Crackers' Call - Meat market

One of the most worrying times for an AFL footballer is this week, especially for those blokes on the fringe of being traded.

Some blokes will be looking for a new start because they think they're hard done by while others will be hoping not to get traded to a club they don't want to be at.

Some will be trying to get to their home state and some clubs might have to get rid of some big stars because of salary cap restraints.

It's always a worrying time.

Many players breathe a sigh of relief when 2pm comes next Monday.

Clubs try to find that elusive player that can help them win a premiership, the holy grail of football.

And other clubs try to prise players from clubs to strengthen them up.

It's a dehumanising week and people end up being pieces of meat.

Even in my day I remember a player at Essendon who'd been there eight years called Robert Amos, he was told in the middle of a training session 'You've been sold to Footscray, you've got to train over there'.

His reply was 'I don't want to go' but the poor club official said 'It's nothing to do with you, we've just sold you'.

It will happen to some players this week and some people who have put themselves up for trade won't get what they want.

Delistings are also taking place now and at the end of the week people will have to re-evaluate their lives.

It's a ruthless sport Aussie Rules football, it can be highly rewarding financially but mentally it can be gutting and this week is one of the worst weeks on the football calendar.