The declining state of the game

[ICU2 Jerry Jerry 257]

I think I speak for most football fans when I say that I'm in love with my club, and will follow them to the ends of the earth. As for the AFL itself? I'm not sure I'm in love with it anymore.

The problem remains that the AFL are misinterpreting the masses love for their clubs (and resultant $ numbers at games) for a love of the game which is dwindling by the hour.

As long as the AFL sees an increase in attendance and revenue they assume the game is improving which it isn't. They don't seem to realise that population growth and and the resultant "handing down" of club allegiance from generation to generation is driving this growth and not an improvement in the product at all.

In fact the product has been in steady decline since 1998 in my opinion but it is a poignant reality that most fans will put up with a bad product so long as they can see the colours of the club they love have a win. It really is our fault for rocking up in massive numbers each week to support our clubs that the AFL assume they are on the right path.

If we as fans actually want something done we should organise a boycott for a round and make our voices heard to the powers that be, that the game which once belonged to the fans has been taken away from us and replaced with a sanitised and diluted replica of the game we love.

the problem really is only compounded by the fact that when it comes down to it a fan would rather watch their club every week rather than abstain from a weekly dose of their beloved club to make a statement to the AFL.

In theory I'm feeling that we would all love to make this statement by having a "boycott" but in reality do you think you could actually tear yourself away from watching your club for a week? That is the question i am posing to you fellow Dees supporters. Could you do it?

If so I further ask you . . .

If every revolution once started from one persons simple idea that echoed the sentiments of many (and I think in this case the football community is reaching a consensus that a message must be sent to the AFL that we want our game back), is now the time to unify and send that message?

How do we go about it?

Do we ask the Papers/TV networks for help and backing?

Would all clubs get involved?

These are all questions I would love to hear your thoughts on because I get the impression that it wouldn't take much more than a phone-call to each major sports media (TV/PAPERS/SEN) before we could genuinely arrange a 1 week boycott.

The only reservation I have with this idea is the effect it would have on the players, They just wouldn't deserve that.

But then I think if the idea really gathered some legs the players themselves may be willing to do the same?

Food for thought guys. Love to hear your thoughts.

Clay

And therein lies the rump.

Edited May 14, 2011 by Clay Sampson

[Tatu 416]

Boycott an AFL game, for the greater good of Aussie rules? yes i would do that.

For this to be affective, there would have to be more than just one group of supporters.

What i believe is needed is a Supporters Union. We need to reclaim our game!

[dee-luded 2,959]

I think I speak for most football fans when I say that I'm in love with my club, and will follow them to the ends of the earth. As for the AFL itself? I'm not sure I'm in love with it anymore.

The problem remains that the AFL are misinterpreting the masses love for their clubs (and resultant $ numbers at games) for a love of the game which is dwindling by the hour.

As long as the AFL sees an increase in attendance and revenue they assume the game is improving which it isn't. They don't seem to realise that population growth and and the resultant "handing down" of club allegiance from generation to generation is driving this growth and not an improvement in the product at all.

In fact the product has been in steady decline since 1998 in my opinion but it is a poignant reality that most fans will put up with a bad product so long as they can see the colours of the club they love have a win. It really is our fault for rocking up in massive numbers each week to support our clubs that the AFL assume they are on the right path.

If we as fans actually want something done we should organise a boycott for a round and make our voices heard to the powers that be, that the game which once belonged to the fans has been taken away from us and replaced with a sanitised and diluted replica of the game we love.

the problem really is only compounded by the fact that when it comes down to it a fan would rather watch their club every week rather than abstain from a weekly dose of their beloved club to make a statement to the AFL.

In theory I'm feeling that we would all love to make this statement by having a "boycott" but in reality do you think you could actually tear yourself away from watching your club for a week? That is the question i am posing to you fellow Dees supporters. Could you do it?

I'm actually feeling just like this right Now. I'm fatigued frome this weeks crap, and its taken the gloss and interest away.

I can't believe a ball player who has put in a strong tackle for once has now been locked out for 3 weeks. I think I'm going to do the same, Have a break for at least the next 2. I'll do some work instead.

Edited May 14, 2011 by dee-luded