Why Did Richmond Need the Supreme Court Just to Play Geoff Ablett?
In 1983, Geoff Ablett wanted to leave Hawthorn and play for Richmond. He was a 202-game dual-premiership player. In a modern system, the dispute would be channelled through contracts, trade rules and defined movement windows.
Instead, Ablett stood out of football while two clubs fought over whether he could play at all. Appeals, legal threats and a proposed injunction dragged a football move into territory that now feels almost impossible.
The strangest part is not simply that lawyers became involved. It is how much power sat inside the old clearance system and how close a player could get to being unable to follow his own football decision.
Why did Richmond have to go so far just to put Geoff Ablett in a Tiger jumper?
The answer sits inside a player-movement world modern supporters would barely recognise.
Not a member yet?
RTSSG.com: Richmond News By Richmond People For Richmond People!
Comments