Training Ground?

[Lucifers Hero 40,361]

4 minutes ago, old dee said:

Spot on LH, we must Remember  that Kate has been on the board for some time and seems to in with the near G plans. Not sure her getting the top job will make any difference unless she has been hiding her real ideas for some time. 

I sense she was in agreement with the MCG precint but even if she or any other board member wasn't they couldn't come out and say so as their President was so strong about it. 

I wonder whether her style of negotiating will be better received by the Government than Bartlett's  which in itself could open doors and get things moving.  

Also, I wonder with Max and co saying part of this year's success is training on an MCG sized oval at Casey will influence our facilities project.   They could scale it down so that some training continues at Casey a day or two a week and the rest at the new facility where admin and FD would be.

[Caligula's cohort 1,014]

28 minutes ago, Lord Nev said:

An "on site cafe and social club" that gets used, what, cafe: a couple of times a week for a handful of people, social club: maybe 15 times a year... Sorry mate, they're not 'revenue raisers'. Not sure if you're up on the hospitality industry currently, but a footy club with one of the lowest supporter bases deciding to enter that arena is a horrible decision.

Footy clinics are pretty much always at schools aren't they? Let's say we run some, once we get through the few hyper-local schools who is going to pay for the buses to bring kids out?

Sorry mate, I just don't think your logic flies.

Training base = supporters, social club = supporters, it's just not reality.

I agree we don't have to be based in the MCG precinct, but spending millions building a training base somewhere so that a few supporters can come to training is just not a reasoning I'm onboard with.

 

I don't see you coming up with any solutions other than trying to dismiss my logical reasoning for a home base in our supporters heartland. It's been said that the MFC want a social club incorporated in their new home base so regardless if it's 'revenue raising' or not they are still going to have one.

Footy clinics can be done on weekends like it used to be done 20 years ago for the redlegs and gee I don't know... maybe parents can take their kids along for the experience, so paying for buses is irrelevant.  

It's all about community, if you want to build your club supporter base. Not many families live in the city anymore... it's mostly 20 - 30 year olds living in shared apartments and international students, so it's not feasible to build a strong supporter base from there. 

I maintain that the MCG is our home ground, it is the birthplace of our football club and if we can't get back into the MCG, then having a new club facility at Glen Iris would create more supporters than what is currently in the pipeline of a refurbed Gosch's paddock. 

 

[old dee 23,872]

Surely the major reason for a home is to give the players the best training facilities. The rest is of minor importance. I want I big winning team  where they train is of small importance to me. Just get one this decade please.

Edited April 21, 2021 by old dee

[old dee 23,872]

3 minutes ago, Caligula's cohort said:

I don't see you coming up with any solutions other than trying to dismiss my logical reasoning for a home base in our supporters heartland. It's been said that the MFC want a social club incorporated in their new home base so regardless if it's 'revenue raising' or not they are still going to have one.

Footy clinics can be done on weekends like it used to be done 20 years ago for the redlegs and gee I don't know... maybe parents can take their kids along for the experience, so paying for buses is irrelevant.  

It's all about community, if you want to build your club supporter base. Not many families live in the city anymore... it's mostly 20 - 30 year olds living in shared apartments and international students, so it's not feasible to build a strong supporter base from there. 

I maintain that the MCG is our home ground, it is the birthplace of our football club and if we can't get back into the MCG, then having a new club facility at Glen Iris would create more supporters than what is currently in the pipeline of a refurbed Gosch's paddock. 

 

Have you been asked any questions as member? I know I have not been. I wonder how many members want what some on the board and a few influencing members seem hell bent on? Of our 45k members how many actual want a G area facility at the cost of getting nothing at all?  

[monoccular 17,573]

1 hour ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

Move back the the Junction Oval.  We stopped training there in 2008 , right when things went to hell for us.

We made our last two grand Finals with that place as our training base and the facilities sucked then, surely they are upgraded by now.

The problem with Junction Oval was that cricket has it until our season starts, so no preseason there. 

I am sure it has been asked (and answered) before, but how far short of MCG size is Ghosh’s?   How many trees would need to come down to make it fit?

And are the facilities at the bubble dome fully utilized?  Could at least toilet facilities and maybe a coffee / hot dog stand be somehow integrated? 

[Lord Nev 13,512]

4 minutes ago, Caligula's cohort said:

I don't see you coming up with any solutions other than trying to dismiss my logical reasoning for a home base in our supporters heartland. It's been said that the MFC want a social club incorporated in their new home base so regardless if it's 'revenue raising' or not they are still going to have one.

Logical reasoning? I've already pointed out the cases of GWS and GC. Want to talk about Richmond too? Biggest membership in the AFL, where is their home base?

You've somehow decided it's our 'heartland'. What data is that based on exactly?

Can you show me the home base plans and where the social club is located?

4 minutes ago, Caligula's cohort said:

Footy clinics can be done on weekends like it used to be done 20 years ago for the redlegs and gee I don't know... maybe parents can take their kids along for the experience, so paying for buses is irrelevant.

You realize what footy players generally do on weekends yeah? I reckon there's a reason most footy clinics take place in schools, during school times.

4 minutes ago, Caligula's cohort said:

It's all about community, if you want to build your club supporter base. Not many families live in the city anymore... it's mostly 20 - 30 year olds living in shared apartments and international students, so it's not feasible to build a strong supporter base from there.

Again mate, plonking a training base in the middle of an area just due to population statistics does not guarantee you a growing supporter base. See: GWS, GC.

4 minutes ago, Caligula's cohort said:

I maintain that the MCG is our home ground, it is the birthplace of our football club and if we can't get back into the MCG, then having a new club facility at Glen Iris would create more supporters than what is currently in the pipeline of a refurbed Gosch's paddock.

Winning creates more supporters. I didn't live anywhere near Junction Oval as a kid, yet somehow I chose to barrack for the Dees.

 

[BDA 22,875]

This thread just goes around in circles.

Does anybody have any idea what is going on with our homebase other than our past president and board keep telling us the MCG precinct is the preferred site .

 

[Grr-owl 1,251]

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

I agree mate! My original question may have come across as facetious, but I meant it, is Casey already our heartland and we refuse to admit it?

Good question. I reckon, given comments re our defense and the lessons learned in the wide open spaces of Casey, winning changes everything. If it works for us on the field, it's the heartland. 

See what the future brings. Casey'll certainly help us whenever, wherever, it's blowing a gale.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,909]

59 minutes ago, bush demon said:

Why is every Tory supporter of this admittedly posh club denigrating 'greenies'? Haven't you ever heard of the green green grass of home.

Because it's fun?

[Deemania since 56 6,716]

On 4/17/2021 at 11:54 AM, Diamond_Jim said:

That's where I guess Collingwood are looking along with Yarra Bend Park across the river

Yep, that would suit the Filth as their new ground. It smells right, just like the toothless throngs and troglodites who turn up at their games. 

[Youngwilliam 381]

This has been a topic of conversation forever. If it's Casey then make it Casey. Bit over the butt scratching and nothing getting done. Wherever it is, someone won't like it. Do it so we can at least whinge about where our base is instead of how we don't have one.

[daisycutter 29,738]

well if it not going to be in lovely burwood, i don't give a damn where it is

[old dee 23,872]

1 hour ago, Better days ahead said:

This thread just goes around in circles.

Does anybody have any idea what is going on with our homebase other than our past president and board keep telling us the MCG precinct is the preferred site .

 

I think you know the answer to that Bda. No! 
but silence breeds questions. We have been in the current position now for three years, it is extremely frustrating. 

[Demons1858 1,766]

we have had as many goes at this has we have rebuilds

[daisycutter 29,738]

i blame norm smith's curse

[Caligula's cohort 1,014]

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

I've already pointed out the cases of GWS and GC.

You do realise both those places are not strong football communities and those clubs have been established only 10 years ago. Not a very solid argument you're making here. Try and do better mate.

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

You've somehow decided it's our 'heartland'. What data is that based on exactly?

I would be more than happy to provide the source to you but seeing as I can't find the article which was posted only a few weeks ago, perhaps someone else can provide it for you. I know how you love sources... I'm sure someone else can back me up here having read that article so I can assure that i'm not making this up. 

 

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

You realize what footy players generally do on weekends yeah?

Really? I had no idea. So every player is playing on weekends are they? even the injured ones? last time I checked football didn't run for 52 weeks of the year. Again your logic is irrelevant. 

Again i'm not seeing you pose any solutions other than to say what hasn't worked. So if you do come up with one that trumps mine and is better than what the MFC is working on i'd love to hear it. Until that time though I think we'll just agree to disagree. Cheers.  

[In Harmes Way 7,823]

It would be handy if the car park at the Bentleigh Club was the size of the MCG

[Lord Nev 13,512]

23 minutes ago, Caligula's cohort said:

You do realise both those places are not strong football communities and those clubs have been established only 10 years ago. Not a very solid argument you're making here. Try and do better mate.

So what you're saying is, we'll have better luck moving into a 'strong football community'..? You don't think maybe such a community would already have chosen their teams...? Suggest perhaps you take your own advice of doing better on the logic front.

Cheer.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

3 hours ago, chookrat said:

Agree wholeheartedly with this Lord Nev. I will add that the MCG precinct is important to our clubs identity and being visible and in proximity to the MCG and Melbourne.

I think in the past pre getting kicked off the MCG (training) around 1985 i would have agreed with you chook.  Those roots have long since passed now.

As has been mentioned ad nauseam on this thread, all potential options within a stone's throw of the G (borrowing OD's terminology) have now been exhausted.

It's time to create a new home and facility for the entire club and it's supporter base, somewhere realistic that allows all that is required but obviously cutting edge as well from an FD / Admin POV....plus some substantial room for growth.  Assuming success on the field.

We've all heard the question umpteen times. When the Demons do make a GF, win or lose, but let's say we win....where do they go to celebrate on the night?  Sure, there are options for a select group of connections that might receive an exclusive ticket that evening (say up to 1k in attendance).  But where does the supporter base, which might be in the 50k to 60k mark at that stage, attend the next day to celebrate as per all other club's traditional next day attendance?  Conservatively there might be 10K to 15k who might want to attend.  And i'm pretty sure most wouldn't want to attempt that at Gosch's nor travel an entire hour or more (depending on location) to Casey.

We are STILL talking about this elephant in the room 36 years after being booted off the G and having to find another ground to train at.  Incredible really.

Edited April 21, 2021 by Rusty Nails

[Lord Nev 13,512]

17 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

We've all heard the question umpteen times. When the Demons do make a GF, win or lose, but let's say we win....where do they go to celebrate on the night?  Sure, there are options for a select group of connections that might receive an exclusive ticket that evening (say up to 1k in attendance).  But where does the supporter base, which might be in the 50k to 60k mark at that stage, attend the next day to celebrate as per all other club's traditional next day attendance?  Conservatively there might be 10K to 15k who might want to attend.  And i'm pretty sure most wouldn't want to attempt that at Gosch's nor travel an entire hour or more (depending on location) to Casey.

Reckon this is possibly the least important question to ask about a training and admin base.

Would be pretty easy to have this event in Yarra Park just like the family day though.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,297]

2 hours ago, Grr-owl said:

Good question. I reckon, given comments re our defense and the lessons learned in the wide open spaces of Casey, winning changes everything. If it works for us on the field, it's the heartland. 

See what the future brings. Casey'll certainly help us whenever, wherever, it's blowing a gale.

The size of Punt Rd oval didn't seem to worry the Tigers over the last 5 years

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

Reckon this is possibly the least important question to ask about a training and admin base.

Would be pretty easy to have this event in Yarra Park just like the family day though.

It's not just about training & admin imv LN.  The fans are just as important as is having a base you can associate with and call home.  There will remain a disconnect between the club and its players until this is found imho.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

4 hours ago, old dee said:

Have you been asked any questions as member? I know I have not been. I wonder how many members want what some on the board and a few influencing members seem hell bent on? Of our 45k members how many actual want a G area facility at the cost of getting nothing at all?  

I think the 'cause' of being as close to the MCG as possible OD is probably being lead mostly by a chorus of MCC connected members vs those who are MFC only.  Maybe the board doesn't want to ask the latter nor care for their response?

[Lord Nev 13,512]

23 minutes ago, Rusty Nails said:

It's not just about training & admin imv LN.  The fans are just as important as is having a base you can associate with and call home.  There will remain a disconnect between the club and its players until this is found imho.

You're changing the point a bit now mate.

You were talking about our apparent Grand Final party. If that was the most important aspect of a training and facility base I don't think we would have got much value for money over the last 56 years.

Training and admin absolute priority. A social club or a Grand Final party venue is the least of our worries.

[Demon Dynasty 17,109]

1 hour ago, Lord Nev said:

You're changing the point a bit now mate.

You were talking about our apparent Grand Final party. If that was the most important aspect of a training and facility base I don't think we would have got much value for money over the last 56 years.

Training and admin absolute priority. A social club or a Grand Final party venue is the least of our worries.

Chicken and egg LN.  I think its the reverse.  Had we had that base i think there may have actually been a GF party or two at said base already and we would probably not be talking about the need for a base or the lack of any silverware since 64.

I'm not changing the point at all.  The base is a must, not just for training & admin, for the fans as well.  Without fans and without considering them in the picture, the club in its own right (having no real face to face connection with fans at any point, outside of game day) effectively is running itself in isolation and for what purpose?  To please the people in positions of power, the coaches and FD, the players and the media?

Without the fans there is no point in the club existing at a professional level.

Even a small country club eg; Barnawartha Tigers has a raison d'etre, a soul, a base and possibly a better connection with its fan base at this point as a result of having a place to call home.  It's part of the fabric, the essence of any half decent club imv...

 

You (and i'm sure a number of others on here) therefore must feel there is no need to connect / please the fans at all.  Just take their $$ and continue on continuing on no matter what happens on or off the field.