Another gem of an article from Martin Flanagan

[IRW 1,225]

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.

If they must play music I demand they get Bang and Olufsen to design some decent speakers and perhaps get a cantilevered platform to swing out over the centre square with a live band (preferably the Beatles or Stones) providing the music.

In cricket season they could use it with Sherbet doing the honours...."Howzat!!".... after every appeal

On an another matter full marks to the attendant at the Long Room door who asked me to remove my hat before entering on Grand Final day.

Full marks (again) to Flannagan for writing what most everyone thinks. It wont make any difference of course.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

The afl should know by now that the more they attempt pre game and half time entertainment the more they fail. I know there are a few lawyers on demonland so can they please enter meatloaf as evidence.

[Sir Why You Little 34,434]

Let's be honest after the AFL paid Meathead $600,000 of our money for one of the most embarrassing 10 minutes of my life they have no cred at all in the entertainment stakes.

Does anyone know if the music played at the MCG is a directive of the AFL or is it controlled by the MCC.

My personal opinion is that the music is played at a loud volume so people actually leave their seats and hopefully go and spend money on foods and beverages.

[Deefender 204]

It's not music but noise pollution.

If it was a work type situation then Work Place Health and Safety

would outlaw the volume of noise pollution at the MCG.

I went to the first game at the 'G last year and after the assault

from the noise I have not returned nor will I until such time that the

noise volume and intensity has been reduced.

Does the AFL think that silence is maddening?

[The Demon 2565 28]

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.

I've always seen the musical intrusions (and cheerleaders, fireworks, etc.) as a kind of admission that the sport in and of itself is not entertaining enough to hold the attention of the crowd. That's simply not the case with AFL - the action is continuous save for the 20 odd seconds it takes for the ball to get from the goal line back to the centre square

The other issue faced by NBA (timeouts) and NFL (where they spend infinitely more time setting plays up than actually executing them) are the breaks between play. I reckon I'd need a fair amount of distraction to sit through all of that too

[Guest]

Can we include the Bugler under the category of unnecessary noise? I'm a bad man, I know. :D

[DeeZee 6,731]

Footy was at its best when you could get there early and watch a bit of the under 19's,then the reserves being thoroughly entertained by the up and coming talent and Ray Jordan's voice screaming out instructions to the troops.

Dont need all the razzle dazzle, the game says it all.

I love music, but ill go to concerts and listent cds for that...my own taste of exactly what i want to hear and see.

I go to the footy to watch football....and maybe a pie or two.

[darkhorse72 1,724]

I cant compare but subi plays annoying music during breaks...I like the noise of the stadium not some god awful sound out of $2 speakers.

Sports that resort to such events usually means they are boring to watch, ie basketball

[biggestred 4,289]

i have so far not encountered one person on social media or comments on the age website that disagrees with martin.

if the crowds are falling when they have an extra game and they maximise games for attendances (ie blockbusters at times that people want to go to and average games v interstate teams on sunday arvos), then youd have to think alarm bells are ringing

[Crompton's the man 635]

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.

All the way with LBJ, I say

( or should that be George W. ?)

Personally, I just can't get enough of Yankee culture

Keep up the Gooood Work Andrew !!

[Biffen 12,323]

We have talked about the use of the PA to ram advertising down our throats here before .

I'm willing to damage the speakers at the G if they continue the noise pollution .

They dont have the right to use it that way .

[dees189227 10,762]

I agree. Im just happy to turn up to the game sit in my seat and just wait for the game. I find at etihad its really annoying and so loud and they just talk crap the whole time before the game. I dont care about on field ground stuff. It doesnt work. I even dont care what Nick Mcullum has to say or even Robbo. Dont even get me started on bugle boy. Does anyone know if we pay him?

Ive been to some storm games where they have had an ACDC tribute band before hand at one game. That wasnt to bad and they also have the national anthem before the game every week. It seems to work in the nrl but its just different in the AFL. Mind you I like the fireworks at the night games. It used to be good when melbourne would play at the G on the friday or sat night and you saw the fireworks because you know the storm just scored.

Anyway just let the game stuff be. They have tried bands before hand and people just dont get into it.

[Harrisonrules 273]

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.

They all retire to their soundproof sponsorship boxes or commmittee room

[AmericanDemon 180]

As an American, the thing I love the most about soccer/rugby/afl is the fact that there isn't outside noise. There aren't prepackaged things designed to get the crowd to cheer, or let them know when to cheer. It was something so refreshing to me. I hate how fans here seem to have forgotten how to be fans. They need the jumbotron to tell them when to cheer. They need recorded ques to start chants. It's horrible.

[DeeVoted 582]

The supporters are making their opinons known.

The comment section has been closed.

http://www.theage.co...1115-29ej3.html

If the AFL refuse and turn a blind eye, then perhaps we request the MFC to speak up on our behalf, as should all suppoerters /clubs and get rid of this crap. Stamp it out, Stomp your feet, and drown out the noise pollution.

[DEE fence 4,448]

This resonates deeply with me, no need for music thank you, it is the thing i hated when i went to the basketball and even ice hockey does it. I also love my music, 20 second grabs from songs does not help them either.

I reckon it would be good to push the grass roots thing more we need to differentiate more than ever, i mean whats next cheers leaders??? (am a bit torn on that though)

[H_T 2,941]

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.

What was that? I can't hear you?

[Dr John Dee 1,057]

Let's be honest after the AFL paid Meathead $600,000 of our money for one of the most embarrassing 10 minutes of my life they have no cred at all in the entertainment stakes.

Does anyone know if the music played at the MCG is a directive of the AFL or is it controlled by the MCC.

My personal opinion is that the music is played at a loud volume so people actually leave their seats and hopefully go and spend money on foods and beverages.

Talk about bringing the game into disrepute. How they can seriously threaten anyone with such a charge after that travesty beggars belief.

[WhateverItTakes 17]

http://www.change.org/start-a-petition?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GST_USER_AUST1_SCHT1_create_petition

Here's a good place for someone to start an online petition.

I would do it, but don't think I could be as effective with my words as some of you!