The New Sponsors

[jimcor 212]

How quickly the concern re the missing FOJ sponsor has been put into perspective by the disgraceful behavior of the BOJ sponsor. As has been said often, hindsight is a wonderful thing but the apparent lack of a Plan B (alternative commercial FOJ backup sponsor) and the selection of the Dodgy Bros as the BOJ sponsor casts a big question mark over Cam Schwab's strategic and tactical judgement. There is no doubt about his love of the Club but sometimes that is simply not enough. I suspect this is one of those times. It's a bit of a cliche but if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. The Energywatch deal seems to confirm this to be so.

On the positive side, this will at least give the Board the opportunity to insist that the need for both sponsorships should now be the No. 1 CEO issue. And, at least it's taken the spotlight off of the other events of the last 7 days!

Looking forward to getting back to the footy tomorrow.

[demon3165 2,620]

What a load of crap jimcor, what about Victory, Rebels, 3AW and the large power company's who went with them, are they all incompetent to so lets not lay all the blame with CS, gee would hate to be in a bar room brawl with a lot of posters on this site they would all be under the tables hiding when [censored] happens.

Edited April 6, 2012 by demon3165

[jimcor 212]

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. I totally support the action taken by all of the teams in ditching Dodgy Brothers immediately. My concern about judgements relates to:

1/- getting to this stage without having a FOJ sponsor and the lack of a Plan B in this regard

2/- the apparent lack of due diligence in appointing Dodgy Brothers in the first place

In both cases, the results have been, to say the least, disappointing. Just my opinion, the world will continue to rotate and revolve regardless.

[dee-luded 2,959]

How quickly the concern re the missing FOJ sponsor has been put into perspective by the disgraceful behavior of the BOJ sponsor. As has been said often, hindsight is a wonderful thing but the apparent lack of a Plan B (alternative commercial FOJ backup sponsor) and the selection of the Dodgy Bros as the BOJ sponsor casts a big question mark over Cam Schwab's strategic and tactical judgement. There is no doubt about his love of the Club but sometimes that is simply not enough. I suspect this is one of those times. It's a bit of a cliche but if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. The Energywatch deal seems to confirm this to be so.

On the positive side, this will at least give the Board the opportunity to insist that the need for both sponsorships should now be the No. 1 CEO issue. And, at least it's taken the spotlight off of the other events of the last 7 days!

Looking forward to getting back to the footy tomorrow.

We may have been lucky to attract any Jumper sponsor at all. We'll get something for our efforts & we'll be seen to be doing the right thing in the wake of this episode.

[jimcor 212]

Thanks Dee-luded, you could be right about there not being a huge range to choose from but again, with the benefit of hindsight, the sponsorship strategy has just not worked.

Like many others on here, I am tired of feeling (and being) defensive about our performances both on & off. There was a touch of smugness about the lack of urgency regarding securing the FOJ sponsor - due to the fact that such a 'great' deal had been struck with EnergyWatch. This was seen as Cam's big achievement and it turns out not to so. I suspect the price we can now extract for both sponsorships will be considerably below what they had been 48 hours ago.

Our off-field performance should be measured in a similar way to our on-field performances and when someone drops the ball, they should expect consequences. The Board will hopefully help secure a more successful sponsorship strategy in the future.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I hope that EnergyWatch can go the distance.

They are spending a lot of money on sports sponsorship and bloody internet ads.

Well my concerns were correct, I just didn't know it would be racist and sexist internet rants that would bring about their downfall.

[rpfc 28,075]

Well my concerns were correct, I just didn't know it would be racist and sexist internet rants that would bring about their downfall.

That's because you didn't do your due diligence...

It's funny how 'due diligence' has morphed into 'breaking the law and infringing on the privacy of those you wish to get a great deal of money from.'

[jimcor 212]

Thanks Rpfc, I'm not sure how 'breaking the law' comes into it. Generally, in relation to business transactions, I thought it meant doing your homework. That was the sense I used it in. If some Demonlanders were surprised that EnergyWatch emerged from nowhere to commit to substantial sponsorships, I would be hugely surprised if others - particularly Board members - didn't raise an eyebrow when it was announced.

Of course, I could be wrong and could be expecting too much of people. Who knows?

[Diablo Deemon 220]

I'm worried to say the least that there are tough times ahead.

This is a massive kick in the nuts.

However it's always darkest before dawn and while there appears no way out of the mire I'm sure there is.

I'll still be here it's all I know.

[Redleg 40,370]

Surely the title to this thread needs to be changed.

[Jordie_tackles 354]

Being optimistic as ever....... i will hope that some of the other opportunities we were seeking liked the way we dealt with the situation and decide that we are the type of company they wish to associate with.

Really should have built some exposure up within the media ect obviously, maybe someone has see an opportunity arise?

[Sir Why You Little 36,737]

Being optimistic as ever....... i will hope that some of the other opportunities we were seeking liked the way we dealt with the situation and decide that we are the type of company they wish to associate with.

Really should have built some exposure up within the media ect obviously, maybe someone has see an opportunity arise?

This is how i view it. Companies could see a positive in being involved. I think we should continue to represent REACH. I would be proud to put my company name alongside that logo.

[old dee 23,528]

Thanks Dee-luded, you could be right about there not being a huge range to choose from but again, with the benefit of hindsight, the sponsorship strategy has just not worked.

Like many others on here, I am tired of feeling (and being) defensive about our performances both on & off. There was a touch of smugness about the lack of urgency regarding securing the FOJ sponsor - due to the fact that such a 'great' deal had been struck with EnergyWatch. This was seen as Cam's big achievement and it turns out not to so. I suspect the price we can now extract for both sponsorships will be considerably below what they had been 48 hours ago.

Our off-field performance should be measured in a similar way to our on-field performances and when someone drops the ball, they should expect consequences. The Board will hopefully help secure a more successful sponsorship strategy in the future.

IT is difficult to get less than nothing

[old dee 23,528]

The lack of jumper sponsors says I believe a lot about the MFC that we should all absorb.

We are viewed in the big bad world out there as a poor club.

We have a small supporter base, a modest membership number and we are perennial losers.

We get limited Free to air coverage and the only time we make the news are for negative reasons.

eg. Jarrah, sacking coach after 186 loss, coach ( wrongly ) accused of Racism, Major sponsor is a nut case.

The list goes on.

What do we expect major companies to be falling over themselves to tie up with us.

I was at the AGM in Early Feb and I heard the comments about the FOJ sponsor. At the time my gut told me they were spin.

But I gave CS the benefit of the doubt.

IMO my gut feel was correct and now I hear about "This situation raising other possibilities"

More Spin, there is no one out there remotely interested.

I believe that unless a miracle happens we will have no major sponsors in 2012.

That will result in a large deficit at the end of 2012.

We will once again have a large debt hanging over us.

[Sir Why You Little 36,737]

The lack of jumper sponsors says I believe a lot about the MFC that we should all absorb.

We are viewed in the big bad world out there as a poor club.

We have a small supporter base, a modest membership number and we are perennial losers.

We get limited Free to air coverage and the only time we make the news are for negative reasons.

eg. Jarrah, sacking coach after 186 loss, coach ( wrongly ) accused of Racism, Major sponsor is a nut case.

The list goes on.

What do we expect major companies to be falling over themselves to tie up with us.

I was at the AGM in Early Feb and I heard the comments about the FOJ sponsor. At the time my gut told me they were spin.

But I gave CS the benefit of the doubt.

IMO my gut feel was correct and now I hear about "This situation raising other possibilities"

More Spin, there is no one out there remotely interested.

I believe that unless a miracle happens we will have no major sponsors in 2012.

That will result in a large deficit at the end of 2012.

We will once again have a large debt hanging over us.

I expect that the Board & CEO will work f$&@ing harder than they ever have before to find sponsors. If they do not and we again have a massive debt this club will know longer be in the AFL. and i will never again attend a game.

[Whispering_Jack 29,333]

I think this thread needs a name change so it's going to be "The New Sponsors?".

[beelzebub 23,242]

Sorry , can't subscribe to this pessimism feast. We had a Jo facing us getting a better deal for the foj given the then exceptional Boj that wax in place. Personally I feel that this is a great opportunity for two companies to come on board. It will take more than a weekend to do this but I think we may even come out of this better. The MFC and it's supporters have shown character and integrity. This WILL be what inspires corporate dollars.

You can all cry and panic and get despondent. I won't. This is an opportunity .

[Demonland 70,470]

How about approaching Bank of Melbourne for BoJ sponsorship.

They're solid and reputable and should be impressed with the way we as a club have handled some pretty tough issues.

[Redleg 40,370]

I think this thread needs a name change so it's going to be "The New Sponsors?".

Read post 1160.

[old dee 23,528]

Sorry , can't subscribe to this pessimism feast. We had a Jo facing us getting a better deal for the foj given the then exceptional Boj that wax in place. Personally I feel that this is a great opportunity for two companies to come on board. It will take more than a weekend to do this but I think we may even come out of this better. The MFC and it's supporters have shown character and integrity. This WILL be what inspires corporate dollars.

You can all cry and panic and get despondent. I won't. This is an opportunity .

BB I was positive about the FOJ sponsor

It is now 7th April and not only don't we have a FOJ sponsor but we do not have a back one either.

I hope you are right BB because this could easily be the beginning of the end for the MFC.

We will not survive another large debt with free agency starting at the end of 2012

And no Jimmy to save us.

[jimcor 212]

So, a couple of days on and it's still all a little surreal. On reflection, we were not the only ones to have been sucked in however that's really not a great excuse. The fact that we were not the only ones to make a huge error of judgement does not make it any less dumb. And, frankly, it's not that reassuring to me to know that the MFC is not on its own. I would like to be reassured that we have a plan in place to secure a new sponsor (or two).

At the start of the season we were the only AFL club without a commercial FOJ sponsor and we have taken this to a new level by being the only club with neither a FOJ or a BOJ commercial sponsorship. Is this some sort of record?

As I see it, the challenge is to make sure that, in the future, there is an appropriate level of governance and oversight in relation to our Commercial options but not at the expense of the Board becoming de facto day to day managers. A sometimes difficult balance to strike.

[PJ_12345 1,098]

So, a couple of days on and it's still all a little surreal. On reflection, we were not the only ones to have been sucked in however that's really not a great excuse. The fact that we were not the only ones to make a huge error of judgement does not make it any less dumb. And, frankly, it's not that reassuring to me to know that the MFC is not on its own. I would like to be reassured that we have a plan in place to secure a new sponsor (or two).

At the start of the season we were the only AFL club without a commercial FOJ sponsor and we have taken this to a new level by being the only club with neither a FOJ or a BOJ commercial sponsorship. Is this some sort of record?

As I see it, the challenge is to make sure that, in the future, there is an appropriate level of governance and oversight in relation to our Commercial options but not at the expense of the Board becoming de facto day to day managers. A sometimes difficult balance to strike.

I'm sorry but this is way over the top.

We didn't get "sucked into anything" - crap happens, it's not the boards responsibility to govern sponsors nor be expected to have foreseen this.

I'm sure appropriate procedures were taken when signing EW as a sponsor, and I'm sure as they have said appropriate contingencies have been drafted for this situation.

[Still Waiting 94]

How do you explain that Footscray also interviewd Energy Watch and did due diligence re this possible sponsorship? They then wished the MFC "good luck" re taking this whole shemozzle on!!!!!!!!

Who is ultimately responsible for this ?????????

Sack him!!!

[PJ_12345 1,098]

How do you explain that Footscray also interviewd Energy Watch and did due diligence re this possible sponsorship? They then wished the MFC "good luck" re taking this whole shemozzle on!!!!!!!!

Who is ultimately responsible for this ?????????

Sack him!!!

Another keyboard warrior

Then explain why victory and the rebels - 2 independent clubs from 2 different codes also signed.

At the end of the day again crap happens. If you have some crystal ball no one else knows about then please make it known. Until then I don't think its acceptable to think clubs and management should have foreseen this...

[jimcor 212]

At the end of the day again crap happens. If you have some crystal ball no one else knows about then please make it known. Until then I don't think its acceptable to think clubs and management should have foreseen this...

I think that the avoidance of 'crap happens' is the reason that due diligence is normally carried out - in the expectation that potential accidents can be avoided. As I understand it, the Board's responsibilities are primarily governance and the approval of medium to long term strategies. They might also participate in the creation of these strategies. The day-to-day running of the club is the responsibility of the Executive headed up by Cameron Schwab. My guess(and hope) is that the Board will review the sponsorship strategy and get it fixed.

The great thing about history is that it provides an opportunity to learn. The first step is to identify your mistakes.