DELISTED.. AFL... players ?

Question

I often feel for these players and wonder how they cope . On centre stage one day then reduced tobeing a face in the crowd the next the next . Many people are quick to bag players for indiscretions etc, but its not an easy ride for any of them ! I have never really heard what process is in place to help these young people re adjust to "normality" once delisted by a Club, does anyone know ?

Answer 1

I suppose they go on to play in the reserves don't they or for some local club.I don't know...I'm just guessing.

I can imagine how hard it would be though.

Some may either become really down or many strive to prove themselves again.

Answer 2

I also feel for them and  the kids that don't picked up in the draft  and like Jemina says this is when a strong family helps.

Answer 3

Nah, don't think so. I think their managers also give them the flick as not much future for them to make a quid from those players.

That Collingwood ruckmen who was recently delisted. Surname of Richards - can't recall  his Christian name - he is now going to be playing with Swan Districts in the WAFL this year. Must have wanted to keep wearing the black & white jumper is all I can say to that.

Krakoeur going to South Fremantle. Chick to Subiaco. I suppose these are reasonably lucky - though a big drop in pay.

Answer 4

One would hope that that all clubs have guidelines in place regarding this situation and they are not just shown the backdoor

However its up to the individual to prepare himself for such an event, the average career in AFL football would only be about ten years max

How many times have you read that players have too much time and cash at their disposal

They should invest that time on themselves and a future after footy,and all clubs give there players ample opportunities to do this organising tafe courses sponsoring through uni etc.

I reckon most listed AFL players would kick your teenage sons and daughters **** on a play station.

Any AFL player no matter how good he is is only one serious injury away from permanent retirement

If more players prepare for the inevitable maybe the social and drug problems in all professional sports would decrease

Answer 5

Deedubya, This is where family support comes into play.

Personally, I think that it's the players' responsibility to have another coal in the fire, long before a career ends.

If a player is only mediocre, then he should expect to not have a long career in football, and get the stars out of his eyes.

A manager can only steer the player when he is making big money to invest wisely.

We often read about how Matthew LLoyd invests in property, and James Hird has his stock exchange and clothing business, to name two  successful players who come to mind.

And Jason Johnson(Essendon) was advised very early in his career to study business at uni. because he had put all his eggs in one basket.

The Nathan Ablett story will be an interesting one.Will business people give him a job in the real world now that he is not a celebrity ? Maybe because of his lack of commitment, he could be regarded as a poor risk. Just a thought.

We see the sad faces of a delisted player on the TV. just after they have been given their marching orders, however it is the well adjusted person who will chase work in another field.

An ex player will usually pick up a job somewhere because of their profile, which can be an asset to a company in the marketing, sales, or the face of a company.

Look at Dippa.

Answer 6

They chose to go down that road as an AFL footballer, if they do get delisted, well it's all part of the business, hopefully they had good managers who advised them to go to school or invest in property or a business so they have something for after the footy life.

Answer 7

Interesting question deeds..

Once they are delisted the public and media tend to just forget about them and move on..

These players need councilling (especially for esteem & self-worth problems that may be caused by being delisted).  Might not happen to all of them, but you never know.

I'm sure their managers would have some type of plan set out for them where the get into the reserves, or other sports related jobs.  I doubt they would be abandoned.

Would be interesting to know what really happens - I can only speculate!

Answer 8

I think in this day and age with clubs (in all codes) chasing kids at a younger age every year they have a responsibility, along with the parents, to ensure the players are set up for life after footy. A young kid who is told he is in line to play for an AFL club is going to think of nothing more then playing footy and needs strong guidance to ensure he understands that it isn't for ever.

Answer 9

What does the Players Association do for these players? Surely there must be something in place to look after them in some manner. They were ever to ready to support players caught using drugs.

I take it players pay into the association as a form of union payment. I should imagine there is something in place to help them initially. I should hope so.

Answer 10

There isn't any process, once they're off that list they are treated like a typical Joffa from down the road!