I’ve come to the conclusion that AFL Trade Period sucks.
Flat out sucks a fat one.
After another day of minimal action and plenty of posturing, it is becoming painfully apparent that the AFL Trade Period is now too long.
Seriously, we all know how this one is going to play out. In the last couple of hours before the deadline, teams will scramble, and the deals will be pushed through for pretty much close to where they’re currently at. One after the other, players will switch clubs as the time winds down.
It’s the same story every year, as list managers dangle imaginary carrots in front of the supporters and journalists for the entire period, and we desperately attempt to take a bite of them, only to end up gnashing our teeth as they’re whisked away, only to be trotted out again in the dying hours on Wednesday.
It is also apparent that this period is designed to keep the AFL in the headlines for ten days straight, regardless of whether it is justified.
Last week, there were zero trades done over a three-day period. Yep, that’s right – from Tuesday the 8th of October, through to the 10th, nothing occurred. Three days with radio hosts, journos, and pundits all throwing out scenarios that may happen.
Or may not.
And little else of interest.
Lots of chats, I am sure. Likely the same ones that had been conducted between player managers and the clubs prior to the period commencing.
We have writers from all over the place at The Mongrel Punt, and to a person, every one of us thinks this period runs far too long. Not even one came out in defence of the duration of the period, with one stating “I was all-in on day one. By day four, I’d tuned out.”
And I have to echo those sentiments. I mean, how many ads for Rheem, Drinkwise, or some tyre place can a man put up with when finding himself unlucky enough to tune into Trade Radio? And what is worse, is that those ads are more entertaining than half of the content presented!
“And here’s an interview with someone who was involved in a trade six years ago…”
I’m pretty sure we understand why the league wants it this way. The “will he/won’t he?” nature of the trade period is designed to keep people interested. However, I get the feeling the AFL, and the clubs, are shooting themselves in the foot with the way it is currently conducted. It is an elongated wankfest of the highest order, more likely to have people turn away than tune in.
Journalists make statements and then contradict themselves or each other. Clubs leak supposed offers to the press and deny they were made, all the while discussing their favourable positions as part of the process, as they desperately attempt to emerge from the Trade Period as a “winner”. It’s a game of hot-potato with the truth, and that truth only usually makes an appearance on the final Wednesday of the period.
At the time of writing, the bulk of deals aren’t done, my patience is running short, and there are better things in life to do than tune in to hear some bozo speculate on what could happen if someone actually decides to pull their finger out and do something.
But how about those pick swaps, huh? Riveting…
AFL, you’ve designed another system that is all sizzle and no steak.
Trade Radio, I’ll catch ya Wednesday arvo. Til then, have fun wasting everyone’s time.
As always, massive thanks to those who support this work. It is a labour of love for me, and having you guys as members of the site basically keeps me going. So sincerely… thank you – HB
Like this content? You could buy me a coffee – I do like coffee, but there is no guarantee I won’t use it to buy a doughnut… I like them more. And I am not brought to you by Sportsbet or Ladbrokes… or Bet365, or any of them.
