June - the month of player movement
June 30 is the end of the financial year, but in the footy world it is closing date for clearances. There are two distinct periods for player movement in football clubs:
- Pre Season, when all Clubs attempt to improve their lists
- June, when district and country Clubs attempt to recruit players prior to the 30th - closing date for clearances in those Leagues
From both a coaching and player perspective, June can be difficult. For the player who has not secured a regular senior position, it can be the month of temptation for the following reasons:
- Balancing up the attraction of being involved at an SANFL Club against approaches from District Clubs with the lure of generous match payments
- To consider the time commitment for the two different levels of football
- Assessing the chances of obtaining a regular senior position which often requires an honest appraisal from the coach
For the coach the period is also challenging as he strives for a balance between immediate results and future strategies:
- Will the player continue to have an impact
- The player has served the Club well, but the game has changed and gone past his ability to perform at the highest level
- Finals are either on or off the Clubs agenda, there could be need to introduce younger players who will become impatient for senior experience
From a Club perspective it could be all too easy to convince a player to stay on the premise of perhaps winning a reserves premiership which may not ultimately be in the best interests of the player. Similarly many players receive approaches unbeknown to the Club and simply move on without notice.
There is no down side for any player who has given footy his best shot and just fallen short, or has just served the game well. Hopefully all who join an SANFL Club either have long careers or at worst leave the competition a better player. It is difficult for all - players, coaches, clubs and supporters. This June is no different to any other, the same issues and decisions will arise every year in most SANFL Clubs, honesty is the only way through.