AFL Club Collingwood CEO Gary Pert Fears Equalization Measures Could Have Bad Effect

Australian Football League club Collingwood CEO Gary Pert fears that clubs "could resemble 'McDonald's franchises' if harsh equalisation measures are introduced," according to Jon Pierik of THE AGE. Club bosses and the AFL "will reopen discussions once the holiday period is over to negotiate the next stage of plans to close the gap between the AFL's wealthiest and poorest clubs."  Pert said that he "cannot remember a time when there have been more clubs under financial stress," but is worried the pressure on the bigger clubs to give up a greater share of revenue "could give the league a bland feel." Players "are also calling for greater equalisation measures as part of a mid-term review of the collective bargaining agreement, claiming not all have the chance to succeed because of the gap in football department spending." Pert said, "There has got to be a solution that works for every club. To me, there has never been a time where there have been more clubs in financial stress" (THE AGE, 1/16).