NORTH BOSS CALLS FOR TRAVEL HELP
BY STEPHEN BAKER
NORTH Melbourne CEO Eugene Arocca is spearheading a push on behalf of poorer clubs for more travel money from the AFL.
Mr Arocca claims that the AFL should increase the reimbursement given to clubs by the AFL for interstate travel.
Clubs are subsidised for a travel party of 45 players and staff, however the wealthier Melbourne clubs, such as Essendon and Collingwod now send a entourage of up to 55 people.
Mr Arocca said yesterday that it was crucial for less wealthy clubs to to be able to compete equally when it comes to interstate travel.
“The numbers should be increased,” he told The Age newspaper.
“I worked at one club that did not worry about this issue and could pay for extra people to go - Collingwood. North Melbourne is obvioulsy in that position.”
The Kangaroos have struggled this season when it comes to travelling outside of Melbourne.
Of their five interstate matches this season, North Melbourne is yet to notch a win and has an average losing margin of nearly 30 points and are scheduled to travel to AAMI Stadium to face Port Adelaide for round 16.
Arocca said that the extra staff that clubs are sending comprised fitness and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and massage therapists as clubs strive to speed up player recovery on the back of interstate travel.
Bulldogs CEO Campbell Rose echoed Arocca’s call.
“We know that we have to live within our means and spending more money does not always mean winning, but spending in the areas of recovery, injury management and medical services is one of the core things for staying on the on the park. It’s an agonising decision, to know you need those extra people but can’t afford it.”
AFL ground operations manager, Jill Lindsay said yesterday that the AFL would consider the request as part of its planning for next season.
“We have taken their request and it will be discussed at executive level as the budgets are cut for next year,” she said.
FOOTYHEADS: Should clubs be given increased travel assistance?
