NEWS out of the AFL Commission this afternoon will please the Melbourne Football Club in spite of a decision being made that there would be no Priority Picks awarded to any club this year.
The provision of Priority Picks sits under the Special Assistance Rule and, prior to 2012, a team would automatically receive one if its win-loss record met pre-defined criteria. But since last year dispensation of Priority Picks became a discretionary power of the AFL Commission.
“The Commission has determined, after a recommendation from the AFL Executive, that no Club will recieve a priority draft selection under the Special Assistance Rule in 2013,” said AFL General Manager Football Operations, Mark Evans.
“In coming to a decision, the AFL Commission considered a range of factors including the Melbourne Football Club’s recent performances, but also the opportunity the club has to make improvements in its operations – including its coaching, recruiting, administrative, cultural and welfare programs, as well as significant upside in young talent that is currently on the club’s list.”
But it’s not all bad news for the Demons with the AFL revealing that the Melbourne Football Club would receive one-off funding of $1.45 million, $1 million of which is a grant and $450,000 being subject to the club raising an equal amount of money.
The Demons will also have the ability to borrow an additional $500,000 on its facility, which the AFL has guaranteed.
For their part, Melbourne has chosen to look at the glass as being half full (or rather $1.45 million full) going on to issue a statement on the decisions reached by the AFL Commission.
“The Club believed its form in recent years warranted a submission for a Priority Pick,” said Melbourne Football Club CEO Peter Jackson.
“The role of the AFL Commission is to make independent judgements on such requests and we accept their decision today not to grant the Club a Priority Pick and move on.
“Whilst media reports of the funding amount have been considerably higher, the amount has met the Club’s expectations and we acknowledge the AFL’s consideration and support.
“As previously stated the funding will go to paying the one-off costs associated with significantly restructuring the Club’s management structure including areas within the Football Department.
“This is a one off funding package and will not be ongoing.”
