Another gem of an article from Martin Flanagan

[Whispering_Jack 30,633]

Stand up to AFL noise and shout it down

The rank and file AFL supporter needs to get behind this.

Our game is good enough without the need for USA inspired bells and whistles and sound and light shows at half time.

[angrydee 842]

Flanagan at his best.

[rjay 25,075]

Unfortunately my inside information at headquarters tells me they are totally besotted with American sport, the NFL in particular and seek to follow it blindly.

[monoccular 17,573]

Unfortunately my inside information at headquarters tells me they are totally besotted with American sport, the NFL in particular and seek to follow it blindly.

I think it is bleeding obvious without your Caro-like "inside information at HQ".

The blaring "music" and other PA intrusions at all intervals and pre- match at the MCG certainly spoils my enjoyment of the game - one of the pleasures having been an opportunity to engage in conversation both with mates with whom I go to matches, and with strangers one encounters there. But, no...the AFL and / or the MCG have chosen to spoil this with their inane and often poorly delivered din!

Honestly, if they introduce the garbage "music" and meaningless banter after goals that one hears at NBL (and I beleive at 20/20 cricket, though I have never attended and rarely watch this parody of the true game) I would seriously probably stop attending.

[Salems Lot 2,633]

A collective response might get their attention. Perhaps if at every quarter break we stood with our fingers in our ears it may give them the message

[btdemon 482]

Just read the article. I agree so wholeheartedly with Flanagan. I have found the loud ads and the rest of the crap annoying enough but I do realise that it is a commercial environment. To have those ridiculous musical interludes is indeed an intrusion and a step way too far. We must make it very clear to the AFL that they don't own the sport and could easily alienate many of the true followers. Footy doesn't need razzamatazz. There is is plenty going on the field. I like AC/DC but they're killing that song for me.

It makes you pine for old days of going to Arden St or the Junction oval where you just watched the game and soaked up the real footy atmosphere. That's what kept me going every week.

[Deeoldfart 8,061]

Brilliant. For me it's all summed up in the words "the AFL doesn't own the game. They are servants of the game."

[Undeeterred 3,124]

Brilliant. For me it's all summed up in the words "the AFL doesn't own the game. They are servants of the game."

Except that they sort of do!

[Moonshadow 17,677]

It's already got to the stage where it is difficult to talk to the person next to you at qtr or half time. Much too loud.

Edited November 15, 2012 by Moonshadow

[Roost It 1,434]

All it would need was for a group of hardy souls to start a petition. At each game at the MCG take signatures of those who don't want the music (I'm yet to meet 1 person, young or old) who enjoys it. The problem being it would take a long time to gather that many signatures

[whatwhat say what 22,932]

And while we're at it, why don't men always wear a hat when outside? Make it mandatory! Plus women are only allowed to wear dresses or skirts, never any pants.

Don't disagree with the sentiment, as the sound of advertising is revolting and blaring, but it's a bit Romney-esque. Private individuals can't dictate how a private organisation presents itself, if you don't like it don't go.

[Tony Tea 2,809]

I do not know ONE person who enjoys the racket we get assaulted with at the footy, and yet...

[monoccular 17,573]

All it would need was for a group of hardy souls to start a petition. At each game at the MCG take signatures of those who don't want the music (I'm yet to meet 1 person, young or old) who enjoys it. The problem being it would take a long time to gather that many signatures

Does anyone know how to set up on line petitions? I have directly contacted the MCC who didn't answer.

[Waltham33 475]

When the countdown clock gets put up on the scoreboard - I walk away for good.

[Face Your Demons 175]

It's one sport that does not need bell's and Whistles. Ok the umpires need whistles.

Our games not boring like Basketball and Soccer.

[beelzebub 23,382]

They can do whatever they like at Etihad.

[beelzebub 23,382]

Brilliant. For me it's all summed up in the words "the AFL doesn't own the game. They are servants of the game."

DOF unfortunately the premise of such ideals got squashed years ago when the clubs cowtailed and limply offered up all to the AFL. The tail wags the dog these days.

The AFL does own the game....at least the big dollar commercialised form of it

[3183 Dee 2,907]

Totally agree with Flanners. I grew up in the UK following football (soccer) supporting the mighty Plymouth Argyle. The game over there has changed incredibly with the all-seater stadia, super club razzmatazz. Where once it was standing on the terraces amongst the noisy banter, songs and the adrenalin, it's now corporatised plastic seats in a sedated stadium, drip-fed buckets of Coca Cola and the blast of goal celebration music (not that they get many goals at Argyle).

When I first came over here and started following the Dees, one of the most appealing things about the footy was the fantastic atmosphere of the game. I mean, if the spectacle of 36 blokes running their guts out at 100mph, whilst bouncing an oval ball, kicking it 60,70 metres, jumping onto someone's SHOULDERS! and hoping not to get clattered at the same time - for 2 hours - is not excitement enough...well...maybe skydiving without a parachute is a better option. With incessant celebration music on the headphones perhaps.

[Sir Why You Little 37,121]

STOP THE MUSIC. I LIKE TALKING TO MY DAD BETWEEN QUARTERS.

IT'S THE ONLY TIME WE GET TO CATCH UP.

[Guest]

To be honest, I didn't mind when they played 'Enter Sandman' before the opening bounce circa 2010-2011 (?). It got me nice and fired up. But after every goal and in the breaks? If that happens I might not go to the footy anymore. Stuff this razzle dazzle crap. The NRL lets off huge bursts of flame every time someone scores a try and has dancing girls and it is absolutely shizen.

[beelzebub 23,382]

STOP THE MUSIC. I LIKE TALKING TO MY DAD BETWEEN QUARTERS.

IT'S THE ONLY TIME WE GET TO CATCH UP.

i know youre only yelling to get above the noise !!!

[Sir Why You Little 37,121]

i know youre only yelling to get above the noise !!!

YES.

[Pates 9,660]

Our games not boring like Basketball and Soccer. (Or NRL for that matter)

That's exactly it, I will confess to not being the biggest fan of Basketball but it does seem to me to be very back an forth and only gets going when a team is on a roll with interceptions etc. They need to the music and hoopla between points because there are so many and without it it might get a little ho hum. I went to the GC NAB cup tri-match this year and it was utterly ridiculous hearing music pumping between goals.

Music on low volume pre-match is ok to fill the background atmosphere, but some of the crap that goals on between goals is stupid.

[DeeVoted 583]

/begin rant

We go to the footy to watch the game, shout barrack abuse,and give the boys support. If I wanted to hear music I would go to a rock concert. If I wanted to see live bands, I would go to a pub.or a venue for live music.

How about we play a game of footy during a live rock performance? Not on!

The banter or discusssions during the qtr and 1/2 times breaks can be just as enthralling as it game itself.

Our game isnt English footy or NRL. Give us a break, but then again with a POM running marketing (ex the English league)

we should have expected it. Even the cheerleader concept (swanettes / bluebirds) all fell flat.

We go to watch and interact with the game, so FFS, let us enjoy that, its being slowing ruined,with crap ideas and rule changes. How about concentrating on getting the Match review and rules committee sorted out.

The entertainment is the game itself. Not blarring music and the like when you can't hear yourself talk.

/end of rant

I would settle for "we play to win' when the players do a warmup pre game. Just to stick it up gasoline wilson.

Edited November 16, 2012 by Deevoted

[dee-luded 2,959]

I think it is bleeding obvious without your Caro-like "inside information at HQ".

The blaring "music" and other PA intrusions at all intervals and pre- match at the MCG certainly spoils my enjoyment of the game - one of the pleasures having been an opportunity to engage in conversation both with mates with whom I go to matches, and with strangers one encounters there. But, no...the AFL and / or the MCG have chosen to spoil this with their inane and often poorly delivered din!

Honestly, if they introduce the garbage "music" and meaningless banter after goals that one hears at NBL (and I beleive at 20/20 cricket, though I have never attended and rarely watch this parody of the true game) I would seriously probably stop attending.

Thats the best way to vote & the best collected data. Attendances.

apparently started to fall this season.

The game is becoming unrecognisable.