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I had to laugh reading Ken Gannon's statement that some players left the VFL to play at a lower intensity in SA or WA.
Having played senior football in the SANFL and the VFL, I can assure him that not only is the intensity just as high, the standard is better in SA.
Rather than spreading propaganda, Ken should address the issues that lead to top VFL players heading interstate.
While most people point to financial incentives, this is only part of the picture. SANFL clubs are a far more professional operation, making far greater efforts to assist in the areas of health, housing and employment for players and their partners.
VFL clubs rarely take an interest in players lives outside of football, and this coupled with the negatives associated with AFL allignments leaves players feeling as though they don't really belong to the club.
This is an area that VFL clubs often lack the resources for, and should be a priority area for Ken Gannon to assist with.
Until VFL clubs can offer players an enjoyable football and life experience, one that doesnt leave them feeling like AFL reserves top up players, it will continue to lose its best players and will not rise to the standard of the SANFL.
