‘Players prostitutes’: Mansell gobsmacked

He said clubs now found themselves in a bidding war for recruits as the player pool diminished.

Mansell, who took over at the Magpies this season, questioned player loyalty and accused some of seeking better deals, even after they had signed with a club.

“They have become prostitutes and shop themselves around,” he said.

And he also questioned the tactics of clubs that talked to players they knew were already under contract.

Mansell, a former Lavington player, said payments had spiralled out of control since he last coached at senior level with Culcairn in 1997.

“Clubs used to rule the competition but now players are in high demand and dictating,” he said.

“You are getting players out of the Ovens and Murray seconds who have played on a flank asking for $300 to $350 a game.

“My question to them is what have you done to deserve that much a game?

“One player asked for $800 a game and I just laughed in his face.

“We could have easily signed a stack more recruits this season.

“Unfortunately, some guys were ludicrous in the money they wanted.

“It’s out of control.”

Mansell said the Murray Magpies had spoken to “three blokes who had signed with other clubs”,

“I didn’t know about it at the time,” he said.

“When I found out, I asked them whether they had signed with a club.

“When they said ‘yes’ I said ‘see you later then’.

“I’m amazed how clubs are talking to players who are already signed.

“Guys are then coming back and trying to renegotiate contracts.

“I could have taken three quality players off a Tallangatta league club but didn’t once I found they had signed.”