Jump to content

Season Opening Game


camillo

Recommended Posts

It never ceases to annoy me that two suburban teams from relatively minor suburbs like Richmond and Carlton open our AFL and AFLW seasons. The two clubs that started the competition Melbourne and Geelong should open every season for historical and cultural reasons.

  • Like 5
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I believe that teams should have to earn blockbuster status. That rules us out of blockbuster games until we can put runs back on the board. We proved in 2018 that when we are playing well we can draw big crowds but we need some consistency to earn back respect from the AFL community.

Carlton, Richmond, Essendon & Collingwood get a free pass (from the AFL) as a result of their Big 4 status but I don't know why Carlton automatically get into this group because their lean years have shown that their supporters are just as fickle as the rest of us when it comes to turning up to games when the chips are down.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Demonland changed the title to Season Opening Game
1 hour ago, camillo said:

It never ceases to annoy me that two suburban teams from relatively minor suburbs like Richmond and Carlton open our AFL and AFLW seasons. The two clubs that started the competition Melbourne and Geelong should open every season for historical and cultural reasons.

We opened the thing in 1996 and lost by 127 pints.

Never again please.

 

  • Like 2
  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

I believe that teams should have to earn blockbuster status. That rules us out of blockbuster games until we can put runs back on the board. We proved in 2018 that when we are playing well we can draw big crowds but we need some consistency to earn back respect from the AFL community.

Carlton, Richmond, Essendon & Collingwood get a free pass (from the AFL) as a result of their Big 4 status but I don't know why Carlton automatically get into this group because their lean years have shown that their supporters are just as fickle as the rest of us when it comes to turning up to games when the chips are down.

That is BS based on Carlton's record. What a joke.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, jnrmac said:

That is BS based on Carlton's record. What a joke.

I agree. 

Having Richmond V Carlton as the season opener since 2008 (excluding 2014 which had an even worse opener in Pies V Freo) is an absolute farce and an embarrassment by the AFL.

This fixture should belong to two high premium finalist from the previous year that will put on one almighty show for the public. Eg - Richmond V Collingwood would be tremendous.

Instead, each year we have to put up with a dominant Richmond that never gets out of second gear playing a serial garbage side that wins 4 games a year in a yawn fest. Does the AFL think the general viewer actually enjoys this?

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bring on the rolling fixture

Blockbusters do the MFC no favours.

The draw gets more compromised each year.

As an aside apparently the halftime break was not shortened because the TV companies were worried about selling less ads during half time (do they really think anyone watches the TV during the half time break ??)

Link to comment
Share on other sites


3 hours ago, Demonland said:

I believe that teams should have to earn blockbuster status. That rules us out of blockbuster games until we can put runs back on the board. We proved in 2018 that when we are playing well we can draw big crowds but we need some consistency to earn back respect from the AFL community.

Carlton, Richmond, Essendon & Collingwood get a free pass (from the AFL) as a result of their Big 4 status but I don't know why Carlton automatically get into this group because their lean years have shown that their supporters are just as fickle as the rest of us when it comes to turning up to games when the chips are down.

This is the sort of thinking that turned this league into a two tiered system of have's,  and have-not's.  All very well on paper,  but the long-term is damage. 

Just making the bigger clubs, bigger.   The proof has been before us for 40 yrs.  

 

A marketing guru's delight is not necessarily sustainable.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, MyFavouriteMartian said:

This is the sort of thinking that turned this league into a two tiered system of have's,  and have-not's.  All very well on paper,  but the long-term is damage. 

Just making the bigger clubs, bigger.   The proof has been before us for 40 yrs. 

A marketing guru's delight is not necessarily sustainable.

I think you misunderstood my point. I'm not saying that teams that bring in big crowds should necessarily be given blockbuster status but teams that play well should be given blockbuster status as the performances will bring in the crowds. The caveat being that blockbusters at the MCG will be between two well performed Victorian teams. Obviously if GWS or GC are playing well that's not going to fill the MCG against a Victorian team.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

I agree. They should open the season with a Grand Final replay.

Are the "Big 4" still required to play each other twice?

That could be problematic. Imagine (and it takes some imagining!) if Melbourne play Richmond in a Grand Final. That would mean the following year we would play them in or around the last week in March for Round 1 and then about 4 weeks later on ANZAC Eve. (Or, we lose the ANZAC Eve slot.)

I'm not fussed about Richmond v Carlton playing in Round 1. Each time the AFL locks in a blockbuster game it reinforces the need for our club to develop our own blockbuster ideas. So I will repeat what I've been saying for years. We should make Melbourne v Sydney, representing the two biggest cities in the nation, a blockbuster game which involves the Lords Mayor of each city. It should rotate between Melbourne and Sydney every year and it could, if managed right, repliace State of Origin footy in the mind of supporters, both those who support Melbourne and Sydney (the clubs) as well as those who support other teams.  

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, Demonland said:

I think you misunderstood my point. I'm not saying that teams that bring in big crowds should necessarily be given blockbuster status but teams that play well should be given blockbuster status as the performances will bring in the crowds. The caveat being that blockbusters at the MCG will be between two well performed Victorian teams. Obviously if GWS or GC are playing well that's not going to fill the MCG against a Victorian team.

Yep, I see your point.  and usually they could raffle two spots from about 10 - 12 clubs per past season, apart from bottom 4... But they tend to go for top 4 clubs, which is the big problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

32 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

That could be problematic. Imagine (and it takes some imagining!) if Melbourne play Richmond in a Grand Final. That would mean the following year we would play them in or around the last week in March for Round 1 and then about 4 weeks later on ANZAC Eve. (Or, we lose the ANZAC Eve slot.)

I see your point. Obviously there can be some flexibility.

I just think the season opener should be a real blockbuster based on the previous years better performing teams (obviously this doesn't always translate the following year). It doesn't even need to be two Victorians teams at the G. If both SA or WA teams or even the QLD & NSW teams are up the pointy end of the ladder an Interstate Showdown could be a good TV viewing into other states.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never been a fan of the Calrton vs Richmond opening to the season, particularly during the years the Carlton were some of the purest [censored] the AFL has seen for a while (and they're still not good). Richmond brings a big and raucous crowd every time so I don't have as much of an issue with them being there.

A grand final replay is too potentially problematic with some of the fixed games through the season.

I partially agree with the OP that Melbourne should be opening the AFLW every season with the Doggies as the other team. We were the trailblazers of the competition and it's in no small part because of Daisy Pearce and the way she promoted the womens game prior to its inception that we're here today.

Edited by Pates
Link to comment
Share on other sites


18 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

We opened the thing in 1996 and lost by 127 pints.

Never again please.

 

Gee  BBP

I generally only lose after 100pints

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

That could be problematic. Imagine (and it takes some imagining!) if Melbourne play Richmond in a Grand Final. That would mean the following year we would play them in or around the last week in March for Round 1 and then about 4 weeks later on ANZAC Eve. (Or, we lose the ANZAC Eve slot.)

I'm not fussed about Richmond v Carlton playing in Round 1. Each time the AFL locks in a blockbuster game it reinforces the need for our club to develop our own blockbuster ideas. So I will repeat what I've been saying for years. We should make Melbourne v Sydney, representing the two biggest cities in the nation, a blockbuster game which involves the Lords Mayor of each city. It should rotate between Melbourne and Sydney every year and it could, if managed right, repliace State of Origin footy in the mind of supporters, both those who support Melbourne and Sydney (the clubs) as well as those who support other teams.  

Agree with your Melb/Syd clash. Great potential for leveraging off the existing rivalry.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

They will keep playing Carlton and Richmond for the first game, They get over 80,000 between a top and bottom side so it will be up in the mid nineties when they are both up there. The 2 sides hate each other which does give an extra spectacle to the game.

Never let Melbourne play in the opening game.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have no interest in other teams Blockbuster Games. To me Carlscum and Richmond is boring as, but the game pulls a huge crowd. In the 70’s those teams genuinely hated each other. Their games were violent occasions. Many people view our QB game with the Filth as a yawn fest. 
 

We need to beat good teams and build up true hatred and rivalry to take back some of our old Power Base

Edited by Sir Why You Little
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

I have no interest in other teams Blockbuster Games. To me Carlscum and Richmond is boring as, but the game pulls a huge crowd. In the 70’s those teams genuinely hated each other. Their games were violent occasions. Many people view our QB game with the Filth as a yawn fest. 
 

We need to beat good teams and build up true hatred and rivalry to take back some of our old Power Base

We had a power base? 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    2024 Player Reviews: #15 Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023.  Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2024: 22 Career Total: 179 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 76 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5 Melbourne Football Club: 5th Best & Fairest: 352 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #24 Trent Rivers

    The premiership defender had his best year yet as he was given the opportunity to move into the midfield and made a good fist of it. Date of Birth: 30 July 2001 Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 100 Goals MFC 2024: 2 Career Total:  9 Brownlow Medal Votes: 7 Melbourne Football Club: 6th Best & Fairest: 350 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    TRAINING: Monday 11th November 2024

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they want to be there.  21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They look like they have sli

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    2024 Player Reviews: #1 Steven May

    The years are rolling by but May continued to be rock solid in a key defensive position despite some injury concerns. He showed great resilience in coming back from a nasty rib injury and is expected to continue in that role for another couple of seasons. Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 19 Career Total: 235 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 24 Melbourne Football Club: 9th Best & Fairest: 316 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #4 Judd McVee

    It was another strong season from McVee who spent most of his time mainly at half back but he also looked at home on a few occasions when he was moved into the midfield. There could be more of that in 2025. Date of Birth: 7 August 2003 Height: 185cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 48 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 1 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1 Melbourne Football Club: 7th Best & Fairest: 347 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7

    2024 Player Reviews: #3 Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best. He was also inconvenienced by minor niggles later in the season. This was a blow for the club that sorely needed him to fill gaps in the midfield at times as well as to do his best work in defence. Date of Birth: 15 July 1995 Height: 184cm Games MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 26 Brownlow Meda

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #39 Koltyn Tholstrop

    The first round draft pick at #13 from twelve months ago the strongly built medium forward has had an impressive introduction to AFL football and is expected to spend more midfield moments as his career progresses. Date of Birth: 25 July 2005 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 10 Goals MFC 2024: 5 Career Total: 5 Games CDFC 2024: 7 Goals CDFC 2024: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
  • Podcast 

  • Podcast 

  • Podcast Stream 


    Open Stream in
    New Window
        TuneIn    Opens in New Tab
  • Support Demonland  



  • 2021 Premiership  

  • Social Media 

  • Trade & Draft Forum  

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Steven May

    The years are rolling by but May continued to be rock solid in a key defensive position despite some injury concerns. He showed great resilience in coming back from a nasty rib injury and is expected to continue in that role for another couple of seasons ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 12

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Judd McVee

    It was another strong season from McVee who spent most of his time mainly at half back but he also looked at home on a few occasions when he was moved into the midfield ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 12

  • Preseason Training  

    Monday, 11th November 2024

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 11

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025 ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 11

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 08

  • Player Reviews  

    2024 PLAYER REVIEW: Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 08

  • AFLW Match Report      

    BLOODY BLUES by Meggs

    The conclusion to Narrm’s home and away season was the inevitable let down by the bloody Blues who meekly capitulated to the Bombers ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 04

  • AFLW Match Preview      

    LIVE AND LET DIE by Meggs

    The Demons’ impressive late season charge to finals will most likely come unstuck this Saturday evening when the Bombers blow up the also-ran Blues in the Ikon Park double-header ... READ MORE

    Demonland | November 01

  • Trade Week  

    THE TRADING CHRONICLES Part 03 by Whispering Jack

    It would be fair to say that when the Melbourne Football Club entered the free agency and trade period earlier this month, its reputation was flagging, if not in tatters ... READ MORE

    Demonland | October 19

  • Trade Week  

    THE TRADING CHRONICLES Part 02 by Whispering Jack

    Some critics find Test cricket boring, but the first week of the AFL trade period is even more tedious, often putting football fans to sleep. The past week has been no exception ... READ MORE

    Demonland | October 12

  • Trade Week  

    THE TRADING CHRONICLES Part One by Whispering Jack

    The festival of player movement kicked off yesterday with the opening day of the Free Agency Period which resulted in six players changing clubs including journeyman ruckman Tom Campbell who landed at Melbourne, his fourth club after playing only 58 AFL games in 14 seasons ... READ MORE

    Demonland | October 05

  • MFC Forum  

  • Match Previews & Reports  

  • Training Forum  

  • AFLW Forum  

  • 2024 Player Sponsorship

  • Player of the Year  


        PLAYER VOTES
    1 Max Gawn 220
    2 Jack Viney 123
    3 Trent Rivers 112
    4 Steven May 104
    5 Christian Petracca 97
    6 Alex Neal-Bullen 93
    7 Kysaiah Pickett 81
    8 Ed Langdon 79
    9 Clayton Oliver 65
    10 Christian Salem 60

        FULL TABLE
  • Demonland Interviews 



  • Upcoming Events 

×
×
  • Create New...