Clubs brace for pay cuts

AFL Barwon clubs are preparing for the axe to be taken to salary caps as equalisation measures are tightened across the state.

Top-tier metropolitan competitions are locking away their payment ceilings at $100,000, but a verdict is yet to be announced for Geelong and Bellarine clubs.

St Mary’s co-coach Travis Robertson said players would need to accept playing for less.

“Our focus really, has just been on, ‘Guys, it’s going to change’; but we want to keep the list that was planned to start in March and April this year,” Robertson said.

“The blokes that were St Mary’s-listed players, I think they’re going to be easy conversations, but some of the VFL-listed … that’s very uncertain and those conversations are a bit harder. The guys we’ve been able to recruit who have come into the Geelong (VFL) program, they don’t know whether a Geelong program’s going to exist.

“Some of these guys are studying at Deakin and were on-campus learners and they don’t know whether they’re going to be required to be on campus next year.

“The strategic things or the key things that were dragging blokes and putting them into living in Geelong just might not be there.”

Salary caps in metropolitan competition will be halved to $100,000 from next year and a similar figure could be announced for the GFL. Clubs were limited to $145,000, BFL $110,000 and GDFL $90,000.

St Joseph’s coach Paul Carson hoped the GFL decision would align with Melbourne leagues.

It would also provide incentive for Geelong-raised players to return to the region, he said.

“At least we could then rest assured we’re not going to lose any players up the highway, which is great,” Carson said.

“Whatever is sustainable for clubs at the end of the day is why they’re doing this; and that’s the bottom line, making sure every club survives.

“Next year is probably going to be as tough as this year. Financially they’re saying it could be really tough to try and generate some sponsors and some funds.”

Queenscliff coach Steve Clark said sustainability was vital.

“It’s got to be pulled back where clubs can afford it,” Clark said. “There’s different players out there that need it (payments) … It’s just a matter of what’s going to be comfortable for clubs.”