COVID Disruptions 2022

[WalkingCivilWar 32,077]

2 hours ago, 58er said:

FGS why worry now  about the legitimacy potential for this years flag ?

1. We haven't won it yet? 
2. If we do it's confirming our greatness.

3. Please don't give it as a reason if we don't win it . It's not negotiable after last season when we took all in our stride.

4. So far we are on track in pre season and many things  are outside our control. 
5. I bet the players are not sitting around discussing any disadvantages of 2022 preventing us winning back to back.

6. Really supporters that do have got their MFCSS back big time already!! 
7. we are and last season played any where any time and any way!!! And we won by so far no one could query the season or legitimacy of our Flag.

8. Let's repeat in 2022 more of the same !!

I was only referring to season 2020. I never once alluded to this year, nor did I mention 2021. 
 

Edited February 1, 2022 by WalkingCivilWar

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,460]

4 hours ago, daisycutter said:

foreseeable future it looks like and he had some critical words to say about mcgowan

You make it sound like it's WWII and Goyder's the King of Norway going into exile while McGowan is Quisling.

[daisycutter 28,578]

18 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

You make it sound like it's WWII and Goyder's the King of Norway going into exile while McGowan is Quisling.

i don't know what made you think that......strange

all i reported was what i gleaned from a WA newspaper

i didn't offer any opinions.............s'pose that's the way of the internet for crossed wires

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,460]

7 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

i don't know what made you think that......strange

all i reported was what i gleaned from a WA newspaper

i didn't offer any opinions.............s'pose that's the way of the internet for crossed wires

When I read your post it seemed like Goyder was leaving like a King or government going into exile. I could have chosen any one of a number throughout history but chose Norway because it allowed me to equate McGowan (admittedly completely unfairly) with Quisling.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,077]

The HS is reporting no caps on AFL crowds for round one. That is, providing there’s no “dramatic setback” with Omicron. They’re predicting 170,000 fans in attendance on the first two nights alone. 

[Bring-Back-Powell 13,244]

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

The HS is reporting no caps on AFL crowds for round one. That is, providing there’s no “dramatic setback” with Omicron. They’re predicting 170,000 fans in attendance on the first two nights alone. 

I'd be flabbergasted if we got 80,000 to the Dees v Dogs game.

1) Wednesday night is a shocking timeslot even allowing for the special occasion of the flag being unfurled. The game should've been on a Friday night - would get the same amount of eye balls on the TV screen but a way bigger crowd and more $$$ in the MFC till.

2) Dogs fans prefer Marvel over the G.

3) Dogs fans won't be particularly keen to see the flag being unfurled and a reminder that they gave up in a GF at 3 qtr time.

4) The biggest crowd between these two sides at the MCG in a home and away game was 45,000 in 2010 on a Friday night.

I predict 55K for round 1 but as many as 65K-70K for the Essendon Friday night game if both clubs start well.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,077]

10 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I'd be flabbergasted if we got 80,000 to the Dees v Dogs game.

1) Wednesday night is a shocking timeslot even allowing for the special occasion of the flag being unfurled. The game should've been on a Friday night - would get the same amount of eye balls on the TV screen but a way bigger crowd and more $$$ in the MFC till.

2) Dogs fans prefer Marvel over the G.

3) Dogs fans won't be particularly keen to see the flag being unfurled and a reminder that they gave up in a GF at 3 qtr time.

4) The biggest crowd between these two sides at the MCG in a home and away game was 45,000 in 2010 on a Friday night.

I predict 55K for round 1 but as many as 65K-70K for the Essendon Friday night game if both clubs start well.

All good points. But this year, more than ever, fans of all clubs are footy-starved.  

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,460]

While there might be no capacity limits at the MCG, crowd numbers might be affected by any other Covid controls that might be in place. For example, measures such as mask-wearing, having to check in with the QR code, having to show a vaccination certificate, etc are all nothing more than annoyances. However, I know many people who have found things like that enough to keep them from going out. Plus, if Omicron is still around, I suspect there will also be a group who don't want to take the risk of being in a crowded place. Finally, many people who previously would have attended will have become used to watching games on TV and may never return to watch matches live.  

[Demonland 65,437]

31 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I'd be flabbergasted if we got 80,000 to the Dees v Dogs game.

1) Wednesday night is a shocking timeslot even allowing for the special occasion of the flag being unfurled. The game should've been on a Friday night - would get the same amount of eye balls on the TV screen but a way bigger crowd and more $$$ in the MFC till.

2) Dogs fans prefer Marvel over the G.

3) Dogs fans won't be particularly keen to see the flag being unfurled and a reminder that they gave up in a GF at 3 qtr time.

4) The biggest crowd between these two sides at the MCG in a home and away game was 45,000 in 2010 on a Friday night.

I predict 55K for round 1 but as many as 65K-70K for the Essendon Friday night game if both clubs start well.

I agree. Seems like we are being set up for failure here and the media will be jumping up and down about our supporter base like they bleated about our attendance against Freo in Round 1 2021.

I believe we could attract 80 to 90 to a home and away game but it needs the right opponent and the right circumstances ie: top of the table like clash as well as a large, passionate opposition supporter base.

[58er 5,608]

2 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

While there might be no capacity limits at the MCG, crowd numbers might be affected by any other Covid controls that might be in place. For example, measures such as mask-wearing, having to check in with the QR code, having to show a vaccination certificate, etc are all nothing more than annoyances. However, I know many people who have found things like that enough to keep them from going out. Plus, if Omicron is still around, I suspect there will also be a group who don't want to take the risk of being in a crowded place. Finally, many people who previously would have attended will have become used to watching games on TV and may never return to watch matches live.  

They may also be totally desperate to attend at the G to avoid some of the inane BT and James Brayshaw comments so fresh from their minds after 30/40 renditions of the Grand Final.

Also the novelty of having not attended and witnessing the Mighty Dees as the Reigning Premiers and/or  being 57 years since they have seen our flag raising ceremony again will lure them along.

Most of the previous negativity in gaining admission and reasons for non attendance have been well in hand for 2 seasons and would not on this occasion be new for "rusted on " supporters or any Dees fan or tragic who is IMO able to get there for this special occasion. 

There  are also more Reserved  Seats holders do that many sections have sold out to balance or increase the ledger.

[58er 5,608]

9 minutes ago, Demonland said:

I agree. Seems like we are being set up for failure here and the media will be jumping up and down about our supporter base like they bleated about our attendance against Freo in Round 1 2021.

I believe we could attract 80 to 90 to a home and away game but it needs the right opponent and the right circumstances ie: top of the table like clash as well as a large, passionate opposition supporter base.

I tend to agree that 70 plus is probably not reachable but if many if those  fans who came to our Finals  in 2018 attend then 70 is indeed possible. 

at most I reckon 15,000 Dogs fans will attend as they do Favour Marvel.

On 1961 our biggest H and A crowd ever vs Dogs was 66,000 about a month before the Finals that year which about 6/7 weeks later saw us surprisingly eliminated in the Prelim by the same team.

If Essendon win noth or even one game and we win both then 80,000 plus is possible on the Round  3 clash no doubt. 

[Demonland 65,437]

4 minutes ago, 58er said:

I tend to agree that 70 plus is probably not reachable but if many if those  fans who came to our Finals  in 2018 attend then 70 is indeed possible.

The only hurdle to that occurring is the Wednesday night timeslot. Midweek/school night will invariably keep families with young kids away. They will most likely watch at home.

Also there will be those that stay away from large crowds due to worries about COVID.

The Wednesday night timeslot only benefits Channel 7.

[58er 5,608]

52 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I'd be flabbergasted if we got 80,000 to the Dees v Dogs game.

1) Wednesday night is a shocking timeslot even allowing for the special occasion of the flag being unfurled. The game should've been on a Friday night - would get the same amount of eye balls on the TV screen but a way bigger crowd and more $$$ in the MFC till.

2) Dogs fans prefer Marvel over the G.

3) Dogs fans won't be particularly keen to see the flag being unfurled and a reminder that they gave up in a GF at 3 qtr time.

4) The biggest crowd between these two sides at the MCG in a home and away game was 45,000 in 2010 on a Friday night.

I predict 55K for round 1 but as many as 65K-70K for the Essendon Friday night game if both clubs start well.

What does  "shocking"  constitute  as a bad time for a once in 57 years premiership flag unfurling game vs the No 2 ranked team after 2 years of Covid ravaged home games.? 

[58er 5,608]

2 minutes ago, Demonland said:

The only hurdle to that occurring is the Wednesday night timeslot. Midweek/school night will invariably keep families with young kids away. They will most likely watch at home.

Also there will be those that stay away from large crowds due to worries about COVID.

The Wednesday night timeslot only benefits Channel 7.

It's a once in a 3/4 generation game with the flag ceremony  and 1vs2 plus the opening round. Anything less than 60,000 will be criticised. 
surely families are used to night events now after all these years.

Many new members or fans would also not want to miss this occasion. 

Whatever the crowd I predict that Round3  vs Bombers Will get about 20,000 more. 
 

[Bring-Back-Powell 13,244]

16 minutes ago, 58er said:

What does  "shocking"  constitute  as a bad time for a once in 57 years premiership flag unfurling game vs the No 2 ranked team after 2 years of Covid ravaged home games.? 

Agree in that it's a momentous occasion. No question.

But it all goes back to the Wednesday night time slot. Will cost thousands in attendance.

Either the AFL and/or Pert has gotten a bit cute with this one.

[58er 5,608]

On 2/1/2022 at 3:23 PM, WalkingCivilWar said:

I was only referring to season 2020. I never once alluded to this year, nor did I mention 2021. 
 

Yes MCW that's correct but you did not in your response to LITB challenge or reject his major point about this year being challenged if Covid has a substantial effect.

You know the drill, silence is consent and although I meant this for LITB it still applies to your comments not disagreeing with  his and my point about worrying about 2022 at this stage.

[58er 5,608]

5 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Agree in that it's a momentous occasion. No question.

But it all goes back to the Wednesday night time slot. Will cost thousands in attendance.

Either the AFL and/or Pert has gotten a bit cute with this one.

Wed night Might be a real novelty for some BBP and may I say it Dees fans need to get used to Night Games ( and possibly blockbusters ) if we are to become a dynasty for the next 5/6 years.

Pert and AFL conjured this up and probably under PJ this would not be happening but what better time than fresh off a flag to test the market?

I like  his positivity and we don't become the Club we can be if we don't embrace change or trial.

The worry has been about our lack of Under say 30yo and junior supporters but there no doubt will be some new one's raring to go Wed night or not!!

One other point our attendances on different nights at the Anzac Eve games since 2015 have not been below 56,000 and Covid and weather could have challenged quite  a few last year on aSat night. 

[Diamond_Jim 11,819]

It's so obviously a TV play designed to maximise eyeballs in the run up to the next round of media negotiations.

Thursday, Friday and Monday nights will become the norm with Thursday and Monday only available on pay TV and not necessarily the same platform.

60k will be a good crowd. Will it bring out the theatre goers and the corporates. I doubt it. The build up will be lost in the covid mist along with the general excitement that goes through al clubs and supporters in the first round.

 

[dpositive 1,547]

47 minutes ago, Demonland said:

The only hurdle to that occurring is the Wednesday night timeslot. Midweek/school night will invariably keep families with young kids away. They will most likely watch at home.

Also there will be those that stay away from large crowds due to worries about COVID.

The Wednesday night timeslot only benefits Channel 7.

And also those of us in the country who will be unable to do the day trip.

ovenighting can be difficult and expensive.

[Demonland 65,437]

1 minute ago, dpositive said:

And also those of us in the country who will be unable to do the day trip.

ovenighting can be difficult and expensive.

Good point. Someone I sit near at the footy was telling me that he round trips almost 5 hours (with traffic) for day games and night games (particularly during the week) are just too difficult with the kids.

[Diamond_Jim 11,819]

The news coming out of overseas is that Son of Omicron aka BA2 is more virulent than Omicron and will fast become the dominant strain. The more concerning element is that having had the initial Omicron offers little if any immunity to BA2.

If that holds true the opening round should see us deep in the covid mist.

https://www.science.org/content/article/sudden-rise-more-transmissible-form-omicron-catches-scientists-surprise

If there's good news it's that this variant causes much the same degree of illness as the original Omicron.

Edited February 4, 2022 by Diamond_Jim

[dazzledavey36 48,860]

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

All good points. But this year, more than ever, fans of all clubs are footy-starved.  

I disagree unfortunately. 

How will last year be any different to this year? 2021 came after a year of zero football in Melbourne and its probably fair to say there were some poor crowds in Melbourne this year. 

I think some people will be still hesitant attending this year and will most likely see same crowd attendance as last year. Some people who have experienced covid once may not be so keen attending a crowded venue.

[Macca 16,173]

1 hour ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

While there might be no capacity limits at the MCG, crowd numbers might be affected by any other Covid controls that might be in place. For example, measures such as mask-wearing, having to check in with the QR code, having to show a vaccination certificate, etc are all nothing more than annoyances. However, I know many people who have found things like that enough to keep them from going out. Plus, if Omicron is still around, I suspect there will also be a group who don't want to take the risk of being in a crowded place. Finally, many people who previously would have attended will have become used to watching games on TV and may never return to watch matches live.  

Excellent post

For the reasons you outlined, I reckon we're at least a year away from getting full capacity crowds on a constant basis ... however, there will be a heap of Demons attending the Dogs encounter (in my view)

And across the board I reckon we might see a 10% - 15% drop off in crowds on what would otherwise be expected if Covid wasn't a factor

But memberships could easily increase as many still will want that connection to the club even if they choose to not attend in the same numbers

And TV ratings will be healthy (or healthier) especially if we see the trend continue towards less congestion and more open play

So augurs well for another bumper windfall for the AFL in terms of broadcast rights dollars (2025 onwards but they might negotiate an earlier agreement)

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,460]

1 hour ago, 58er said:

Wed night Might be a real novelty for some BBP and may I say it Dees fans need to get used to Night Games ( and possibly blockbusters ) if we are to become a dynasty for the next 5/6 years.

Pert and AFL conjured this up and probably under PJ this would not be happening but what better time than fresh off a flag to test the market?

I like  his positivity and we don't become the Club we can be if we don't embrace change or trial.

The worry has been about our lack of Under say 30yo and junior supporters but there no doubt will be some new one's raring to go Wed night or not!!

One other point our attendances on different nights at the Anzac Eve games since 2015 have not been below 56,000 and Covid and weather could have challenged quite  a few last year on aSat night. 

I'm not sure why you think a Wednesday night game wouldn't happen with Peter Jackson as President. Whether the attendance is 40,000 or 80,000 or somewhere in between is neither here nor there for our sponsors. The game is likely to draw mammoth ratings and the commercial value of those eyeballs in that timeslot is enormous.  

[DubDee 20,740]

A lot of people I know are not going out like usual to any events for fear of catching covid (I don't share this concern). People are avoiding pubs, let alone 50K crammed together!

If the weather is nice, I think we could get 45-50K but that's it.  people have to work, travel from the country. wednesday is a crazy day to play footy

I'll be there though!