TOPIC:

I got thinking that one of the problems with WAFL clubs struggling is that the the money AFL clubs pay for drafted players is quite pathetic really.

Does anyone know who devised the current system of payments and has it changed at all recently. Obviously with the cost of everything going up surely payments should increase occasionally as well.

And most of all - why don't the various state leagues band together and demand a better deal?

whilst the current draft fee payment isn't great, it's better than what it used to be. From memory, a portion was paid up front on drafting, then on a milestone basis eg 20 games, 50 games 100 games etc. At least now you get your money up front, instead of waiting 4 - 8 years for any decent payment. Even better when your player gets delisted after a year or two.....money for nothing..

I think SD got it good when the draft payment process changed when they had all those boys drafted during their golden colts period....I also remember Cl got a shed load drafted a few years back and collected over 200K in fees.....and some of those boys eg: Tom Lee came back the very next year.

EF have done well over the last few drafts, especially the one after their colts GF win....though I really do think the AFL should have different draft fees for each round.....1st round picks say 70K, 2nd round 50K, 3rd round 40K, 4th round 35K etc ...that sort of money is nothing to an AFL club.....absolute gold for a lower level club though.....just a thought