Brett Henderson, the senior coach of the Lara Football Netball Club, has launched a scathing public attack on the recruiting methods of rival clubs within the Geelong region. Henderson has labelled their tactics as 'unethical' and 'disrespectful', claiming they are actively destabilising his playing group.
A Coach's Frustration Boils Over
Henderson's frustration erupted following a series of approaches to his players from other clubs. He expressed particular dismay that these approaches are happening during the current season, a period when players should be focused solely on their commitments to Lara. The coach argues that this behaviour breaches an unwritten code of conduct among local clubs and shows a lack of respect for the integrity of the competition.
"It's not just about losing players," Henderson stated, "it's the manner in which it's being done. To have officials from other clubs directly contacting our players while we're in the middle of a finals fight is completely out of line." He emphasised that his primary concern is the well-being and focus of his young squad, which he feels is being undermined.
The Specific Allegations and Club Stance
While Henderson did not name the specific clubs involved, he indicated that the approaches are coming from multiple directions within the Geelong Football League (GFL) and surrounding competitions. He described a pattern of unofficial offers and promises being made directly to players, bypassing the club's official channels.
The Lara Football Netball Club has backed its coach's stance. Club officials are concerned that such predatory practices, if left unchecked, could erode the competitive balance and community spirit that local football relies upon. They believe a player's decision to move clubs should be a transparent process conducted at the appropriate time, not through clandestine mid-season negotiations.
Broader Implications for Local Sport
This public outcry from a respected local coach has ignited a wider conversation about the ethics of player recruitment in community-level sports. The issue touches on the delicate balance between a player's right to explore opportunities and a club's right to protect its list and culture from disruptive external interference.
Observers note that aggressive recruiting has become more prevalent as clubs feel increased pressure to succeed. However, Henderson's comments highlight the potential cost: damaged relationships between clubs and heightened anxiety for players caught in the middle. The situation raises questions about whether league governing bodies need to implement stricter rules or mediation processes to manage inter-club player movements.
As the season progresses towards its climax, all eyes will be on how Lara responds to this off-field challenge. Henderson's strong public stand is a clear message that his club will not sit quietly while its playing list is targeted. The coming weeks will reveal if this sparks a league-wide discussion on reforming recruitment protocols in Geelong football.
