The 2015 fixture thread

[Dr. Gonzo 23,723]

But we won't make a 'killing at the gate' until we're a good side, regardless of who we're drawn to play.

From memory, the crowd v Richmond was good this year, but that had the Hafey factor, while the game v Carlton was in the 30's and Essendon I think low 40's or high 30's.

If we were around the eight, and these sides were too, then you could expect those attendances to double, but as it stands, they don't attract crowds that are much greater than we currently get to GWS and Brisbane et al.

45k against Essendon or Richmond is much better than 17k v GWS or GC.

[Dr. Gonzo 23,723]

It's actually interesting to compare some of the crowd figures from last year - we got about 3-4k more to the Saturday night game vs Dogs as Essendon got to their Saturday night game vs Dogs.

We got about 8k more to our Saturday night game vs Dogs as the Pies got against the Dogs on a Sunday arvo. We got roughly the same about 2k less against the Dogs on a Sunday arvo as the Pies got against the Dogs on a Sunday arvo.

We didn't play Freo or Port at home this year (both NT games) but Richmond only got 21k v Port, 22k v Freo and 23k v GWS. Not really that much different to what we get against these clubs all things considered.

Edited November 2, 2014 by Dr. Gonzo

[Macca 16,644]

It's actually interesting to compare some of the crowd figures from last year - we got about 3-4k more to the Saturday night game vs Dogs as Essendon got to their Saturday night game vs Dogs.

We got about 8k more to our Saturday night game vs Dogs as the Pies got against the Dogs on a Sunday arvo. We got roughly the same about 2k less against the Dogs on a Sunday arvo as the Pies got against the Dogs on a Sunday arvo.

We didn't play Freo or Port at home this year (both NT games) but Richmond only got 21k v Port, 22k v Freo and 23k v GWS. Not really that much different to what we get against these clubs all things considered.

What's also interesting is the number of home fans that turn up to games when all the criteria is factored in.

I've got friends and acquaintances who are a lot less likely to attend games against poorly performed interstate teams or nondescript interstate teams but when it comes to a traditional foe, they're itching to get there.

Of course, if the home team is having a poor season, attendances can drop for that team right across the board. One exception to that rule is the QB clash - Demon fans often turn up in their droves and I've attended many QB clashes where we've at least had as many fans at the game as they have.

Let's imagine for a minute that we're a 10 win team (as difficult as that may be to imagine) ... given those circumstances, would we rather attend home games against the Dons, Tigers, Blues & Pies or attend home games against GWS, Lions, Suns or the Eagles?

In my view, there's a lot more pleasure derived from beating our traditional foes on our home ground. That reasoning largely explains why those type of games turn into blockbusters. Maybe not for us in recent years but previously, games against our traditional foes have been well attended.

Of course, many here go to all our games in Victoria and good on 'em for doing so ... I'm more looking at this from a practical viewpoint.

[Dr. Gonzo 23,723]

Exactly Macca there's a hardcore of 15k or so who'll go to every game no matter what, there's another 15k or so who'll go depending on factors like performance, weather, opponent etc then there's probably another 15k who'll come out of the woodwork to attend games against our traditional rivals when we're performing well but are less likely to attend games against other clubs. There's multiple reasons for this, in Vic I think one of the main ones is going to a game with a group of friends who support opposition clubs.

[Lucifers Hero 38,985]

Our opportunity to win round 1 is increasing: O'Meara is unlikely to play due to ops to both knees in London yesterday and the silence around Gary A's shoulder problem is looking ominous! While I don't want to rely on opps injuries to win games it would be fabulous to win our 1st game! At the G on a Sat afternoon no less!!

[rjay 24,616]

Our opportunity to win round 1 is increasing: O'Meara is unlikely to play due to ops to both knees in London yesterday and the silence around Gary A's shoulder problem is looking ominous! While I don't want to rely on opps injuries to win games it would be fabulous to win our 1st game! At the G on a Sat afternoon no less!!

...and St Kilda were missing most of their midfield this season.

We need to win games on our own merit, front up to any game, against any opposition and not only believe we can win it but win it.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,387]

Our opportunity to win round 1 is increasing: O'Meara is unlikely to play due to ops to both knees in London yesterday and the silence around Gary A's shoulder problem is looking ominous! While I don't want to rely on opps injuries to win games it would be fabulous to win our 1st game! At the G on a Sat afternoon no less!!

In round 1 last year, St Kilda were missing Montaga, Hayes and Steven and we still stunk it up.

I'm not falling for that trap anymore.

[Lucifers Hero 38,985]

Hmmm, good points rjay and B-B-P...I'm still in the optimistic and hopeful part of the off-season! I'll wait till round 4 to give in to the MFCSS blues!

Edited November 6, 2014 by Lucifer's Hero

[hardtack 10,423]

In round 1 last year, St Kilda were missing Montaga, Hayes and Steven and we still stunk it up.

I'm not falling for that trap anymore.

Yes you will... you know you will