The prospect of a mid-season trading period is "back on the agenda,"
but Australian Football League coaches have "differing views on whether it would help struggling
clubs." Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said that it is "a necessity" and North Melbourne coach Brad Scott is "keen to see unloved players get a
gig." But his twin Chris thinks it is a "cop out." Hardwick: "We're very open to it and think it's something that the game needs" (AAP, 4/23). ... The A-League's players say the game "has to spend far more on helping players in their lives beyond football, after the full physical toll of those careers was laid bare." New research released on Tuesday reveals that "almost one-third of players has surgery after retirement, to address issues stemming from their playing days, while 16% had five or more operations while they were still playing" -- and a fifth were left with "chronic health problems." Professional Footballers Australia CEO Adam Vivian said that football "lagged behind other codes in its spending on player welfare" (Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH, 4/22).
