The Doggies wouldn't even be in the competition if the AFL didn't chuck them $1m + each year to keep them competitive. The fact that they are then able to bid for an Akermanis and drive up his price is a disgrace.
There are many reasons why Richmond can't ever get their act together. This has been one of the major ones over the last few years. When RFC were broke in 2004, they had to go back to square 1, amputate a sizeable portion of their budget and start again. The Westies just cry poor and hold out their hands for more. Then they get involved in bidding wars for Jade Rawlings and now Akermanis. Wouldn't happen if they had to earn the money themselves.
It is not a co-incidence that the two Victorian teams that are still alive are the AFL equivalent of dole bludgers and that four or the last five premierships have gone to the two teams on AFL life support.
Much as I dislike Port Adelaide, at least they won a premiership without any handouts.
