AFLW: Finals Week 02

[Pates 9,537]

2 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

The date is still yet to be announced. At this stage it’s either the Saturday or the Sunday. 

Look maybe it is going to be either of the two, but what I can tell you is I work on the broadcasting and I’ve been booked for the Sunday without being told anything about the Saturday. So if I was a betting man I’d be leaning towards that being the date. 

[BDA 20,254]

4 best teams made it through the prelims

I didn't see the North game today, but the winning margin and heavy scoring suggests we'll need to bring our A game next week. they will be no push over

[deejammin' 2,066]

On 11/8/2022 at 4:00 PM, Grapeviney said:

Richmond share some of the blame, too, as they're insisting on holding it there rather than move to a larger venue.

Lots of unhappy supporters from both clubs on social media. 

AFL is also potentially setting a dangerous precedent by agreeing to prioritise home ground advantage ahead of crowd numbers - ie the Geelong home final question, which has so far been off the table. 

I think the AFL should call Geelong’s bluff on the whole home final thing. At the moment they’re having their cake and eating it too by complaining about not having a home ground advantage but playing at grounds big enough for all their supporters to attend. Call their bluff, give them a home final at HMBA but set strict limits on tickets 40% allocation for Geelong members, 30% for the opposition, 10% for AFL members, 20% general admin. Watch Geelong beg for an MCG home final when their members realise less than half of them can attend. 
 

As to Marvel for the GF now that both the Gabba and Metricon are unavailable it’s a no brainer. Not only is it the only suitable venue left for the GF it also has the advantage of a roof to avoid the shambles in Adelaide today with crazy weather. Brisbane have strong support in Melbourne, if they make it, and at least one Grand Finalist has to be from Melbourne (it better be us). Too bad Brisbane, can’t get a decent ground, you miss out. Plus there’s a history of playing GF’s in Melbourne regardless of contestants in the mens game, let’s bring that into the AFLW as well. Go dees! Thrash those Kangas!!! (I’m slightly worried about this one, they should’ve beaten us at the G earlier in the year, we’re in better form but so are they, this won’t be as easy as some in this thread think). Go Dees!

 

[Pates 9,537]

9 hours ago, deejammin' said:

I think the AFL should call Geelong’s bluff on the whole home final thing. At the moment they’re having their cake and eating it too by complaining about not having a home ground advantage but playing at grounds big enough for all their supporters to attend. Call their bluff, give them a home final at HMBA but set strict limits on tickets 40% allocation for Geelong members, 30% for the opposition, 10% for AFL members, 20% general admin. Watch Geelong beg for an MCG home final when their members realise less than half of them can attend. 
 

As to Marvel for the GF now that both the Gabba and Metricon are unavailable it’s a no brainer. Not only is it the only suitable venue left for the GF it also has the advantage of a roof to avoid the shambles in Adelaide today with crazy weather. Brisbane have strong support in Melbourne, if they make it, and at least one Grand Finalist has to be from Melbourne (it better be us). Too bad Brisbane, can’t get a decent ground, you miss out. Plus there’s a history of playing GF’s in Melbourne regardless of contestants in the mens game, let’s bring that into the AFLW as well. Go dees! Thrash those Kangas!!! (I’m slightly worried about this one, they should’ve beaten us at the G earlier in the year, we’re in better form but so are they, this won’t be as easy as some in this thread think). Go Dees!

 

Brisbane need to accept some responsibility on this, surely they should’ve been canvassing the grounds for the potential home grand final weeks ago when they were top of the ladder. Is it the competitions responsibility to be micromanaging the teams on their ground availability?

[Pates 9,537]

Apparently Cairns being considered should Brisbane win through. If the AFLW actually agree to go with it then they will rightfully labelled as a laughing stock. Crowd will be nothing, buzz will be zilch, atmosphere of a practice match. 

[dl4e 5,596]

34 minutes ago, Pates said:

Apparently Cairns being considered should Brisbane win through. If the AFLW actually agree to go with it then they will rightfully labelled as a laughing stock. Crowd will be nothing, buzz will be zilch, atmosphere of a practice match. 

Would not surprise me. Melbourne will be dehydrated by half time so it is not surprising the bears have nominated a sweat box to play on.

[BDA 20,254]

36 minutes ago, Pates said:

Apparently Cairns being considered should Brisbane win through. If the AFLW actually agree to go with it then they will rightfully labelled as a laughing stock. Crowd will be nothing, buzz will be zilch, atmosphere of a practice match. 

Anywhere is better than Cairns

Outside of Brisbane, the Lions have most supporters in Melbourne. There mens team beat us down here, and the women have previously won a granny on the road in Adelaide. They can win away from QLD. I don't think playing the granny here disadvantages them that much. And like you said earlier, why didn't the Lions foresee this and have arrangements in place

For the prestige and credibility of the comp the granny has to played in Melbourne. Cairns would be a farcical choice

[Timothy Reddan-A'Blew 3,925]

4 hours ago, Pates said:

Apparently Cairns being considered should Brisbane win through. If the AFLW actually agree to go with it then they will rightfully labelled as a laughing stock. Crowd will be nothing, buzz will be zilch, atmosphere of a practice match. 

...and of a sauna.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

8 hours ago, Pates said:

Apparently Cairns being considered should Brisbane win through. If the AFLW actually agree to go with it then they will rightfully labelled as a laughing stock. Crowd will be nothing, buzz will be zilch, atmosphere of a practice match. 

The AFLW have to go with what the AFL decide. Therefore it’s the AFL who’ll be labelled the laughing stock. Water off a duck’s back though. Clearly the potentiality of being labelled the laughing stock doesn’t factor into the AFL decision making process.

That said, it’d be great if Nicole Livingstone could grow a pair and at least appear to be putting up some semblance of resistance. 

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

14 hours ago, Pates said:

Brisbane need to accept some responsibility on this, surely they should’ve been canvassing the grounds for the potential home grand final weeks ago when they were top of the ladder. Is it the competitions responsibility to be micromanaging the teams on their ground availability?

Again, it’s the AFL springing a second season in a calendar year (with insufficient notice) that’s the problem.

Brisbane would obviously need more than a few weeks to sort out a venue. It’s the same reason that prevented us from playing our first final at Casey.

Things likes renovations, concerts, the cricket etc. are planned early in the year or sometime last year or even further back in time, things that clash with an entire footy season being staged.

As for whose responsibility it is to manage ground availability… again those three letters: AFL. Any and every aspect of a W season hinges on AFL approval. 

Edited November 13, 2022 by WalkingCivilWar

[Pates 9,537]

8 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Again, it’s the AFL springing a second season in a calendar year (with insufficient notice) that’s the problem.

Brisbane would obviously need more than a few weeks to sort out a venue. It’s the same reason that prevented us from playing our first final at Casey.

Things likes renovations, concerts, the cricket etc. are planned early in the year or sometime last year or even further back in time, things that clash with an entire footy season being staged.

As for whose responsibility it is to manage ground availability… again those three letters: AFL. Any and every aspect of a W season hinges on AFL approval. 

Fair call, the AFL have created this debacle and it’s them that need to wear the consequences. 

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

22 hours ago, Pates said:

Apparently Cairns being considered should Brisbane win through. 

Lions pushing hard for this. Townsville also in the mix.

Related: airfares to Cairns are such that many of us who have worked so hard this season won’t be able to attend. Thanks heaps, AFL!!!

[Katrina Dee Fan 2,480]

5 minutes ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

Lions pushing hard for this. Townsville also in the mix.

Related: airfares to Cairns are such that many of us who have worked so hard this season won’t be able to attend. Thanks heaps, AFL!!!

Jeez I hope to hell Adelaide thrash the pants off Brisbane this weekend!!

[Pates 9,537]

15 minutes ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

Jeez I hope to hell Adelaide thrash the pants off Brisbane this weekend!!

Even better I’d rather them lose after the siren. 

[Katrina Dee Fan 2,480]

57 minutes ago, Pates said:

Even better I’d rather them lose after the siren. 

I like your thinking!!!  In all seriousness, though, I can't think of a worse idea than Cairns or Townsville.  No fans from either team would be able to go.

[DeelightfulPlay 2,236]

1 hour ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

I like your thinking!!!  In all seriousness, though, I can't think of a worse idea than Cairns or Townsville.  No fans from either team would be able to go.

The fact these options are even being considered sh*ts me up the wall! 

Truly a nonsensical approach and undercuts the end of the AFLW season.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

1 hour ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

I like your thinking!!!  In all seriousness, though, I can't think of a worse idea than Cairns or Townsville.  No fans from either team would be able to go.

No way I’d be able to attend. I’ve run outta kidneys to sell, and my teenage son can only go without food for so long. (The boy eats the equivalent of the population of a small to medium village, livestock included.)

I’m sure Gil couldn’t care less about none of us being able to attend. In fact, he’d likely prefer more bums on couches watching it on TV. 

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

20 hours ago, Katrina Dee Fan said:

I can't think of a worse idea than Cairns or Townsville.  No fans from either team would be able to go.

It’s really sad that there’s a core group of W devotees (you included, Kat) who, despite being there week in week out and never missing a match, amongst the many other things they do tirelessly, might have to watch the GF on TV. To hear them say with an air of resignation that they just have to accept that they can’t be there is heartbreaking.

These people are a huge part of the reason the W comp is growing, albeit slowly. The success of this comp is not because of the AFL, it’s despite the AFL, who sometimes seem to go outta their way to alienate fans.

And in case anyone is wondering: no, cheer squad members don’t have any expenses paid. As individuals we pay for everything ourselves (even our DA clothing and membership).

edit: Soz I’m cranky af. Been up since 5am packing coz moving house this weekend and nowhere near packed up enough. My house looks like a bomb’s hit it and I can’t find my cigarettes anywhere. 🤬

[Dees_In_October 3,346]

6 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

It’s really sad that there’s a core group of W devotees (you included, Kat) who, despite being there week in week out and never missing a match, amongst the many other things they do tirelessly, might have to watch the GF on TV. To hear them say with an air of resignation that they just have to accept that they can’t be there is heartbreaking.

These people are a huge part of the reason the W comp is growing, albeit slowly. The success of this comp is not because of the AFL, it’s despite the AFL, who sometimes seem to go outta their way to alienate fans.

And in case anyone is wondering: no, cheer squad members don’t have any expenses paid. As individuals we pay for everything ourselves (even our DA clothing and membership).

edit: Soz I’m cranky af. Been up since 5am packing coz moving house this weekend and nowhere near packed up enough. My house looks like a bomb’s hit it and I can’t find my cigarettes anywhere. 🤬

The disrespect shown to AFLW members by the AFL (and some clubs, not Melbourne) has been pretty bad of late. Like, there have definitely been many, many stuff-ups and ridiculous decisions over the seven years of this league, but for the most part (despite plenty of valid venting!), paid-up fans have been willing to put up with it and be patient, in the view that these are teething problems, etc., etc., and that the most important thing is to expose new audiences even if that means alienating the core.

But at this point, I agree, there's almost a sense of resignation about the lack of vision. It's not even about people's individual ability to go to games, it's about decisions being made that clearly hold back the competition and the complete lack of transparency and communication about those decisions. Excuses are wearing thin.

No one's asking for miracles (you know, like a season where everyone plays each other). Just the most basic planning. If they don't have a concrete policy that sets a reasonable standard for finals venues by next season, and the planning to back that up, well, we'll know where we really stand.

Personally, I quite like the Grand Final going to the higher ranked team. I think it's fair and good for the game nationally. BUT the policy should be that if a club/league can't provide an adequate venue in their own city, then the club forfeits the right and Princes(s) Park is secured in advance as the back-up. Why they didn't have such a decision in place prior to or during this season given the many obvious clashes because of the change of timing, is just so baffling. Fans have been raising this potential problem since the timing change was announced, then every week as Brisbane sat atop the ladder, with zero response.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

1 hour ago, Dees_In_October said:

The disrespect shown to AFLW members by the AFL (and some clubs, not Melbourne) has been pretty bad of late. Like, there have definitely been many, many stuff-ups and ridiculous decisions over the seven years of this league, but for the most part (despite plenty of valid venting!), paid-up fans have been willing to put up with it and be patient, in the view that these are teething problems, etc., etc., and that the most important thing is to expose new audiences even if that means alienating the core.

But at this point, I agree, there's almost a sense of resignation about the lack of vision. It's not even about people's individual ability to go to games, it's about decisions being made that clearly hold back the competition and the complete lack of transparency and communication about those decisions. Excuses are wearing thin.

No one's asking for miracles (you know, like a season where everyone plays each other). Just the most basic planning. If they don't have a concrete policy that sets a reasonable standard for finals venues by next season, and the planning to back that up, well, we'll know where we really stand.

Personally, I quite like the Grand Final going to the higher ranked team. I think it's fair and good for the game nationally. BUT the policy should be that if a club/league can't provide an adequate venue in their own city, then the club forfeits the right and Princes(s) Park is secured in advance as the back-up. Why they didn't have such a decision in place prior to or during this season given the many obvious clashes because of the change of timing, is just so baffling. Fans have been raising this potential problem since the timing change was announced, then every week as Brisbane sat atop the ladder, with zero response.

Agree with all of this, and well said!

Probably what irks me most is the copious self-adulation by the AFL. Go ahead and pat yourselves on the back if you must. But while doing so, how about helping to grow the comp. Or at the very least, stop making it so difficult for the ones who genuinely are. 

[Lucifers Hero 37,174]

I dpn't get why Brisbane want Cairns or Townsville.  Sure they are in Qld but the flight to Melbourne is the same or shorter.   We/North would have a longer flight but not sure its much of an advantage for them.

At least in Melbourne they would get a decent amount of fans rather than neither team have any fan support.

Can't see how it gives them any sort of 'Home' advantage.  But they are spending a lot of energy thinking about it which might be a good thing.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

45 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

I dpn't get why Brisbane want Cairns or Townsville.  Sure they are in Qld but the flight to Melbourne is the same or shorter.   We/North would have a longer flight but not sure its much of an advantage for them.

At least in Melbourne they would get a decent amount of fans rather than neither team have any fan support.

Can't see how it gives them any sort of 'Home' advantage.  But they are spending a lot of energy thinking about it which might be a good thing.

I suspect the Lions are opting for venues that least suit Us/North. They may care more about an advantage that would help them win a flag than they do about how many fans attend.

Someone on here said that Richmond being allowed to host North at the Punt Road Oval last weekend was opening the door to this ‘the higher-finishing team gets to choose the venue’ attitude. And that’s sadly the case. As you said Luci, it’s no longer about a home ground advantage. 

[BDA 20,254]

I can't believe the Lions are seriously considering Cairns or Townsville. And I can't believe the AFL will go along with it

The final needs to be played at a proper venue befitting the occasion. Playing the final at a second-rate regional venue totally devalues the game. The Lions should hang their head in shame if they follow through with this. No sense of occasion or respect for the competition at all.

[WalkingCivilWar 32,372]

31 minutes ago, BDA said:

I can't believe the Lions are seriously considering Cairns or Townsville. And I can't believe the AFL will go along with it

The final needs to be played at a proper venue befitting the occasion. Playing the final at a second-rate regional venue totally devalues the game. The Lions should hang their head in shame if they follow through with this. No sense of occasion or respect for the competition at all.

Nothing happens without AFL approval. If this goes ahead, it’s with their blessing. 

And the lack of respect for the comp started long before this particular issue. 

[Lucifers Hero 37,174]

11 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I suspect the Lions are opting for venues that least suit Us/North. They may care more about an advantage that would help them win a flag than they do about how many fans attend.

Someone on here said that Richmond being allowed to host North at the Punt Road Oval last weekend was opening the door to this ‘the higher-finishing team gets to choose the venue’ attitude. And that’s sadly the case. As you said Luci, it’s no longer about a home ground advantage. 

I guess they base their case on Cairns being used during the 2020 covid hubs and the Saints play a game there so it is 'fit for purpose' from a playing point of view. 

But in a way Cairns helps us.  iirc we were slaughted there by Sydney in 2020 because of the rain and the wind...sounds just like Casey😉

Not sure how much advantage they get in Carins.  The only difference would be is they fly for two hours and we fly for four.

Terrible for the AFLW comp if the AFL hide the GF in some aussie rules 'back-water'. 

Someone, should remind Brisbane they won top spot by one point.  Hardly the resounding right to host the GF.  And they have played a GF at Ikon.  Marvel is a neutral ground, sort of.

If they want a very neutral venue perhaps the SCG.  They will get the 'anti' Melbourne (the city) rivalry fans.