The Chazz

Is it for any particular reason? I guess it's a bit of a dilema for a club such as Melbourne. Do we go out "on our own", or do we continue on with the likes of Casey. The obvious reasons for the alignment is the branding that we have in that demographic area, with the main goal of attracting new members, and with our increasing membership numbers, the work that is being done is obviously doing its job. On the other hand, having a Melbourne reserves team, one that we control, and can elect to play at the MCG prior to the senior games, would this then have a positive impact in terms of crowd numbers? I know times change, etc, but in the 80's and early 90's, going to watch 2 games of footy was quite a big drawcard.

I don't think that's 100% accurate RPFC. The NRL are pumping money in to a lot of areas. Yes, they have been poorly managed, but it is changing. The AFLSS ones will believe it's becuase of the GWS factor. But the change has been happening for a lot longer than that, and as they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day". I'm not saying that the NRL will become Rome, I will always be in the AFL corner for such arguements. The NRL are sharing the love. No doubt more money will be invested in to the western suburbs (aka the heartland), but isn't that what the AFL have been doing for the past decade - pouring money in to its heartland? Ie. North, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, etc.

To try and get families to support GWS, and convert a few RL followers to AFL, onfield performace was/is vital. We will know more this time next year, but I can't see how GWS will produce a standard of football with their current list that will not see multiple 100+ point floggings. That is not great marketing for the Club. The "family aspect" also comes from things off-field such as player behaviour. Traditional RL parents may steer their kids to AFL if the NRL clubs don't clean up the act of some of their stars (see Todd Carney). These guys aren't the best role models, so it's an avenue, but I do know for a fact that the NRL are spending A LOT of money for ALL clubs to make sure that player welfare is one of the top priorities.

Penrith have been struggling a lot longer than since the arrival of GWS. But, people will believe what they want to, and most will think that it is because of the GWS influence. The AFL knows that they had a very slight window to hit Penrith where it hurts. They needed to have instant success to generate the exposure and interest, and potentially take away a large supporter base from these suburbs. The AFL created rules that would make it easier for the GWS to obtain a better quality list, with better mature-aged players, to make sure they had that immediate success on-field (not necissarily meaning a premiership), but the GWS didn't play by the rules that the AFL wanted them to play by, and decided to go down the youth pathwya and build a flag (not unlike what we are trying), and also pick up semi-retired players who are getting a bit of a super top-up. This was not the intentions of the AFL, and they are ropable that this is how it has turned out. The NRL, and Penrith, now have at least 5 years of development in this area. All NRL clubs are realising that memberships are quite a financially rewarding option, and we will continue to see slight increases each year in this category. The TV rights of the NRL are expected to go close to reaching the massive figures of the AFL, which is a huge thing for the NRL. GWS had the opportunity to cause the NRL some serious headaches. I don't see them causing them too many for the next decade +.

700 times? Name them... I can't see where anyone in the pro-Fev camp are treating him as a charity case. Are they forgiving him? I'm not sure of that either. What I am sure of is that there has been a positive response to the way Fev has handled himself over the past 12 months, and from all reports his influence at VFL level has helped, not hindered, the development of some players down there. If an AFL club believe he can still play at the highest level, which I have no doubt he would be able to, then they would have to decide if they want to offer Feve the opportunity. Personally, and I apologise in advance to KC and others, but the sooner the AFL goes back to the days of a true Melbourne Seniors and Reserves outfit, and have no alignment with the VFL, the better we, especially Melbourne, will be. It's my personal opinion - will probably get challenged - I don't care!

So what do you think the landscape will look like in the next 10 years hardtack? Will we still have a GWS? Will the NRL still have Panthers, Bulldogs, Tigers and Eels? I think we will see all 5 of those teams mentioned playing for the respective codes. The NRL have 5 years minimum to ensure they continue (not start) to fund specialised programs for the western suburb clubs, ensuring that these clubs remain viable. That said, they will not have a blank cheque for them, as they, like the AFL, are continually wanting to expand, and like the AFL, will financially support (to the tune of an $8m start up) ANY club that moves from their traditional area. If the AFL are trying to "tak over" this area, they will fail. I don't think that is their goal; it's more about having the brand out their and to share the market place, not dominate it. Just like they are doing at the Gold Coast, and just like they have done in Brisbane and Sydney in the years past.

What sh!ts me the most DC is that these d!ckheads have come in, totally stuffed everything behind the scenes as this Club was trying to get off the ground. Now the AFL are stepping in to fix the mess, which will no doubt involve pouring money in to it, they won't lose the players they've picked up, all for the sake of the AFL not looking like complete tools.

I'm not sure where the pokies law comes in to it? If you are thinking it's because of the amount of leagues clubs/gaming venues that teh NRL clubs have, and rely on to make an income, I'm pretty sure the AFL clubs have that too. Calrton will most definitely be one club that will take a hit if that were to be the case. But on one hand, you're saying that because the AFL can pump funds in to PA and North and Us, etc, and that's accepted practice, but if the NRL had to pump money in to the western suburb teams, that's not a sign of good health? I'm quite sure all NRL clubs will benefit from the increased revenue from the TV rights. The main point I'm trying to make is that the NRL isn't as f**ked as some people believe, or are trying to make others believe. This thread had a very one-sided opinion, which a lot generated from a weak news article. I questioned it, which is always fun to do on DL!

You had me RPFC until this part. And IF GWS doesn't have an impact, which will be more likely in the short to medium term, NRL won't have anything to worry about. Put it this way, those western suburb clubs won't go backwards. I just can't see how GWS will be successful enough in the first 3-7 years to expect to change the sporting landscape in that area. I hope I'm not wrong.

Don't get me wrong Lutz, I'm excited about getting Clark, and I'm as passionate about the Club as the next person, but the only time it will feel like I have been KOTD in terms of the MFC is when we win a flag. In the mean time, I'll just give myself a pat on the head if something good happens to the Club!

Is this a fact about the NRL being subsidised by News Ltd? I get this quote from the NRL Wikipedia page... "After several years of preparation and build up, on 14 December 2010 the Australian Rugby League and News Corporation finally agreed upon a constitutional framework paving the way for the establishment of a new and independent commission to govern the sport in Australia." I'm of the belief that the new TV rights that are to kick off from season 2014, it is expected that these will fetch over $1b for the league. I'd be surprised if it couldn't stand on its own little feet after that cheque is presented. I laugh at your comment that the only thing the NRL do better is GF pre-match entertainment. Do the words State of Origin mean anything? I think they do that pretty well compared to the AFL's SOO, or in our case International Rules. Also, where does this idea of a floating fixture for the final round of the AFL come from? Ok, they do it so they make it fairer for the teams playing finals, but the NRL has had a floating fixture for years. I think this is smart play by the NRL, and it's potentially something the AFL could utilise more. Obviously you have lived in NSW, otherwise you wouldn't have played that card that you did. I'm buggered if I know why that makes you so much more qualified to comment on this topic. Perhaps if you had ever lived in Queensland, your opinion of the NRL would be different. Again, the NRL are not scared at all of the GWS team. Just like they weren't scared of the Gold Coast Suns starting. I think there is more chance Gallop is sitting back pissing himself laughing at the whole GWS experiment than there is him sitting there with no fingernails. The GWS have members, how many of those have been converted from RL? I'd expect minimal. It won't be until around 15 years until we see just how much damage to the NRL brand that GWS has caused, but I'm pretty sure the NRL will still be going strong in the western suburbs.

This is my point B59, I think people in here have AFLSS. The NRL aren't scared, are they playing reactive roles? I don't think they are. Their draw for 2012 is very similar to 2011. How can that be seen as reactive? I'm assuming you're calling the NRL the IGA of the sporting world and the AFL is the Woolies? That's the AFLSS I'm talking about, absolutely ridiculous comment - even for you.

Will always remember the SOO game. As Hall was being stretchered off, they were carrying him around the boundary line to the old players race, and in between the MCC members, and where the MFC members used to sit, a bloke in the front row (who had his leg in plaster) handed his crutches over to Hall! Was no malice in it, it was just a pisser to watch! I was sitting pretty much behind him but on the next level up.

I reckon you're 50% correct there Robbie. I think the Gold Coast will stay strong-ish, as there will always be (proper) footy tragics living around the South East Qld region that will go to their games. The are only against 1 RL team (Titans), and 1 A-League team (United), in a very heavily populated area. GWS on the other hand, I'm quite certain they will struggle. Even premierships only last so long in the non-traditional areas such as GWS, just need to look at Port Adelaide.

As I said Trident, each to their own, and lucky you for being able to go to as many games as you do. I probably agree that Victorian Foxtel customers wouldn't get the same value out of the same product that Austar customers would get. What I mean by that is that, for example, a Horsham-based Melbourne supporter would find the $60 a month quite an affordable way of being able to watch the Dee's play live every week, albeit a majority of it on TV rather than in the flesh. Us interstat supporters rely on Austar/Foxtel to be able to get our AFL fix, and at $60 a month, it is worth every cent. And becuase I watch a number of the other channels, especially sky racing, there is a lot of value for our dollar. When Channel 9 shared the AFL screening it was terrible for NSW/QLD viewers, especially on a Friday night as we couldn't get AFL until 11:30pm - after both RL games, unless you had pay TV where they would show it live on the main event channel. Even the last couple of seasons had the Friday night games live on main event, where it was delayed on free-to-air. Pay TV is always going to have differences of opinion, but I know I can't do without it during footy season. Providing they don't raise the price too much, I'll be a customer for many, many years to come.

I've been doing a bit of research in to this, and from what I can see, it's a media push to create controversy, and for what appears to be Vic-based posters on this site, it has worked! Last year, in the first 5 rounds of the NRL season, there were 2 "blockbusters" involving western suburb teams, and in total, western suburb teams played 11 home games between them, which is 1 fewer than 2012. Sure, the NRL stated that they looked at the schedule of other codes, but as they also said, they are more worried about what they are doing than what anyone else is. Is it that the NRL are scared, or is it AFLSS?

I think where this opinion of Rugby League being a "TV Sport" comes from those that are interested in attending numerous sporting events. The die-hard RL supporters would say that there is nothing better than seeing the game live, but these folk wouldn't watch an AFL game if it were played on their footpath. The people that follow various codes, and especially those that attend games live, a majority will say that RL is a TV Sport, especially when they are comparing it to AFL. I've even heard born-and-bred Queenslanders say that they prefer to watch State of Origin on TV as opposed to being there.

1/2 dozen MFC matches? I'm assuming you will see the rest of them at the ground. For interstaters, Foxtel is a blessing and worth every cent during an AFL season. So while some people (probably Vic-based) think it's a waste of money, it is quite cheap for others. Each to their own as far as other channels go - I watch Family Guy, iFish, Selling Houses Australia, and the wife watches Friends, etc. There are plenty of shows I like watching on the "crap" channels.

Both cases are about respect and the type of culture we are trying to create at the Club. We failed on both occasions, and we are treading a fine line in the amount of damage we could be/are doing.

Get the friend to pay for Foxtel, and get your wife to pay for the taxi! Don't you do it Old Dee, not for a Collingwood supporter (regardless of your relationship with said person!). Friday/Saturday night beers are far better than sitting at home watching/waiting for a Collingwood game.

You're fast talking me into believing that this had been going on for a lot longer than October 2010! Is that why the AFL didn't take any action against us after Bailey talked about "doing the best thing for the football club"? Was Vlad fully aware of Tom's movements, therefore allowing us to have the first 2 picks, knowing too well that we would lose one almost as soon as the ink dried on the contract?

Sorry DC, this (option 3) was the only suitable option. We can't use "the media forced us" arguement. If they ask, we tell them nothing. Blind Freddy would've seen the writing on the wall, but there is still a process that should have taken place. My concern about the past 12 months is about how we did something, then acknowledge tha twe probably should've dont it differently, ie Junior's tap-on-shoulder, Bailey's phone call. How many times are we going to get away with f**king somehting up that should be a simple process before it bites us on the arse good and proper? Perhaps things like 186 are results of this?

HD Projector - about 90" screen. You can imagine my frustration with the wife!

Not sure if this answers your question DC, but for Foxtel HD, it's an extra $10 a month. I think it's worth it as you can record things, and the picture quality is excellent (so it should be). I just can't seem to sell the idea to my wife though!

Wow, that's quite amazing if true. The AFL wil get a lot of exposure on Fox if that is the case.