any news on the council vote? Was last night?

I have no idea.

Still waiting to hear something.....???

One to two thousand went to just watch an intra-club practice match earlier this year.

I would say that ten thousand plus would not be out of the question as there are a couple of key points that you have missed.

1) Casey locals turning out the the game. I know that if any AFL team started to play games in my backyard I'd happily go along to watch, no matter who was playing.

2) The appeal of watching the game at a suburban ground. The MCG is easily the best venue to watch football at, however from speaking to other people who have seen Melbourne play at Casey Fields, the general consensus was the appeal of watching a game at a traditional suburban ground at more of a "grass roots" level. It would never replace the MCG (and would only be used for three to four games maximum), but it makes a great alternative and would reinforce the connection with the Casey community.

Those things would be great to start with, but I think the novelty would wear off. You'd go to the first game in your backyard, but would you go to every game? Probably not.

As for the grass roots feel, that's great. But what about kids, how are they meant to see with everyone standing? Even Princes Park has that surburban feel. At the swans game earlier in the year there, you could hear the hits, hear the players talk etc. it was great. We could get a very similar feel there.

I rang the council but they "can't" release the information until the minutes are confirmed on Monday

till then.........

Monday? You mean Tuesday, there is NO WAY IN HELL a council would be working on a public holiday!

Monday? You mean Tuesday, there is NO WAY IN HELL a council would be working on a public holiday!

I mean Monday cos that's what they said

But you're right, they probably mean Tuesday

Those things would be great to start with, but I think the novelty would wear off. You'd go to the first game in your backyard, but would you go to every game? Probably not.

If it's once or twice a year I think it'd retain its special event status.

As for the grass roots feel, that's great. But what about kids, how are they meant to see with everyone standing?

I agree.

With regards playing AFL matches there as is, the game's passed the point where only 10 blokes get a seat at a game.

btw im an interstate member and have not recieved an email or text. i feel left out. did i have to sign up for something? any wa members received anything??

The gist of the message is 'Watts is playing, so come to the game'.

It's understandable if they targetted that at local members, given the costs involved.

I'm all for this as I have mentioned for the past year or so, however isn't the sticking point the contract agreement that prevents a new stadium in Victoria being used by AFL clubs for 25 years?

Definitely seems like a stumbling block.

However, it'd be interesting to know what the stipulation was, as someone pointed out in a thread recently.

It might be defined as a new stadium in Victoria or maybe it's a new stadium in Melbourne, x kms from Docklands, etc.

The contract with Etihad owners stops new stadiums and allows use of pre-existing ones (which includes Princes Park). There will be all sorts of maouevres as parties jockey for position. IMO the influential, educated and articulate residents of Carlton and the MCC will not allow the re-use of PP for AFL matches - they've got rid of them and so they won't allow even small AFL matches back in. However, the AFL might decide that it's worth pushing it - if only to get a concession from Etihad that another (new) venue can be admitted to the mix in lieu of the rights to use PP. Perhaps a venue 40km away that Etihad won't see as a threat.

You never know how it might work out, but I hope MFC gives it a really good shot.

Maybe we better try to ensure, (if a move came up to try move Ian Collins on) we should support his removal.

But then there's Mike Fitzpatrick. <_<

Well I'm glad it has all been sorted out and the Demons have signed their 30 year deal with the Casey Council!

Here is the link on the MFC website that confirms the deal: http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsart...00/default.aspx

Is it just me or is Jimmy Stynes and Co. doing an absolutely FANTASTIC job so far?

Let's hope they keep up the good work!

Is it just me or is Jimmy Stynes and Co. doing an absolutely FANTASTIC job so far?

S_D, I think you're doing a good job too!

LOL! I don't think I do anything!

Although I WILL be at the footy tomorrow!

I can't wait to see how Jack Watts goes in his debut AFL game!

GO YOU DEMONS, LETS SMASH THE FILTHY PIES!!!

Read the first 25 pages of this, originally linked to in this thread by casey scorp

http://www.casey.vic.gov.au/include/downlo...009_v1Jun09.pdf

It is the council agenda from the night of the vote

All the first 25 pages are about the MFC and from page 9 to 25 are powerpoint slides of the 30 year deal, fascinating reading

fascinating reading indeed

One idea i like in this is "all new residents to get welcome packs including MFC gifts and a MFC branded Melway - concept requires further development"

It reminds me of the Geelong Smart Move campaign of the late 90's where if you moved to Geelong you received benefits from the council including a Geelong FC membership

If every new resident of the Casey area received an MFC membership and kept it up we'd have a mind boggling number of members in no time

onward and upward!