8,4,2 point/win format. Counting wins is closer to the original format than counting final ladder position or the like.

However, I think a simple system of counting ladder position after finals, would be easier and fairer given the vagaries of fixturing.

18 points for premier, 17 for runner-up etc with the club with the most points winning. You could possibly give bonus points for winning the premiership (eg 20 for 1st and 18 for 2nd, then 16,15 etc) or just use premierships as a tie breaker (ie if 2 teams on the same points, then if one team has won a premiership and the other not, the team with the premiership wins). Personally, I prefer 18, 17, 16 etc with no tie breaker and dual winners.

 

Ladder position after finals wouldn't be too bad.

17 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Would you be happier with ladder position? That is, 18 points for first, 17 for second etc. Maximum available points would be 36. It would need a decision on whether the points are awarded for end of Home and Away or after finals. 

 

13 hours ago, Big Col said:

However, I think a simple system of counting ladder position after finals, would be easier and fairer given the vagaries of fixturing.

18 points for premier, 17 for runner-up etc with the club with the most points winning. You could possibly give bonus points for winning the premiership (eg 20 for 1st and 18 for 2nd, then 16,15 etc) or just use premierships as a tie breaker (ie if 2 teams on the same points, then if one team has won a premiership and the other not, the team with the premiership wins). Personally, I prefer 18, 17, 16 etc with no tie breaker and dual winners.

Agree with both of you a points system for ladder position works better than wins. 

However, on a total club basis there is still the distortions by the fixture in particular the AFLW where a team players only 9 of the other 17 and is designed to benefit the newer/lesser teams.  It is almost a two conference system: the prior year's top 8 to 10 predominantly play each other in the H&A season.  Ditto the bottom 8 to 10.

So I would prefer a $1m reward be split for each of the Minor Premiers and the 'champion club' the latter being based on ladder position/points.  At least this way the best performing teams get a reward.

In AFLM Premiers get over $1m for players and club.  I assume a similar system if not the the amount happens for the AFLW.  So I would be ok with the McClelland reward being for the H&A season.

ps 'Big Col'.  Well done for foreseeing the AFL proposal so long ago.