Outgoing GWS Giants CEO David Matthews has faced criticism for comments he made about Tasmania, while also revealing his new part-time consultancy role with the AFL, which includes work on the league's 20th license.
Controversial Comments on Tasmania
Matthews sparked fury last week when he told 3AW that Tasmania was not an attractive destination for AFL players, amid rumours the Tasmanian Devils are targeting Giants star Tom Green. “I don’t think it’s a super attractive proposition to go and play at Tasmania. I mean, my own view is it’s a nice place to visit. I don’t think it’s an unbelievable place to have a career and live,” he said.
The comments drew a sharp response from Tasmania CEO Brendon Gale, who said it was “a bit rich” given Matthews has never lived in Tasmania or even Western Sydney. New Devils coach Ken Hinkley added: “What was Dave doing? Is he unemployed? Well, if you’re uneducated, you don’t know. You know, I think that’s really important. And you’ve got to know what you’re talking about when it comes to what’s the lifestyle.”
Impact on Tom Green Contract Talks
Matthews’ comments were reportedly repeated to Green in a meeting between club bosses and the player last week, as the Giants attempt to secure his re-signing this year.
New AFL Consultancy Role
The timing of the controversy has raised eyebrows at AFL House, coming just as Matthews announced his new part-time consultancy role with the league. Matthews told media on Saturday he would be “happy in Sydney” and didn’t want to move back to Melbourne or work full-time for the AFL. “I want to do other things as well,” he said on 3AW. “Pretty much a couple of days a week, advising Andrew (Dillon) and his key exec team on some major things, including things like the collective bargaining agreement. Probably a refreshed or revised look at the international strategy and other projects. And down the track, potentially looking at what are the preconditions or the ideas around a 20th team.”
That last comment drew a blunt response from St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt on The Agenda Setters. “So he’s working on the 20th licence for the AFL while putting down the prospects of playing for the 19th licence,” he said. The Agenda Setters host Craig Hutchison added: “It probably was one of the more underwhelming starts to a consultancy you’ll ever see. If you’re talking about a part-time major projects role, you don’t run over the major project, the 19th licence, while putting your hand up to advise the 20th. Here’s a bit of advice for the 20th. Don’t let executives run over the 19th publicly.” Caroline Wilson said the comment raised some eyebrows at AFL House. “It was a fascinating conversation. And I think some AFL people raised their eyebrows. Others love the war of words. And I’m interested to hear who the 20th team’s going to be in the next few years,” she said.
