It seems that legislation is needed to allow HD broadcasts of the AFL and NRL Grand Finals after all. From Malcolm Turnbull's Twitter a few minutes ago:

Malcolm Turnbull ‏@TurnbullMalcolm 9m9 minutes ago

Introducing the Bill which will enable main TV channels to be in HD in time for the grand finals #AFL #NRL http://malcolmturnbull.com.au/media/second-reading-broadcasting-legislation-amendment-bill-2015 …

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So does that mean this year?

It's doubtful the deal would have been done if these teams were not part of the AFL.

Not saying I like it but it is the reality.

yes, true. but what's the bet they spend more on them than the difference they made on the deal? guess we'll never know

of course if in the long run (when?) afl get a decent toe-hold in nsw/qld it will be worth it. but big if.

So does that mean this year?

yes

So does that mean this year?

The last paragraph of the Second reading Speech says, "We have brought this bill forward so that it does provide an opportunity, if the broadcasters wish, to show the grand finals in high definition on their primary channels." While it doesn't specifically say it was brought forward to allow it for this year's Grand Finals, I think that can be inferred. Why else bring the bill forward?

Holy [censored]!

"Telstra's AFL Live Pass continues under the new deal, letting you watch every match with the option to pay for just one week or month rather than signing up for the entire season. It's been available on smartphones and tablets for a few years, but under the new deal it's only available to Telstra subscribers. So as other sporting codes around the world extend their streaming services, the AFL is actually abandoning paying customers who don't want to sign up for Telstra."

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/gadgets-on-the-go/foxtel-and-telstra-still-have-footy-fans-by-the-balls-20150819-gj2f76.html#ixzz3jDserDKD

Holy [censored]!

"Telstra's AFL Live Pass continues under the new deal, letting you watch every match with the option to pay for just one week or month rather than signing up for the entire season. It's been available on smartphones and tablets for a few years, but under the new deal it's only available to Telstra subscribers. So as other sporting codes around the world extend their streaming services, the AFL is actually abandoning paying customers who don't want to sign up for Telstra."

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/gadgets-on-the-go/foxtel-and-telstra-still-have-footy-fans-by-the-balls-20150819-gj2f76.html#ixzz3jDserDKD

Yet another brilliant decision...

This deal will only widen the gap between the top and bottom...

Unless The AFL buy out Etihad Stadium this summer before the new season begins.

I'm still trying to process this Telstra decision.

They're actively making it worse.

There's no way I'll ever sign up for a Telstra or Foxtel account, given these sorts of horrendous tactics. It's akin to when the FTA stations treated us like crap and left 2 year gaps between importing content from the US, or airing episodes out of order and in different timeslots. In the long run, it'll just drive people away.

I would be more than happy to pay a reasonable price to stream Live HD AFL.

They simply do not want to give me this option.

Happy to read that the AFL will be on Foxtel GO and Play from 2017, it isn't right now. I'll just take a relative's account information and sign in and watch at home without paying Foxtel a dime.

I should start a goddamn website where people who don't use them can sell their Foxtel Go logins for cheap.

I'm still trying to process this Telstra decision.

They're actively making it worse.

There's no way I'll ever sign up for a Telstra or Foxtel account, given these sorts of horrendous tactics. It's akin to when the FTA stations treated us like crap and left 2 year gaps between importing content from the US, or airing episodes out of order and in different timeslots. In the long run, it'll just drive people away.

I would be more than happy to pay a reasonable price to stream Live HD AFL.

They simply do not want to give me this option.

Happy to read that the AFL will be on Foxtel GO and Play from 2017, it isn't right now. I'll just take a relative's account information and sign in and watch at home without paying Foxtel a dime.

I should start a goddamn website where people who don't use them can sell their Foxtel Go logins for cheap.

you're probably right choke

these sort of restrictive practices will just lead to piracy and other forms of illegal access. a pox on them all

Holy [censored]!

"Telstra's AFL Live Pass continues under the new deal, letting you watch every match with the option to pay for just one week or month rather than signing up for the entire season. It's been available on smartphones and tablets for a few years, but under the new deal it's only available to Telstra subscribers. So as other sporting codes around the world extend their streaming services, the AFL is actually abandoning paying customers who don't want to sign up for Telstra."

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/gadgets-on-the-go/foxtel-and-telstra-still-have-footy-fans-by-the-balls-20150819-gj2f76.html#ixzz3jDserDKD

What a stupid decision. Just when they should be ramping up on-line services, they constrict them to help the 2 flagging media dinosaurs, Foxtel and Free to AIr.

Though what is the definition of a Telstra subscriber. Am I one if I buy a $2 sim card and never use it I wonder?

The Hand of Murdoch is already at work.

Hands up anyone who thinks he hasn't loaded this deal with restrictive, one-sided and punitive conditions. Think of it as the AFL's "free trade agreement" with News.

The NRL fans are glad to see the back of him. He did no favours to them while he was in bed with NRL.

We may come to rue the 18th of August.

What a stupid decision. Just when they should be ramping up on-line services, they constrict them to help the 2 flagging media dinosaurs, Foxtel and Free to AIr.

Though what is the definition of a Telstra subscriber. Am I one if I buy a $2 sim card and never use it I wonder?

I would assume someone who uses their internet services. It'd be the easiest way to limit the app. If someone's not on their network, they don't get in.

I can't believe this rubbish about being a Telstra subscriber to be able to watch it online

I have Foxtel so it doesn't matter to me much now, but I hope these restrictions won't apply to watching games while overseas as this is what I'll be doing for most of next year. No way in hell am I switching to the devil that is Telstra though!!!

I can't believe this rubbish about being a Telstra subscriber to be able to watch it online

I have Foxtel so it doesn't matter to me much now, but I hope these restrictions won't apply to watching games while overseas as this is what I'll be doing for most of next year. No way in hell am I switching to the devil that is Telstra though!!!

you do realise telstra half own foxtel?

As long as Rupert demands a string of Melbourne premierships as part of the deal then let him spin the evil web .

As long as Rupert demands a string of Melbourne premierships as part of the deal then let him spin the evil web .

He's more likely to require that Carlton Essendon and Richmond are in the 8 every year come hell or high water. And 3 blockbusters each per year.

"Mr Abbott, who is a rugby man, harked back to his playing days.

"'As a broken down former rugby union prop who had trouble catching, running, tackling, kicking or even passing - but I could scrummage and I could sledge - I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary athleticism of the AFL's players which seems to reach new heights every season,' Mr Abbott told the gathering."

Seems like Tony has received his new instructions from Rupert, Friend of the AFL, already.

Every time a new TV rights deal is announced the chorus goes up " that will mean all clubs will survive and prosper"

Then a couple of years later we see a large number of clubs with big debts and struggling to survive.

Excuse my scepticism but I will wait and see.

The extra money will be used to (try to) cement Aussie Rules in NSW & Qld. Dogs, Dees, North, etc, will be kept on life support just sufficient to ensure 9 games a week.

Every time a new TV rights deal is announced the chorus goes up " that will mean all clubs will survive and prosper"

Then a couple of years later we see a large number of clubs with big debts and struggling to survive.

Excuse my scepticism but I will wait and see.

Well, up goes the money to the grass roots to compete with other codes, up goes the money to the players, up goes the footy dept spending at big clubs that others have to compete with, etc.

The core elements of the game have to reconsidered for all clubs to be secure - the fixture, the giving out of drawcard timeslots, the money from the gate shared from all games, etc.

It's not 'more money' that will save the 18 clubs, it is how the money is distributed.

It's socialism but it is how you create an even competition worthy of being entertainment.

Well, up goes the money to the grass roots to compete with other codes, up goes the money to the players, up goes the footy dept spending at big clubs that others have to compete with, etc.

The core elements of the game have to reconsidered for all clubs to be secure - the fixture, the giving out of drawcard timeslots, the money from the gate shared from all games, etc.

It's not 'more money' that will save the 18 clubs, it is how the money is distributed.

It's socialism but it is how you create an even competition worthy of being entertainment.

Agree rpfc the point I was making is that simple getting a big TV return in it,s self will not change anything.

Agree rpfc the point I was making is that simple getting a big TV return in it,s self will not change anything.

It will make it tougher for the bottom half of the comp

Ch 7 will want maximum ratings to recover the costs ASAP....

More Filth Carltank 9thmond & Essendrug .....

The MFC better hope they start winning real soon...

It will make it tougher for the bottom half of the comp

Ch 7 will want maximum ratings to recover the costs ASAP....

More Filth Carltank 9thmond & Essendrug .....

The MFC better hope they start winning real soon...

don't think farcarlton will get much fta next year

Edited August 20, 20159 yr by daisycutter

don't think farcarlton will get much fta next year

Hope you are right....they still have a large supporter base who will see the advertisements

That is all ch 7 care about at the end of the day

Personally i would like to see more interstate game Derby's etc but we haven't seen those in 20 years...

Is there any pics of Gil,Kerry and Rupert celebrating with cocaine and prostitutes?

I'm still trying to process this Telstra decision.

They're actively making it worse.

There's no way I'll ever sign up for a Telstra or Foxtel account, given these sorts of horrendous tactics. It's akin to when the FTA stations treated us like crap and left 2 year gaps between importing content from the US, or airing episodes out of order and in different timeslots. In the long run, it'll just drive people away.

I would be more than happy to pay a reasonable price to stream Live HD AFL.

They simply do not want to give me this option.

Happy to read that the AFL will be on Foxtel GO and Play from 2017, it isn't right now. I'll just take a relative's account information and sign in and watch at home without paying Foxtel a dime.

I should start a goddamn website where people who don't use them can sell their Foxtel Go logins for cheap.

Apparently it isn't true, the article has corrected that. It's not just available for Telstra customers.

It's still annoying that you can't play it on a PC/gaming console though like virtually every other sport