[QUOTE=Mayaness;1954715]I really don't think the AFL would sanction separating dads-to-be from being there for their wives over contractual issues! They're not shift workers and the PR machine alone would see them give parental and family leave, alone - not to mention club management, psychs etc. So, I'm not really seeing the 'job' side of the coin here. /QUOTE]


don't get me wrong - i don't agree with what is happening re the induction AT ALL - i'm just trying to see the other side of the coin here and look at it from their perspective. average afl player has a limited "career" in which they have the opportunity to earn themselves decent money and set them and their family up - how many of them disappear into obscurity? a player who has appeared and played well in finals footy has more negotiating power than one that hasn't. they need to sell themselves when re-negotiating contracts and this is a huge thing in their minds (well, i'm assuming.,,) as well as looking at their options after playing. i don't agree with it - but we DO live in a society that puts importance on those factors. it happens in every type of employment really - those that have the most "experience" are seen as a better catch.....

ultimately, they've made a decision that they have to live with - WHY they decided to go public i have NFI - why even announce it - why not simply make a "proud daddy" announcement once the baby is here? no one would have been any the wiser...