Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

[EasternWest]

Lets not forget Ameet Bains.

Or Happy Days.

[The bulldog tragician]

I've been surprised how recent articles have suggested what happens next is in our control, while all of the messaging out of the club was his situation including his return to training scheduling was being closely managed by the AFL. From what I could gather we provided the environment and the program, and the AFL determined whether he was permitted to participate due to the special nature of his absence.

The AFL having a big hand in what happens next worries me a bit, because time and again they've shown themselves to value PR, redemption stories, servicing the bigger clubs or just about anything rather than ensuring fairness.

Mid-season there was talk that the AFL would not allow him to just go to another club if he did not meet certain parameters. The impression was given, as you say Jeemak, and as I am pretty sure Bevo stated, that his situation was now being fully managed by the AFL. That implied to me that he was in effect in breach of contract but instead of us being able to take action on that basis, the AFL stepped in. It would be a cruel irony but completely on brand for AFL if he’s somehow again our responsibility and our situation is as though we’re dealing with just another disgruntled/underperforming player and have t take whatever dross we can get.

[Mofra]

Does anyone know if it is standard practice to have a clause in a contract that basically says *here’s heaps of money, but you don’t have to come to work ever*?

I know young people who are working and studying to improve themselves and their annual income is less than he is receiving for each game he does not appear for.

The club should refuse to pay him and try to recover what he has been paid recently.

We tried, but the AFL intervened.