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Off-season economics

February 21, 2016October 10, 2014 by ESSA Writers

Brody Viney provides five top tips from economics for clubs and recruiters in the AFL’s silly season.

Equalisation in the AFL: a modern take

February 21, 2016October 9, 2014 by ESSA Writers

Nick Tarrant examines the newest methods for equalisation of clubs in the AFL.

Equalisation in the AFL: a historical look

February 21, 2016August 29, 2014 by ESSA Writers

In the first instalment of a two part series, Nick Tarrant views the AFL’s equalisation policies through a historical lens.

Why the AFL is killing Australian sport

February 16, 2016October 7, 2013 by Aristidi Armstrong

Every Victorian knows who Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin is, who Nathan Buckley is, and who James Hird is. Even non-supporters know these names, because AFL is so ingrained in Victorian culture and lifestyle that is almost impossible to avoid them. However if you ask an average Victorian who James Horwill is, there is a good chance that you will be given a blank expression as a response.

The Perverse Incentive of the AFL Draft: Rationally Uncompetitive

February 16, 2016April 14, 2013 by Joey Moloney

On February 19th, the Australian Football League (AFL) handed down the third biggest fine in its history of $500,000 to the Melbourne Football Club. The fine was the result of a seven month investigation into allegations the club took deliberate action to lose matches toward the end of the 2009 season. This was done to guarantee priority draft picks under the draft arrangement that favours poorly-performing teams. Two coaches found to have been complicit were also handed down lengthy suspensions. Deliberately losing games is colloquially called ‘tanking’, and has been a subject of discussion for AFL pundits for nearly a decade. The football community has reacted to these sanctions with bemusement, and rightly so. The club is being heavily penalised for what is ultimately a rational response to the perverse incentive the AFL unwittingly designed.

Child Labour an Afterthought for Sherrin

February 16, 2016October 3, 2012 by ESSA Writers

In the lead-up to Saturday’s Grand Final The Age/Herald broke the story of child labour in Sherrin’s supply chain. Child labour is rife in the manufacture of sporting goods in the developing world and over the years Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Puma and many others have faced scandals and allegations. Sherrin’s response has been swift and dramatic. The company cut ties with all its Indian subcontractors and hastily pulled the promotional footballs intended to be handed out at the $350-a-ticket North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast.