Kemp Injury: Footy’s Loss, Property’s Gain? How Sporting Setbacks Impact Local Investment

Carlton’s Brodie Kemp Sidelined: A Look at Broader Implications

Carlton Football Club has confirmed that forward Brodie Kemp will miss the remainder of the 2025 AFL season after rupturing his Achilles tendon. The injury, sustained in the fourth quarter of their recent victory against West Coast, will require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period.

While the immediate impact is on Kemp’s career and Carlton’s on-field performance, this type of event also prompts consideration of broader implications, particularly regarding local economies and the property market. The news reverberates beyond the sporting arena and affects various stakeholders, including property professionals.

Tenant Impact and Considerations

Although seemingly unrelated, news like this can have subtle but real consequences for tenants and landlords, especially in AFL-centric cities like Melbourne. Consider the following:

Economic Ripple Effect

When a high-profile player is sidelined for the season, it can affect local businesses that benefit from game-day crowds and related spending. Reduced foot traffic around the stadium precinct can impact retail and hospitality businesses, potentially affecting their ability to meet rental obligations. Property managers should be aware of this potential knock-on effect, particularly for tenants in these areas.

Tenancy Tribunal Proceedings: Addressing Potential Hardship

If a business experiences financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances like this, it’s crucial to understand the legal framework in place under relevant state legislation (e.g., the *Retail Leases Act 2003* in Victoria). While a single injury is unlikely to trigger widespread economic downfall, it underscores the importance of having robust procedures for dealing with tenants facing financial difficulties. Tribunals like the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) often consider factors beyond the tenant’s control when resolving disputes. Landlords are generally expected to act reasonably and in good faith.

The Importance of Insurance and Business Continuity Plans

This situation also serves as a reminder of the importance of business insurance for tenants. Many policies include business interruption cover, which can help mitigate losses resulting from unexpected events. Property managers should encourage tenants to review their insurance coverage regularly and ensure they have appropriate business continuity plans in place.

Other Carlton Injury Updates: A Broader Perspective

In addition to Kemp’s season-ending injury, Carlton provided updates on other players:

• Harry McKay (concussion): Modified programme, expected to return in Rounds 7-8. Entered concussion protocols following a collision.
• Alex Cincotta (hip): Modified programme, recommencing skills training, aiming to return in Rounds 9-10.
• Orazio Fantasia (calf): Modified programme, to be further assessed in Round 9. Continuing to build training loads.
• Nic Newman (knee): Ruled out for the 2025 season after rupturing his patella tendon.
• Jagga Smith (knee): Suffered a ruptured ACL, undergoing surgery, and ruled out for the season.
• Lachie Cowan (hamstring): Modified programme, availability rounds 8-10. Subbed out of Round 4 game.

These updates highlight the physical demands of professional sport and the frequency with which injuries occur. While these individual injuries might not dramatically impact the property market, they demonstrate broader trends pertinent to property investment in AFL-centric areas. The success of local businesses like gymnasiums, medical services (specifically physio or sports doctors), and sportswear shops depend on the overall condition of the AFL ecosystem.

Key Considerations for Property Professionals

• Diversification: Relying solely on AFL-related businesses as tenants carries inherent risk. Diversifying tenant profiles can mitigate the impact of sporting misfortunes.
• Understanding Local Economies: Staying informed about happenings in sectors connected to the property you manage is vital.
• Tenant Communication: Open communication with tenants, particularly during challenging times, is crucial for maintaining positive landlord-tenant relationships and proactively addressing potential rental issues.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant state legislation regarding tenancy agreements, dispute resolution, and tenant rights.

Staying Informed: Essential for Industry Professionals

The interconnections between seemingly disparate fields like professional sport and the property market underscore the importance of staying informed. Keeping abreast of developments in the local economy, understanding tenant rights and responsibilities, and maintaining open communication channels are crucial for responsible and effective property management. We at APN Consumer Affairs encourage all property professionals to regularly review relevant legislation and seek professional advice when needed to ensure best practise and compliance.

Source: Industry research and analysis.

This article is based on a report from www.carltonfc.com.au titled “AFL injury news: Kemp sidelined for season”. You can find the original article here: https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/1757504/afl-injury-news-kemp-sidelined-for-season