I'm stunned at Richmond's concessions, revealed by Caro in The Age today. I can't understand on what basis the AFL agreed to improve their draw to the extent that it has been, given they finished 15th this year.

One word err two words - BRENDAN GALE - in the same mould as our leader at AFL HQ

I wish everyone would stop worrying about our debt,it's manageable now and we'll chip away at it in the next few years.

I thought it was manageable less than 2 years ago. Until........

It might be manageable now and sure we'll chip away at it because there is a positive outlook. However, it is better to be in the black than the red in uncertain times with two new franchises on the horizon.

I thought it was manageable less than 2 years ago. Until........

It might be manageable now and sure we'll chip away at it because there is a positive outlook. However, it is better to be in the black than the red in uncertain times with two new franchises on the horizon.

Its only manageable when its gone. The cost of the debt, interest, is a cost on our bottom line that MFC cannot afford as it struggles with a business model that can make sustainable profits into the future.

Its about expected bums on seats not where you finished last year.

Despite its lack of success in the past 28 years, Richmond have a huge supporter base (thanks to the 5 flags in 13 years -1967 to 80). They do get numbers to games despite the crud of a side they are. And it does not take much success from them for the crowds to swell.

But do you really think the AFL wants lots of prime-time, televised, MCG Richmond games? I know I don't want to have to watch Richmond.

But do you really think the AFL wants lots of prime-time, televised, MCG Richmond games? I know I don't want to have to watch Richmond.

You make a good point there, Richmond games keep me interested for about 2 Q's before i turn off. They don't kick big scores, & there foot passing around the Ground is atrocious.. Not a good advert for the game in my eyes.

I was suprised how successfull Benny was at getting what they wanted.

Although if the lose a few in a row badly it is entertaining to watch them mutilate each other!!

Must be just me...Im looking at the bright side.. they ARE away games..but at least on our turf !! could be some other cesspit like the Dome etc. We still play better at the G.. lets take the positive.

Must be just me...Im looking at the bright side.. they ARE away games..but at least on our turf !! could be some other cesspit like the Dome etc. We still play better at the G.. lets take the positive.

Sure, but we also need to pay the bills, & the crowds are going to be high in those first few weeks. Would like to maximize the situation.

Home games are not much good with an empty stadium, which could happen if we lose early games.

I want to be positive but i am also a realist. We must get rid of this debt. The interest payments are evil.

But do you really think the AFL wants lots of prime-time, televised, MCG Richmond games? I know I don't want to have to watch Richmond.

AFL wants ratings as well. It all pumps the value of TV licence contracts.

FWIW, I cant stand Richmond. Sod them.

But do you really think the AFL wants lots of prime-time, televised, MCG Richmond games? I know I don't want to have to watch Richmond.

Absolutely.

But it doesnt stop them with Collingpood -and everyones sick of seeing them on Tv so much

..if you've got the numbers..

Edited October 28, 200915 yr by DemonDan...

Sure, but we also need to pay the bills, & the crowds are going to be high in those first few weeks. Would like to maximize the situation.

Home games are not much good with an empty stadium, which could happen if we lose early games.

I want to be positive but i am also a realist. We must get rid of this debt. The interest payments are evil.

Id much have preferred at leat one ws a home game , but if that is not to be then far better to be at the G than Subi..or AAMI..or the Dome.

Not ideal..not a total tragedy either

Id much have preferred at leat one ws a home game , but if that is not to be then far better to be at the G than Subi..or AAMI..or the Dome.

Not ideal..not a total tragedy either

Totally agree, it could have been far worse. 5 out of the first 7 rounds on the 'G is cool.

What the club should do is get a room sorted out at the 'G for both Home & Away Games for ALL supporters

Every Bit of Money Helps.

Another advantage , of sorts , is theoppotunity for the club to sell tickets/memberships etc. Tobe able to hand out the members beanies/scarves/ ties/ pens/keyfobs...whatever. Bit hard to do thatif half way across country or similar.

Again its not ideal but there are opportunities to explore.

Its about expected bums on seats not where you finished last year.

Despite its lack of success in the past 28 years, Richmond have a huge supporter base (thanks to the 5 flags in 13 years -1967 to 80). They do get numbers to games despite the crud of a side they are. And it does not take much success from them for the crowds to swell.

This. The Tiger fans are the ones I admire most. Been absolute [censored], this and to an extent the last decade(s), but week in week out they get big crowds. Probably my second team along with North.

Well after all this discussion about early wins v home game$$$$

We have a first 5 games that will deliver neither!!!

Not only will we most likely start 1-4,but our home games are Hawks (good,we average 43k crowd) Crows & Lions (2 very low drawing home games)

I'm happy with the draw overall with Geelong,Saints and Dogs once and Tigers,Freo & Kangaroos twice but the first 5 games will deliver little $$$$$ and probably one win.

When i started this thread,i was hoping for early wins against Freo,Tiges,Roos to get the crowds and membership up leading into home games against other big drawing Victorian clubs.The first 5 games each year are crucial and i'd take 4-1 with little $$$ over 1-4 with big $$$,because winning games drives bigger crowds and higher memberships and more corporate sponsorship and we will pay down our 800k debt over the next few years,not to mention the confidence the players would get.I know for a fact that blokes like Beamer,Davey,Green etc. would take early wins over bigger $$$ because once we start winning,the crowds and memberships and corporate sponsorship will come.

Edited October 30, 200915 yr by Jack7

Well after all this discussion about early wins v home game$$$$

We have a first 5 games that will deliver neither!!!

Not only will we most likely start 1-4,but our home games are Hawks (good,we average 43k crowd) Crows & Lions (2 very low drawing home games)

I'm happy with the draw overall with Geelong,Saints and Dogs once but the first 5 games will deliver little $$$$$ and probably one win.

When i started this thread,i was hoping for early wins against Freo,Tiges,Roos to get the crowds and membership up leading into home games against other big drawing Victorian clubs.The first 5 games each year are crucial and i'd take 4-1 with little $$$ over 1-4 with big $$$,because winning games drives bigger crowds and higher memberships and more corporate sponsorship and we will pay down our 800k debt over the next few years,not to mention the confidence the players would get.I know for a fact that blokes like Beamer,Davey,Green etc. would take early wins over bigger $$$ because once we start winning,the crowds and memberships and corporate sponsorship will come.

[censored] [censored] [censored]...

I can honestly see where you are coming from, but the wins will come just not at the start of the year. You never know how we will perform agains the Hawks, Pies and Brisbane (Of which I think we could give a good shake).

The Dollars will come from these games, don't you worry. If we get 40-50k average at these games that is a good return and I'm sure that due to the new staduim deals we would make more $$$ from these games this year than we did last.

Pessimism isn't an attractive trait... Start looking at the positives.

Gippy

Gippy,get back to me when you've learnt the difference between pessimism and reality!