MEDIA-SHY agent to the stars, Ralph Carr, talks to MARK STEVENS on Travis Cloke, Dustin Martin and the brave new world of free agency and booming endorsement deals for the AFL's top players.
Mark Stevens: With your history of success managing music stars such as Vanessa Amorosi and Jon Stevens, why turn to Travis Cloke, Dustin Martin and the AFL?
Ralph Carr: For the love of the game and the love of business. After serving on the Carlton board and working more closely with the game and seeing how it works off the field, I thought it was a great natural evolution to expand my 25 years of management into the sports field.
I believe the standards and services of RCM Sport will be of a much higher standard than have been seen in the past.
What are your plans for Cloke and Martin, the recent headline signings?
We have some great opportunities on the horizon. Again, we will give all our players the best opportunities to achieve all they can on and off the field, similar to elite athletes that have achieved this before in America and Europe.
Specifically, what kind of off-field opportunities?
Media, endorsements and ambassadorships are obviously part of this. Certain players will be treated more like special brands and, with modern technology and social media, will earn more income outside of the club and AFL boundaries.
Has the AFL stagnated in this area, compared to overseas?
Probably, although we do not have the market opportunities and money here, like they have in the US and Europe.
Third-party agreement is a controversial phrase in AFL circles. How do you do the deals within salary cap rules?
We of course acknowledge the rules and abide by them, although I think this should be reviewed. Most players have a limited on-field lifespan and they should be able to explore income revenues from third parties outside their salary.
So the third-party rules are too tight? Do we all need to loosen up in the football industry?
We acknowledge that main sponsors are a key factor in contributing to and funding the AFL, however, we would like to see all players benefiting from these contributions.
Additionally, we would also like to see players pursue outside agreements to widen their own professional interests and gains.
The main priority is for the AFL to maintain its relationships with the major sponsors. As long as this is protected within these agreements, I think that all parties will benefit greatly from third-party arrangements and it will put Australia on the map with other international sports organisations that follow similar agreements.
You met Collingwood, including president Eddie McGuire, on Travis Cloke recently? Where is it at?
I am hoping that everything will be resolved with Collingwood and Travis continues his career as a one-club player.
Eddie has a great commercial approach and we are hoping for a quick resolution.
Where do you think Cloke will end up?
I hope Travis gets to stay with the Collingwood Football Club and with all parties happy. However, we will just have to wait and see.
Can you explain how you work in with Cloke's father, David, who has been a high-profile part of negotiations with Collingwood?
I think the arrangement works great with RCM Sport and the Cloke family. From where we sit, David's dealings on behalf of Travis have been diligent and professional.
There is a perception that you are specialising mainly in Cloke's endorsements and David Cloke is the increasingly public frontman. Will you also be at the coalface when contract negotiations with the Magpies really come to the crunch?
Yes. I will certainly be part of the decision making. I have a certain approach to negotiations and will ensure the outcome for Travis is the right one.
How did you snare Martin's signature?
He came to us for advice and that started the relationship.
Where do you see Martin's future?
Hopefully with Richmond for life, as I feel that the Richmond Football Club is going in the right direction.
I also think the coach, Damien Hardwick, is the right man to help them work towards a premiership.
Martin is out of contract at the end of 2013. Has Richmond already gently come knocking in search of an extended deal?
I think open dialogue is important with the clubs at all times in regards to all our players in view of extensions and direction.
We have spoken to Richmond in general about Dustin's future.
What's your view on the free agency?
Free agency will work for some and not for others. For the first time in more than 100 years of playing this game, players are able to choose where they want to work, but of course they have to earn that right.
This is a basic option that every person in their work environment should be able to decide.
Isn't the sports management formula reasonably similar? How will RCM Sport be different to other agents?
At RCM Sport we are naturally innovative, fresh, new and, most importantly, professional. We also strive to provide a lot more than just contract negotiations.
In our opinion, it is about also making available all of the opportunities off the field and providing an environment that we think will make them better players on it.
With your entertainment experience, should the AFL Grand Final be played at night? Do you believe it would add to overall spectacle?
I think a twilight game would make the Grand Final more of a spectacle and would certainly help with the class and quality of entertainment.
It also may be a better television time slot for our international audience, which is growing every year.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/travis-clokes-manager-ralph-carr-hopes-star-forward-will-stay-a-magpie/news-story/f76fe92df48f33d4867d4481b10f5a45
