Reading the article from Laidley in the Herald Sun
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,17060171%255E20322,00.html

And he states:
"As much as St Kilda got their priority picks and the Bulldogs got their priority picks (for finishing at or near the bottom), we can't do that," the Roos coach said this week.

"If we did that for two years, (it would be) go and shut the doors."

Many people give Laidley grief on his trading but he does not have the luxury of some other teams. I know others have mentioned before that Carlton's trading/drafting and even coaching/facilities approach is being influenced by our cash situation, but I wanted to bring some evidence to the board to show that it is a real issue for clubs.

Unfortunately for Carlton we have money problems - something growing up I could never have imagined. We were always a rich club. I really hope the on going discussions with the AFL regarding Optus Oval turn into something fruitful. We really need to generate cash - I dread to think where we would be if we had not won the WC and not generated the record membership.

This might seem a simple statement, but why doesn't Carlton ask for a hand out from the AFL from the competitive fund? I have not heard the reason we do not do this. We are no longer required to reduce thhe cap to 92.5% - yes we do have to reduce the cap somewhat but hey look at all the kids on our list - if we can't do this next year (post Kouta contract) we never will. Anyone know why we do not ask for these funds?

The difference between us and the Roos is that we have a steady, and large supporter base, whereas the Roos' support is a lot lower. I'm not saying that we're immune from that fate, but the good sign is that when the Club is is trouble, Carlton fans back it up, and join in large numbers, donate time, money, etc. I'm not sure the Roos have that luxury.



You don't get something for nothing these days. We'd be asked by Andy D to bend over, drop the dacks, and grab the ankles and think of Princes Park. Until the AFL is headed by someone without a grudge against Carlton, then asking for CBF money wouldn't be an equitable trade-off.

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.