20 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

It is easy for Carlton to “take risks” when they have already received $35M from state and federal governments for their redevelopment at Princes park!

 

Why didn't you quote my post goto...  some sort of in-house conspiracy.? 

Where you don't want many rusted-ons to read the post text.?

It was definitely worth a look and was probably a better location than Docklands.

Summer cricket,local council and the incumbent club spring to mind as possible issues along with limited room for expansion and cost of the land.On the other hand much more realistic than the Jolimont Park plan and deserves to be considered notwithstanding the blinkered views of our Board.

18 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

It was definitely worth a look and was probably a better location than Docklands.

Summer cricket,local council and the incumbent club spring to mind as possible issues along with limited room for expansion and cost of the land.On the other hand much more realistic than the Jolimont Park plan and deserves to be considered notwithstanding the blinkered views of our Board.

That is the cruncher the board and a lot of members want it to be in the vicinity of the G. While that is the case we are wasting  our time  talking about Port Melb. Or any other spot away from the G. 

1 hour ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

Why didn't you quote my post goto...  some sort of in-house conspiracy.? 

Where you don't want many rusted-ons to read the post text.?

How many times in a year would you go to a social club? Now be honest.

specifically where in port melbourne could be used?

i've read the (general) plans for the fisherman;s bend development and there are a number of possibilities

i was assuming the land to city side of melb grammar sports complex which is designated as a new green area

***** posted to wrong thread.....have now copied to the other thread "new training ground option" *****

Edited June 7, 20204 yr by daisycutter

specifically where in port melbourne could be used?

i've read the (general) plans for the fisherman;s bend development and there are a number of possibilities

i was assuming the land to city side of melb grammar sports complex which is designated as a new green area

On 5/24/2020 at 12:34 AM, Rab D Nesbitt said:

I'v actually got a lot of time for the guy Ding. Governments of both the liberal and conservative persuasion (even though the latter call themselves the former over here) have been sucking at the teat of China for a long time and it has been a major factor in our uninterrupted (until now) run of continual economic growth. The key is to find a balance that benefits us without selling our economic soul. Our moral soul in relation to China died a long time ago unfortunately. 

Uninterrupted runs of economic growth are overrated. If we all had less stuff cluttering up our spare space, we wouldn't be worse off....

2 hours ago, MyFavouriteMartian said:

If you give supporters the function areas they would like,  they,  those who would like to be out of the house,  will attend,  and spend their money in support of the club.  Even for Weddings, Funerals,  Interstate games,  the Bluey,  Board meetings,  AGM's,  etc.

The whole social club/function space idea was already at best 'risky', but in the current financial climate it's fraught with danger.

I work for one of Australia's largest hospitality companies. We have (just) survived the current disaster only due to being backed by one of the largest financial companies in the world. Our business fell by 99%. We have had major stand downs and redundancies from the top level down to those who answer the phones and one of the biggest parts of the business hit was the functions team.

My company has close to 180 venues between Australia and New Zealand with very specific resources aimed at the corporate, sporting and functions markets and we make it work. All our venues have functions capacity and can host them any time of the year. The hospitality industry in general is heading more and more towards companies like mine; larger groups with better buying power and supplier bargaining capacities. To think a Melbourne based football club, one of the smallest, who would attract customers at best 6 months of the year can all of a sudden enter that space and compete is just not realistic.

There's far better options for us in aligning ourselves with existing businesses and utilizing those partnerships to benefit us. Not only does it benefit us in a cost/benefit way, but also in the very important database/touch points/customer pathways way where we can share it with companies with a greater reach than just our own supporters.

I mean really, we struggle to get fans to games, it's farcical to think we would have enough business from our club's supporters to profit in any way from such an investment.

 

In the AGM, GB said while he couldn't to make an announcement, he could say this, "There's movement at the station." Something tied to the Richmond station redevelopment.  

1 hour ago, Grr-owl said:

In the AGM, GB said while he couldn't to make an announcement, he could say this, "There's movement at the station." Something tied to the Richmond station redevelopment.  

The Richmond station is on its umpteenth re development plan. None have happened yet. I won't hold my breath.

1 hour ago, old dee said:

That is the cruncher the board and a lot of members want it to be in the vicinity of the G. While that is the case we are wasting  our time  talking about Port Melb. Or any other spot away from the G. 

 

I'd say it's because people, including myself, think the board is wrong.

It's a discussion of the other possibilities that are out there.  If we're looking at what other clubs are doing, they're mostly moving away from over developed areas in search of more space.  If we are determined to stay in the MCG precinct, we have zero chance of anything resembling what Essendon, West Coast, Hawthorn, Brisbane, Fremantle, Hawthorn, GWS, Gold Coast and Adelaide have or will soon have built.

If we want a mostly symbolic presence, stay at MCG precinct; if we want to grow and build a base that can last for decades to come, drop the symbolism and move.

 

1 hour ago, Grr-owl said:

In the AGM, GB said while he couldn't to make an announcement, he could say this, "There's movement at the station." Something tied to the Richmond station redevelopment.  

How good is the crypticness of that love it

 

On 5/27/2020 at 11:06 AM, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

It is becoming more and more common in the AFL for clubs to move away from cities and 'spiritual homes' in order to find space.

Six months ago, I didn't love the idea of Casey, but, as we all know, a lot can change in six months.

GFC taught us that governments will put money into projects that are ready to go and get people on the tools as quickly as possible... Perhaps instead of viewing diving into a Casey Fields development as a rushed decision, we see it as an opportunity to grab stimulus funding for a growth corridor amongst marginal seats.

(whilst also throwing our weight behind the Cranbourne bypass)

It is a colossal amount of space with virtually identical dimensions to the MCG, neighbouring running track, swimming pool across the road, plenty of additional ovals...  
 

Interesting fun fact that Casey is the demographic centre of Melbourne; or as Norm Smith once said, "I am Melbourne".

2 minutes ago, bush demon said:

Interesting fun fact that Casey is the demographic centre of Melbourne; or as Norm Smith once said, "I am Melbourne".

"demographic" centre of melbourne has always struck me as a weird concept that is hard to grasp meaningfully

i wonder how they calculate it?

1 hour ago, daisycutter said:

specifically where in port melbourne could be used?

i've read the (general) plans for the fisherman;s bend development and there are a number of possibilities

i was assuming the land to city side of melb grammar sports complex which is designated as a new green area

There is the current Port Melbourne oval, which we could conceivably look to enter into a partnership with.

Probably not their preferred option 12 months ago, but as we know, the world is a very different place now.

 

There is JL Murphy reserve in the center.

Large green space with ovals, soccer and baseball.  However it is missing shared community facilities that football club's PR depts use when entering into a partnership with governments.

 

Blue circle is the Melbourne Grammar Sports Fields, showing that a sports redevelopment of the area is possible.

If a high school is able to get it done, we have no excuses.

 

The Fisherman's Bend precinct is 480 hectares and is expected to hold 80,000 residents by 2050. 

At this stage, much of the vacant and warehouse spaces have not been purchased for residential development and, with the current state of financing, there could be an opportunity there. 

 

22 minutes ago, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

 

I'd say it's because people, including myself, think the board is wrong.

It's a discussion of the other possibilities that are out there.  If we're looking at what other clubs are doing, they're mostly moving away from over developed areas in search of more space.  If we are determined to stay in the MCG precinct, we have zero chance of anything resembling what Essendon, West Coast, Hawthorn, Brisbane, Fremantle, Hawthorn, GWS, Gold Coast and Adelaide have or will soon have built.

If we want a mostly symbolic presence, stay at MCG precinct; if we want to grow and build a base that can last for decades to come, drop the symbolism and move.

 

I don't disagree with you tpf39. But the people who are making the decisions are locked on the G area. End of story.

1 hour ago, Grr-owl said:

Uninterrupted runs of economic growth are overrated. If we all had less stuff cluttering up our spare space, we wouldn't be worse off....

You'll get no argument from me in regards to that Grr-owl. Not when it comes at the price of the air we breathe and the water we drink. If the wish to bring China to heel is authentic then maybe it's time to stop the political posturing and start weaning ourselves off the container ships full of sh@t they produce but none of us really need. 

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

The whole social club/function space idea was already at best 'risky', but in the current financial climate it's fraught with danger.

I work for one of Australia's largest hospitality companies. We have (just) survived the current disaster only due to being backed by one of the largest financial companies in the world. Our business fell by 99%. We have had major stand downs and redundancies from the top level down to those who answer the phones and one of the biggest parts of the business hit was the functions team.

My company has close to 180 venues between Australia and New Zealand with very specific resources aimed at the corporate, sporting and functions markets and we make it work. All our venues have functions capacity and can host them any time of the year. The hospitality industry in general is heading more and more towards companies like mine; larger groups with better buying power and supplier bargaining capacities. To think a Melbourne based football club, one of the smallest, who would attract customers at best 6 months of the year can all of a sudden enter that space and compete is just not realistic.

There's far better options for us in aligning ourselves with existing businesses and utilizing those partnerships to benefit us. Not only does it benefit us in a cost/benefit way, but also in the very important database/touch points/customer pathways way where we can share it with companies with a greater reach than just our own supporters.

I mean really, we struggle to get fans to games, it's farcical to think we would have enough business from our club's supporters to profit in any way from such an investment.

 

Very interesting post LN, and I agree with many of your points. The traditional Social Club will not work, but a Community cafe with fairly basic menu, kids friendly should be part of any complex we develop.  I worked as a Manager at Carlton Social Club in premiership years, 81-82, the running of which was ultimately taken over by O Briens Catering. Sadly that was the end of the glory days for the Social Club as the corporates did not have the feel for running a footy club social club.

19 hours ago, Moonshadow said:

Which begs the question: what might the other 16 be?

Boots and shorts?

27 minutes ago, pitmaster said:

Boots and shorts?

A good coach. A couple of KPF's 

1 hour ago, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

There is the current Port Melbourne oval, which we could conceivably look to enter into a partnership with.

Probably not their preferred option 12 months ago, but as we know, the world is a very different place now.

 

There is JL Murphy reserve in the center.

Large green space with ovals, soccer and baseball.  However it is missing shared community facilities that football club's PR depts use when entering into a partnership with governments.

 

Blue circle is the Melbourne Grammar Sports Fields, showing that a sports redevelopment of the area is possible.

If a high school is able to get it done, we have no excuses.

 

The Fisherman's Bend precinct is 480 hectares and is expected to hold 80,000 residents by 2050. 

At this stage, much of the vacant and warehouse spaces have not been purchased for residential development and, with the current state of financing, there could be an opportunity there. 

 

That’s port colts ground, the Port Melb VFL ground is on the Cnr of Ingles & Williamstown rd is far & easier to get into than anything near the G for both club staff, members & players. Would need to get the cricket out to have access 12mths of the year which would need both local & state gvt assistance and ground is ripe for developing a state of the art training facilities. As stated above fisherman’s bend development will see a huge influx of population plus a new High School being built. 

Edited June 7, 20204 yr by Hogan2014

1 hour ago, Half forward flank said:

Very interesting post LN, and I agree with many of your points. The traditional Social Club will not work, but a Community cafe with fairly basic menu, kids friendly should be part of any complex we develop.  I worked as a Manager at Carlton Social Club in premiership years, 81-82, the running of which was ultimately taken over by O Briens Catering. Sadly that was the end of the glory days for the Social Club as the corporates did not have the feel for running a footy club social club.

Yeah, there's absolutely a way the club could find a way to hold events during the season for supporters, perhaps where they use external catering partners or tap one of the sponsors on the shoulder (Sporting Globe if they stay on board) to have that mingling opportunity some are keen on. I just don't think we have the resources, finance or customer base to have an actual purpose built facility that we run all year.

Personally, my preference is just to have more community-based events. Simple things like sausage sizzles at training (which MFC do already very occasionally), signing sessions for the kids at the Demon Shop or with a temporary merch stand, maybe some more installation type events (think family day but MUCH smaller), more of the online chats - especially ones for kids only (Gawn doing a couple early this year was a good start) etc etc.

I just think there's ways we can encourage supporter engagement and build our customer base without something so financially risky, and to be frank a bit exclusive, as a social club.

 

20 minutes ago, Hogan2014 said:

That’s port colts ground, the Port Melb VFL ground is on the Cnr of Ingles & Williamstown rd is far & easier to get into than anything near the G for both club staff, members & players. Would need to get the cricket out to have access 12mths of the year which would need both local & state gvt assistance and ground is ripe for developing a state of the art training facilities. As stated above fisherman’s bend development will see a huge influx of population plus a new High School being built. 

Yep - the red circle on the right is the VFL ground and the center one if the Reserve.

 

 

4 hours ago, old dee said:

How many times in a year would you go to a social club? Now be honest.

After/before every match, I would say 'od'.  When I was in Melbourne.   As long as it was next to the station.   Making it easy to get home from there.

I would likely drop in there Pre game,  for a coffee and toasty.   And something to take into the ground.

 

After the game,  I would go there to celebrate/socialise,  with fellow Dees.   As long as it was just a Hop/Step & Tripup,  to the station...   Although I'm not a big drinker, I would have 2 or 3.  As long as it wasn't  "the Ritz"  prices.

And after a good Win,  i might just grab a sit-down meal, and drink.

 

But I wouldn't be there for the 10Yr old single malt,  or the Pinot.   Those clubbies are best suited.. and tied,  at the  Mcc.    But I do dips me lid,  to those folk. ?

 

.

20 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

Yeah, there's absolutely a way the club could find a way to hold events during the season for supporters, perhaps where they use external catering partners or tap one of the sponsors on the shoulder (Sporting Globe if they stay on board) to have that mingling opportunity some are keen on. I just don't think we have the resources, finance or customer base to have an actual purpose built facility that we run all year.

Personally, my preference is just to have more community-based events. Simple things like sausage sizzles at training (which MFC do already very occasionally), signing sessions for the kids at the Demon Shop or with a temporary merch stand, maybe some more installation type events (think family day but MUCH smaller), more of the online chats - especially ones for kids only (Gawn doing a couple early this year was a good start) etc etc.

I just think there's ways we can encourage supporter engagement and build our customer base without something so financially risky, and to be frank a bit exclusive, as a social club.

 

Totally support your thoughts and believe we need somone with a hospitality mind set to do the basics like sausage sizzles and well as being creative with other supporter events. As example there is opportunity for someone to put on a supporters lunch at the Bentleigh Club for interstate games with big screen viewing.