I don't think we want to go down the route of frivolous, carefree spending ("to hell with the consequences, spend the cash!") when in historical terms we have only just got our books balanced and business profitable. Before we were successful on-field they had to restore performance off-field, and that began by going cap in hand to members for hard cash to pay off the debt.
I don't mind good financial governance.
Well exactly my point. We weren’t known for excellent financial management when Graeme Richmond and co were willing to do anything to get the players he wanted.
Post salary cap we as you have correctly pointed out a basket case and we all had to do our bit to raise money to keep our club going.
Since Gale we are now in a great financial position and we are back to being a greatest club in the land.
What I’m saying is that it won’t end well if we don’t invest more in development and if that means spending more now whilst cuts have been made to the soft cap even if there are penalties involved isn’t the end of the world now (lesser clubs don’t seem to be worried that about it) considering our financial position is very strong unlike it was in the ‘80’s.
For that reason we shouldn’t be skimping on our development program and spend the necessary money so we don’t find out in the next four or five years it’s too late.
A fine hear and there isn’t as big of a deal as it would have been when say Plow was coach.
I know what you're saying, but I take a longer term view, and I also think it's easy to misinterpret a perfectly natural post-dynasty decline (a simple result of lesser draft talent coming through) as mismanagement and a lack of conviction. If we have proved anything to ourselves since 2010, it's that premierships come with hard work, not quick fixes, instability, and rash spending. I would liken 'paying the fine' with going into overdraft and being happy to pay penalty rates for quick access to costly cash. I just don't think it sets a good example for every other facet of the football club. I'm really proud--tremendously proud--of our on-field success, but I'm
quietly proud of our off-field governance, administration, and management. I'm not interested in throwing that away, which is to say: I don't see paying penalty rates as a 'shrewd investment' in any way, shape, or form.
peeing away cash straight into the AFL coffers is a Hird back to Essendon move for me. Not nearly patient enough. I put my trust in B. Gale and the rest of the executive. They've earned it.