Respected football journalist Mike Sheahan has provided a savage assessment of the AFL’s new competition committee, calling it lopsided and thoughtless.
The 12-person committee will have a major say in shaping the game and is made up of Colin Carter, Eddie McGuire, Peggy O’Neal, Andrew Fagan, Andrew Ireland, Justin Reeves, Chris Fagan, Brad Scott, Chris Davies, Craig Vozzo, Patrick Dangerfield and Steven May.
“It’s lopsided, there is no breadth in it, it’s thoughtless and a poor effort,” Sheahan told SEN Breakfast about the selection of individuals.
“The 12 people on it have all been picked from the clubs in the competition. Who speaks for the bloke in the outer? Who speaks for Tasmanian football? Who speaks for junior football? No one. It’s too narrow.”
Sheahan questioned why the league didn’t spread their wings when putting the committee together.
“I think the most rational voice in football is Leigh Matthews,” he said.
“He has an impeccable background and is so logical in what he says. He isn’t involved.
“Chris Judd is not involved. Malcolm Blight is not involved.
“Why don’t you get some lateral views instead of going back to the same people all the time?
“The other glaring omissions are umpires and, if you buy into this argument that the standard of football has slipped, then why wouldn’t you get someone like a Stephen Wells.”
Listen to Mike Sheahan’s chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below