Balwyn premiership players take pay cut as a result of AFL Victoria salary cup
BALWYN football director Paul Johnson says the club’s players have all taken a “substantial” pay cut as a result of the introduction of the Eastern Football League’s salary cap.
The EFL has confirmed its Division 1 salary cap at $225,000, however, Johnson warned the Tigers would be stronger in 2017.
He conceded it had been hard to fit the Tigers’ premiership stars inside the salary cap, but when asked if players had been happy to take a pay cut, he said he “hadn’t had one problem so far”.
“The players are wanting to stick together, so we have probably taken a bit of the Hawthorn and Geelong philosophy,” Johnson said.
“We’re lucky, because we’re in the situation where a lot of the boys have been there a long time.
“Our payments have never been where anyone thought they were – we’ve really helped boys with their careers and we’re continuing to do that.
“Most the guys we are signing now, we’re signing with a career path for them as well.”
Johnson also queried why Essendon District Football League clubs were allowed an extra $25,000 in their salary cap.
EDFL Premier Division clubs will have $250,000 to spend next year.
“Why a league that is deemed to be lower than our league gets more money is just ridiculous,” Johnson said.
“Effectively, it is two more players. I think every league should be on the same – same points and same money – and then everyone is on even ground.”
The Tigers have re-signed their 2016 list, aside from Cliff Tomkins medallist Nathan Gordon, who is yet to have recommitted.
With a host of stars, including Jayme Gottliebsen, Shane Tregear and Luke Barker, missing from the Tigers 2016 premiership team and the inclusion of Hawthorn premiership player Jonathan Simpkin, Johnson suggested the side would only improve next year.
“There is a bit more depth there than what we had this year,” he said.
“At this stage, I think we’ll be improving, if anything.”