Licensing royalty jumps almost 40pc in one year
AFL footballers are on handsome contracts -- from first-year rookie to veterans -- and they also often receive a share of income derived from the use of their images. That revenue has now jumped significantly over the past 12 months.
Players have received a jump of almost 40 per cent in revenue in one year under the AFL Players’ Association licensing royalty system. The AFLPA yesterday reported that total income from royalties increased from $902,370 to $1,256,334 in 2008. That increase represents an upward trend in royalty figures of almost 52 per cent in payments from 2005.
Royalties to players are derived from the use of images on footy cards and other official club-related paraphernalia. It falls outside the salary cap.
Select Australia, which is the primary producer of the popular player cards, experienced an increase of 14.2 per cent of sales, from $522,791 in 2007 to $597,069, in 2008. Select releases two sets of cards each season. Last year, the company also released player figurines and stickers.
The card makers have a whole range of cards -- from the basic to the visually splendid. Cards of first-year rookies can fetch a handy sum, especially of potential champion players, with Hawthorn's Cyril Rioli's 2008 Classic Draft Pick Signature GOLD card this month worth up to $80. Their value tends to increase the better a player becomes.
Here's the rundown of figures sourced from the AFLPA:
ESP increased 138.81% from $89,713.52 in 2007 to $214, 249.30 in 2008;
Select Australia experienced an increase of 14.21% from $522,791.32 to $597,069.65. Select incorporated two new products in 2008 -- small player figurines and player stickers. These two additional products will be continued in 2009 and are expected to significantly increase in sales;
Topps: This new product exceeded expectations by a large degree totalling approximately $173,000 in player royalties;
Sporting Souvenirs player magnets and badges increased by 12.33%.
AFPLA endorses Hooper's fine
THE AFL Players' Association has endorsed the $40,000 fine handed down to Brisbane's Rhan Hooper. The Lions on Monday slapped Hooper with the penalty for what it said were 'persistent and serious breaches' of his playing contract.
"The fine in isolation would be far in excess of what is prescribed under the (players') code of conduct," AFLPA chief executive Brendan Gale said. "But it is a series of what the club regards as serious and persistent breaches; the accumulation of which is four lots of fines and the aggregate is $40,000.
"They (Brisbane) think very highly of him as a footballer and we hope he can get on to prepare professionally and play good footy. We're there to support players and Rhan is no different. We've got a range of measures and services there to support him if required."
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Friday, January 16, 2009
Last Modified on 16/01/2009 10:24