tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832901.post1540647402679818114..comments2024-03-25T19:48:24.624+11:00Comments on Oz Conservative: The Rendell controversyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832901.post-21666750979445975352012-03-21T13:28:19.845+11:002012-03-21T13:28:19.845+11:00We have to remmeber that a recuriters job is to fi...We have to remmeber that a recuriters job is to fidn the best talent, that will provide their club with the greatest value. Just a few weeks ago there were whisperings that people who weren't exceptional middle-distance runners wouldn't get a look in. Nobody batted an eyelid - this is business as usual.<br /><br />But when you look at aboriginal players and the frequency with which they are given special treatement due to "personal issues" you have to question whether, despite their obvious telent for the game, they wil provide the best value for a footy club. Austin wonaemirri, Liam Jurrah, Leon davis, Andrew krakouer - all have "gone walkabout", or been released - and that's just since the end of last season! If you're not taking this into aaccount, you'r enot doing your job properly.<br /><br />Also amusing to note the AFL's reluctance to issue punishment to Jurrah. <br />Brendan fevola, AFL superstar who's "crime" was being a drunken jerk, was hung out to dry, never to play AFL again. My personal view is that cutting someone shead open with a machete is a *bit* more srious than staying out late at night, yet Jurrah, an average player at best, is free to play without sanctions. Go figure!Anthonynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832901.post-84419451467119499002012-03-21T08:49:57.119+11:002012-03-21T08:49:57.119+11:00What has happened with the recruitement of Aborigi...What has happened with the recruitement of Aboriginal footballers over the last 20 years has been one of the few great things that has happened in the AFL.<br /><br />Prior to 1990, there were very few Aboriginal footballers playing the old VFL. There were many on the SA and WA leagues, but the VFL was the pinnacle and their representation was minimal. This was partly because, I suspect, Aboriginal footballer's were reluctant to leave their home states, and partly because money was not a large factor.<br /><br />But nevertheless, the lack of Aboriginal players was pretty pathetic.<br /><br />The trend line since 1990 has been a constant increase in their participation to the point where 10% of players are of Aboriginal descent. This is an extraordinary level of participation, because Australia's Aboriginal population is 2-5%. So they are now clearly beign represented in the AFL. No one could argue that they were not getting a fair go.<br /><br />But this is where the 'endless growth' element kicks in to the aboriginal story.<br /><br />I suspect that the key people in the AFL believe that unless this upward trend CONTINUES so that the next stage 15% of players are Aboriginal, then the AFL have failed, and they would be seen to be 'racist'.<br /><br />So, where have the AFL tried to recruit this extra 5%? Is it the most traditional of Aboriginal societies? Where English is barely spoken?<br /><br />I am pretty sure that recruits like Liam Jurrah have only been recruited in the last few years.<br /><br />And it appears they are having trouble retaining these players.<br /><br />So be it. If that is the case, do something about it.<br /><br />Do not carry on about perceived racist act's.<br /><br />As for Demetriou, he has a poor track record on pronouncement's. Back in 2005 he criticised the style of football employed by the Syndey Swans (this was a a correct statement), but then extrapolated that they would NOT win anything playing that style. It was such a ludicrous statement to make. They went on to WIN the Grand final that year.<br /><br />Savvas TzionisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com