2019 Fixture

[What 18,810]

Playing Geelong once, down at their dump AGAIN.

What the [censored] is up with that?

[binman 43,138]

57 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Memos get past around TV Stations from time to time. People know each other. 

Some of them got passed on to me. 

And yes, Channel 7 has a big say in what is shown where. They overpaid to get the rights. Not a 100% say, but a big say. 

In 2018 they got it wrong in many ways and it cost them a lot of money ? 

but like Essendrug, when Carlscum get their act together, they will be given an armchair ride. 

We, the MFC will have to work very hard to get a strong footing. We haven’t been successful in the TV ? era

Carlton have been....

 

Got it wrong? Are you still seriously suggesting channel 7 advocated for blues to get Friday night games? Not a single person in the world would have expected them to be competitive last year.

Even if you knew zero about football all you would need to do is look at their record and points for and against for the preceding decade to know that. But you think a station that has been covering football for 40 odd years got it wrong. 

And the television era?  Please.

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

34 minutes ago, binman said:

Got it wrong? Are you still seriously suggesting channel 7 advocated for blues to get Friday night games? Not a single person in the world would have expected them to be competitive last year.

Even if you knew zero about football all you would need to do is look at their record and points for and against for the preceding decade to know that. But you think a station that has been covering football for 40 odd years got it wrong. 

And the television era?  Please.

If you don’t want to believe that a TV Network  still has some pull with live sport, then you are just wrong. They do, particulaiarly when the price they have paid  is nearly 7 figures over 5 years. 

The Television era began in 1965, just as we fell over

Generations have watched certain teams win finals and flags on the TV. 

But we missed all that and it has impacted the club over time, whether you want to believe it or not. 

Carlscum have 16 Cups, many of them since 1968, Ch7 (and the AFL) were banking on a Carlscum improvement, it completely backfired. So we were stuck with Rubbish on Friday nights ad nauseum. What made it worse was that St. Kilda were just as bad, now i have no idea why the Aints got given so much, but i do know about Carlscum. 

I doubt the same mistakes will be made again,  Friday night Commercial spots can cover the cost of a whole week in TV Land. 

People turning off at halftime is not part of the deal

Edited November 1, 2018 by Sir Why You Little

[Hellish Inferno 992]

Don't mind the draw. The key things that stood out to me on first view:

- 6 day break from WCE game Sunday in Alice Springs with travel back to VIC to play the Saints. Why can't we play on the Saturday?? I guess it requires another game to shift to Sunday, perhaps Carlton v Suns

- Very short break before the Anzac Eve game, although given Richmond also have the same issue I guess can't complain

- Glad to have two away games vs Gold Coast and Brisbane, as they are very winnable and useless financially if we played at the MCG

But to me most of the 'issues' stem from selling the NT games. Then of course we have some pretty tough double ups and have less games against the bottom sides, but that is to be expected!

[Diamond_Jim 12,598]

3 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

The Television era began in 1965, just as we fell over

Generations have watched certain teams win finals and flags on the TV. 

But we missed all that and it has impacted the club over time, whether you want to believe it or not.

I think people underestimate the power of FTA television.

The Foxtel ratings are almost non existent but the FTA is another matter.

Would love to see the FTA appearances club by club for the last five years. Someone mentioned we have 13 FTA matches for 2019. I'll take a punt and say Collingwood have 17 or more.

[binman 43,138]

8 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

If you don’t want to believe that a TV Network  still has some pull with live sport, then you are just wrong. They do, particulaiarly when the price they have paid  is nearly 7 figures over 5 years. 

The Television era began in 1965, just as we fell over

Generations have watched certain teams win finals and flags on the TV. 

But we missed all that and it has impacted the club over time, whether you want to believe it or not. 

Carlscum have 16 Cups, many of them since 1968, Ch7 (and the AFL) were banking on a Carlscum improvement, it completely backfired. So we were stuck with Rubbish on Friday nights ad nauseum. What made it worse was that St. Kilda were just as bad, now i have no idea why the Aints got given so much, but i do know about Carlscum. 

I doubt the same mistakes will be made again,  Friday night Commercial spots can cover the cost of a whole week in TV Land. 

People turning off at halftime is not part of the deal

Of course the TV networks have some pull. Like der. I never said they didn't. That pull can be seen this year. 7 would have made it crystal clear they wanted good, evenly matched top teams scheduled in the marquee slots. And no carlton. 

But having some pull is a long way from the control you have previously suggested  on multiple occasions (but seem now to be walking back from) tm7 and fox have. 

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

5 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

I think people underestimate the power of FTA television.

The Foxtel ratings are almost non existent but the FTA is another matter.

Would love to see the FTA appearances club by club for the last five years. Someone mentioned we have 13 FTA matches for 2019. I'll take a punt and say Collingwood have 17 or more.

Live Sport is the last big ticket FTA TV has left, the used to have movies and Drama Series as well, but that is no more. Netflix and HBO have those now. 

So sport is critical to FTA. Foxtel is about 30% Audience Subscription at this point. 

Motorsport is now almost all Foxtel and it has lost a lot of it’s audience, apart from Bathurst. 

The AFL must stay on FTA...

[Dees_In_October 3,388]

We should really re-analyse the fixture after each season, to see if what we thought was 'hard' the previous November really turns out to be. But we never care by then.

One positive is I used to look at the fixture, clutching for any straw that might give us a sliver of hope, whereas now I figure we either stand up to the challenge or we don't. Most likely, sometimes we will and sometimes we won't. The stuff around the NT games annoys me because we're doing the AFL a service in promoting the game there (not just lining our pockets, although that's obviously part of it). So when there are clear solutions that would give us a slightly longer break, it's frustrating that they don't.

I kind of wish they'd just have everyone play each other once and be done with it but then it would be much harder for them to disguise the inequality I guess. Also the $$$ factor.

[Sir Why You Little 37,052]

5 minutes ago, binman said:

Of course the TV networks have some pull. Like der. I never said they didn't. That pull can be seen this year. 7 would have made it crystal clear they wanted good, evenly matched top teams scheduled in the marquee slots. And no carlton. 

But having some pull is a long way from the control you have previously suggested  on multiple occasions (but seem now to be walking back from) tm7 and fox have. 

I haven’t walked away from anything. Channel 7 made some very bad calls in 2017

how much more clearer can i be??

i think you just want to argue, this conversation has gone on all year and i have basically said the same things

next season we have Thursday nights regularly. That is a channel 7 call...

After dinner the footy is on  ch 7 can sell ads for another night

Tuesday is the only day not represented in the 2019 AFL Draw at all. 

A far cry from Saturdays at 2.10 pm when 6 games got under way

[Tom Dyson 1,633]

pretty happy with our draw, tough at parts but it will be good for the players to be facing better opposition more regularly and it will avoid us being labelled 'flat track bullies' just because we were beating crap opposition. 

it also means bigger crowds, more money for the club and also makes it easier for the club to lure better players for 2020 season. 

what pisses me off is that Richmond get looked after yet again (13th easiest fixture according to champion data) and while i get that they have lots of fans which is good for the afl's revenue, surely they would have a harder draw considering they finished 3rd overall. it is just bizarre. 

anyway, super pumped for the 2019 season, carn the dees!

 

[Watson11 2,241]

2 hours ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

 

Source:  Champion Data Fixture Summary

The Bulldogs have gone 'under the radar' in terms of media review of the fixture.   They have an absolutely dream run re who they play twice, 5/6 day breaks, i/state trips etc.  If someone ran an analysis of all the variables I reckon they could come out with the 'easiest' draw of the lot!

The AFL is giving the Bulldogs every chance of be relevant again.  Ditto Adelaide, they have a dream draw but travelling i/state makes it a bit harder.  Both clubs have fared well given there recent successes in finals.

Coll doesn't travel so much but lucks out with 8 six day breaks.  Essendon is also up there with 7 six day breaks.

Who is played twice is not a measure of how difficult 2019 becomes; some top teams slide, others come up.  I expect Cats, Swans, Hawks to slide a bit.  Question is who rises to take their spots - Crows? Bombers? Power? 

Our draw is very reasonable.  I like that we play Sydney and Ess early in the season and if we win those we are off to a good start re potentially difficult teams.

One thing is certain, it will be a very open season again. 

I agree Geelong, Sydney, and Hawks will slide.  Suspect Adelaide, North and Bombers to come up.  Don't think Port will.  Is Gil from Adelaide?  They have no back to back 6 day breaks.  Have 12 games at Adelaide Oval and mostly very winnable away games (Sydney where they do well, North at Marvel, St's, Lions, Cats, Suns, Carlton, Dogs). They double up against 2 bottom 3 teams despite not finishing bottom 6.  They won 12 games in 2018 having a shocker, and have been gifted an extra 2 wins this year.  I can't see them winning less than 15 games and they will probably win 17 and finish top 2.

Considering Essendon finished equal with Adelaide on points and percentage, the contrast could not be more different. They double up against 4 of last years top 9 (like us but we earned it) plus the Dockers who will improve and be tough in Perth.  The first 8 weeks could cook Essendons season with 4 x 6 day turnarounds and 1 x 5 day turnaround in a 7 week stretch.  Let's see how Danihers groin stands up to that.  The back half they have two 6 day turnarounds leading into away games (Eagles at Optus,  Adelaide), and head to the Gold Coast after Adelaide (kind of game they will drop).  I expect them to be more hot and cold than they were in 2018 and no certainty to make the 8 despite looking good on paper.

We have a tough first 5 weeks due to short turnarounds (5 games in 25 days), but after that we have a good draw and will not have any excuses if we don't finish top 4 (we should be aiming for top 2).  We can beat any team anywhere in 2019.

[At Least I Saw a Flag 5,251]

I hate the filth.

 

[Demon17 5,188]

21 minutes ago, Watson11 said:

 

We have a tough first 5 weeks due to short turnarounds (5 games in 25 days), but after that we have a good draw and will not have any excuses if we don't finish top 4 (we should be aiming for top 2).  We can beat any team anywhere in 2019.

Supporters of ALL other teams will be looking at this draw and fearing the game against the Dees next year.   Incl the Cats at GMHBA.

And in 2018 the team show great efforts on the road - this will hold no fears for them in 2019

[Demon17 5,188]

4 hours ago, DubDee said:

but they'll be home games next year so what's the difference?  the accountants should be able to handle the difference for one year going we will cash in next year

edit. although if you mean not having a reserved seat etc then fair enough

A lift of 5K in new memberships will help cover this shortfall  for 2019 thanks to 2018 efforts.

2020 then with both games at Home could be a bonanza year commercially.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,235]

8 hours ago, Demonland said:

It will be interesting to see which strip the AFL make Essendon wear for our home game against them. Either we'll have to wear our away strip or the AFL will decide that there is no clash.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,235]

8 hours ago, Redleg said:

Pies 5 interstate to our 7, plus we also get Geelong. 

If we didn't sell home games we'd have 5 games interstate too. Can't complain when it's our choice

[Dr. Gonzo 24,235]

8 hours ago, Redleg said:

So what is the benefit in the fixture for us agreeing to play in NT twice, 2 extra interstate games is the answer. 

The benefit is the $$$ we pocket

[Watson11 2,241]

55 minutes ago, Tom Dyson said:

pretty happy with our draw, tough at parts but it will be good for the players to be facing better opposition more regularly and it will avoid us being labelled 'flat track bullies' just because we were beating crap opposition. 

it also means bigger crowds, more money for the club and also makes it easier for the club to lure better players for 2020 season. 

what pisses me off is that Richmond get looked after yet again (13th easiest fixture according to champion data) and while i get that they have lots of fans which is good for the afl's revenue, surely they would have a harder draw considering they finished 3rd overall. it is just bizarre. 

anyway, super pumped for the 2019 season, carn the dees!

 

Surely Champion data have stuffed up the analysis.  Geelong are bracketed as one of the top 4 toughest double ups, not Collingwood or GWS.  I'd put Geelong maybe 9th or 10th.  If they fixed that then Richmonds draw is in the top 4 or 5 most difficult.  Richmond also have 2 sets of back to back 6 day breaks this year, versus none in 2018, so they have a tougher schedule. 

[Dr. Gonzo 24,235]

4 hours ago, RedButMostlyBlue said:

When we win the flag next year, the tough draw won't mean very much at all.

Tough draw, but that's what happens when you're seen as a top 4 side. It's been a LONG time since we were in this position. The boys will embrace it. Loving the extra tv exposure.

It looks like a tough draw now but this time last year getting Adelaide twice looked tough as well. Commercially it's great that's as much as you can hope for from the fixture. Competitively if we're good enough we'll win. Prefer a battle hardened team than downhill skiers

[titan_uranus 25,020]

This is the first time I can ever recall our fixture being a commercial positive.

There's little point in analysing based on 2018 finishing positions as there are going to be good teams from 2018 who slide and teams who right now you might think will suck but who ultimately make the finals.

It's the other aspects of the draw which interest me. The things I've noticed are:

1. It's great to have home games against Essendon, Collingwood and Richmond. However, the Collingwood and Richmond home games aren't until Rounds 20 and 21, and our home Friday night game against Sydney isn't until Round 22. Those games pulling big crowds are therefore contingent on the sides (us included) being in contention at that stage of the season. Would obviously be better to get those big-drawing games up early when all sides are in contention by default. But a positive overall.
2. Three Friday night games and a Thursday night game is great, but only two of those are at home, and one of those is the Round 22 game vs Sydney. North Melbourne, by contrast, has three home Friday night games against Hawthorn, Richmond and Collingwood. So there's still room for improvement there.
3. 13 FTA games is a massive win, and 12 MCG games is an improvement on this year.
4. Our interstate games are all on FTA, I believe, except the Round 8 trip to the GC. That's another massive win, allows our fans to be able to watch us more easily when we're on the road.
5. The back-to-back road trips to GC and then West Coast is bad, and the fact there's a six-day break in between makes it worse. 
6. We get two blocks of three consecutive MCG games (5-6 and 20-22). Nothing like Richmond's seven consecutive MCG games to finish the season, but again better than this year when we only had that once.
7. The seven road trips this year are more evenly spaced out. Recently it's felt like we've had a good run of Melbourne games to start the year and then lots of travel towards the end of the season. In 2019 we only have to leave Victoria three times after the bye, one of which is Hobart and another of which is Alice Springs
8. I doubt we've ever had a season in which we've only played 5 Sunday games. We had 11 this year. More Saturday games is great commercially but given our supporters are so used to Sunday 1.10pm and, in particular, 3.20pm games, I wonder how our attendance figures will go next year. 

Ultimately feels about right for us in 2019. Would prefer to see more home Thursday/Friday night games, especially given we're away in both ANZAC Eve and Queen's Birthday, but it's hard to complain given where we've come from.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

6 minutes ago, Watson11 said:

Surely Champion data have stuffed up the analysis.  Geelong are bracketed as one of the top 4 toughest double ups, not Collingwood or GWS.  I'd put Geelong maybe 9th or 10th.  If they fixed that then Richmonds draw is in the top 4 or 5 most difficult.  Richmond also have 2 sets of back to back 6 day breaks this year, versus none in 2018, so they have a tougher schedule. 

Apparently the top bracket is for "points differential". I have no idea why they decided that was a good reason to rank teams.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

This person has changed it to reflect 2018 ladder positions. We come out as hardest:

 

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,842]

8 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I will miss being able to turn up to the MCC members late and still get a good seat, though.

...because watching the side get smashed in an empty stand was more fun?  Hmmm

[John Demonic 5,818]

4 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

In the last two years the team who was 13th has gone on to win or challenge for the flag,

Guess who was 13 this year.... yep the Bulldogs

They're a young team, but they're so off the mark structurally. I think Adelaide are the prime candidate for surging towards an easy run towards a grand final next year!

Edit: I wonder, is the draw divided into 3 groups alone? Or is there a graded seeding of all 18 clubs ? is 13th the same as 18th fixture wise? Is 12th the same as 7th? So how far is 12th Adelaide from 13th Bulldogs?

Edited November 1, 2018 by John Demonic

[Aus in Engerland 75]

2 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Carlscum have 16 Cups, many of them since 1968, Ch7 (and the AFL) were banking on a Carlscum improvement, it completely backfired. So we were stuck with Rubbish on Friday nights ad nauseum. What made it worse was that St. Kilda were just as bad, now i have no idea why the Aints got given so much, but i do know about Carlscum. 

I agree on the Carlton stuff. Anyone should have seen that they would be bad.

The Saints are a bit of a different story. They, along with Melbourne, were expected to push for a place in the 2018 eight. Over the past three years the two clubs were on seemingly identical upward progressions. 2015 - Mel 13th 28pts, StK 14th 26pts. 2016 - Mel 11th 40pts, StK 9th 48pts, 2017 - Mel 9th 48pts, StK 11th 44pts. Both with some early draft picks reaching maturity, both with an attractive style, both with a similar looking playing list and age profile, both just missing the eight for two years running, both looking at being a 'feel good' story. Like many viewers MFC exceeded my expectations for 2018 and the Saints fell short. But I can understand the AFL and FTA network giving the Saints a bit more profile than they have previously had.