Shinboners mobilise [Archive]

LancePicioane

30th October 2007, 00:14

Kangaroos group to mobilise members
October 29, 2007 - 8:55PM

Kangaroos supporters have mobilised in the wake of the possible relocation of the AFL club to the Gold Coast, forming an organisation aimed at returning decision-making power to Roos members.

We Are North Melbourne (WANM) wants members to have a stronger voice in the club's unwieldy power process, which currently ensures key decisions on the Roos' future are made by shareholders rather than members.

The Kangaroos' unique and complex share structure means the eventual decision on a permanent move to the Gold Coast - which the AFL wants and the club's Victorian-based fans don't - would be made without any direct input from Roos members.

The AFL wants a permanent presence on the Gold Coast by 2010, and they are expected to offer the Kangaroos a lucrative relocation package to head north.

Club directors held a meeting in Melbourne, and the Gold Coast issue is likely to be on the agenda at a board meeting on Wednesday amid speculation a decision on whether to relocate will be made soon.

WANM chairman David Wheaton said his group wanted to acquire enough shares or like-minded shareholders to form a bloc which would hold an Australian Democrats-like balance of power in important decision-making.

"Our long-term objective is we would return the ownership of the club to its members, but in the short-term it would be about acquiring enough shares to have a say and be able to represent the members," Wheaton told AAP.

"In We Are North Melbourne, members would actually decide which way the organisation would swing its voting power.

"Every other club is run that way (with members' input) and structured that way. Why should North Melbourne be any different?

"It's a bit like saying since they own such own such a big stake in the country, we'll let James Packer, Frank Lowy and Richard Pratt get together and decide who runs the country instead of having a general election."

The Roos' share structure was introduced when the club hit hard times in the 1980s, and then-chairman Bob Ansett publicly floated the club to raise much-needed cash.

Members currently elect three of the nine board members - the other six are voted on by shareholders.

The club itself refused to comment on any plans to relocate permanently, or when any decision would be made.

The Kangaroos are currently entering year two of a three-year, $400,000 per match deal to play 10 games on the Gold Coast.

They will play four home-and-away matches on the Coast next year after playing three there in 2007.

While there is a school of thought the Kangaroos cannot survive long-term in Victoria, those who want the club to stay put say the Roos can survive in Melbourne by increasing membership, boosting attendances for home matches and eliminating debt.

Opponents of a Gold Coast move also warn a large percentage of the club's 22,000 current members would not renew if the Roos were shipped north, and point to the Brisbane declining membership as proof south-east Queensland may struggle to house two clubs.

Any Gold Coast move would lock the Roos into the 14,000-capacity Carrara Stadium - less than half their 2007 average Melbourne home crowd of more than 34,000 - until any future redevelopment of the stadium was completed.

There is also an $11 million redevelopment under way on the Kangaroos' Melbourne headquarters at Arden Street, funded in large part by the federal and Victorian governments.

The Arden Army is mobilising.
What was Jon Ralph saying about our passionless supporters???
Stik it up your arse RON!!

bender22

30th October 2007, 00:19

First meetings in Mr Wheaton's garage. If enough people come may have to extend it to the driveway and front yard.

The Zebra

30th October 2007, 00:23

Luke741

30th October 2007, 00:34

First meetings in Mr Wheaton's garage. If enough people come may have to extend it to the driveway and front yard.

lol:thumbsu:

Boozeroo

30th October 2007, 00:35

First meetings in Mr Wheaton's garage. If enough people come may have to extend it to the driveway and front yard.

After you bitch about the lack of Hawthorn's free to air coverage in 5 years' time, this puny-minded comment will haunt you.

The Kangaroos need all victorian supporters to kick the AFL's arse on this.

Make sure it isn't just us Rooboys making a stink. The Haw v NM games have a great rivalry at the moment- let's keep it that way.

St 07

30th October 2007, 00:35

Quick! To the Shinmobile!

scottwade

30th October 2007, 00:37

LancePicioane

30th October 2007, 00:40

First meetings in Mr Wheaton's garage. If enough people come may have to extend it to the driveway and front yard.

Classy comment.

You're a ****er mate.

Boozeroo

30th October 2007, 00:44

The question is Scott- How do you cut funding to the Roos and not the other sides receiving money from the CBF?

The AFL 'losing patience' could result in them losing $$$$ in court.

If they want a SE Queensland club, give them a licence.

p.s if this is AFL Tas Scott Wade, can you at least get the Grima boys back in the Devils side???

scottwade

30th October 2007, 00:55

The question is Scott- How do you cut funding to the Roos and not the other sides receiving money from the CBF?

They use the private ownership stick. All of asudden NM doesn't qualify, because it is privately owned and the funding to date has all been a terrible mistake.

As the article states;
(The AFL are )"...increasingly angry at the North Melbourne shareholders' failure to financially support the club while attempting to control its destiny.."

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/pressure-on-roos-to-move/2007/10/29/1193618795971.html

Now if Ansett et al relinquish control, the AFL will find another way.
For example they cut out the CBF altogether and find another way to distribute equalisation funding, which lo and behold, amazingly, NM won't be eligible for.

Remember SM were relocated simply by fixturing their home games in Sydney and the AFL has become even more 'pragmatic' since then.

I'm not in any way suggesting it is correct and I think the SE Qld option is, much like the Bears at Carrara, a disaster waiting to happen, but that won't stop the AFL.

Paddywackers

30th October 2007, 01:09

Along wth the SEN commercials running tonight (funded by a couple of prominent bigfooty posters) and the $11,000 already raised by the North Melbourne BigFooty board...

...the fight is on.

****ing bring it on.

It seems like Kangaroo's supporters are going to be forever saving there club, clinging to hope that they may have some shallow existance in Melbourne for a few more years, not considering that in ten years time they'll still be scrapping for change in their pockets to save what would be by than surely a dead horse.

Money would be better sent, on an exit strategy to the Gold Coast! If I get banned again for something that I truelly believe (hearts to hearts) than that would just be as farcicle as the Kangaroo's whoring of the AFL for a shallow existance in Melbourne.

wells is god

30th October 2007, 01:10

I'm only a bloke finishing year 12, but as soon as i don't have to save for f*ckin' schoolies I'm gonna put as much money as i can into this club. For christ's sake it would be an absolute joke if the NMFC had to move to the Gold Coast. Gonna get everyone i know to buy memberships, Roos Fans or not. The missus doesn't have a chance in hell of getting away without buying one that's for sure. Everyone get in on it, I swear to god we can keep the club down here where it belongs, way too much history and pride to let this bullsh*t over-run us. Mark my words the membership tally will be sh*tloads up on last year and the donations will be pouring in if there are a few handful of Roos fans like those on here going around.

Hearts To Hearts And Hands To Hands
Beneath The Blue And White We Stand
We Shout God Bless OUR NATIVE LAND!
NORTH MELBOURNE! NORTH MELBOURNE!

giantroo

30th October 2007, 01:13

Lidge

30th October 2007, 01:14

It seems like Kangaroo's supporters are going to be forever saving there club, clinging to hope that they may have some shallow existance in Melbourne for a few more years, not considering that in ten years time they'll still be scrapping for change in their pockets to save what would be by than surely a dead horse.

Money would be better sent, on an exit strategy to the Gold Coast! If I get banned again for something that I truelly believe (hearts to hearts) than that would just be as farcicle as the Kangaroo's whoring of the AFL for a shallow existance in Melbourne.

No dead horses here. We're alive and kicking!

Why not join the North Melbourne love fest on SEN tonight? We're owning the airwaves tonight.

The 1st step in our arse kicking exercise. Prime targets our directors, shareholders and the AFL.

And BTW - nothing shallow about our existence.

Shinboner Spirit, Est 1869

And we'll be here for another 140 years just to stick it up the nay sayers such as yourself.

The AFL have picked a fight that they can't and won't win.:thumbsu:

Paddywackers

30th October 2007, 01:16

First meetings in Mr Wheaton's garage. If enough people come may have to extend it to the driveway and front yard.

I found this quite amuzing.

giantroo

30th October 2007, 01:17

I found this quite amuzing.

Of course you did. You're an idiot like him.

Paddywackers

30th October 2007, 01:21

Ditto with me. I'm getting my 3 sisters memberships and my brother will get his own. Saving my money for this campaign.

Sadly there would be other Kangaroo's supporters that would have pledged funds over the first few years of this decade, only now to be more apathetic.

If I was a Kangaroo's supporter I would be getting exited about a more sustainable future in the Gold Coast.

Sadly, they are not viable in Melbourne.

giantroo

30th October 2007, 01:24

Sadly there would be other Kangaroo's supporters that would have pledged funds over the first few years of this decade, only now to be more apathetic.

If I was a Kangaroo's supporter I would be getting exited about a more sustainable future in the Gold Coast.

Sadly, they are not viable in Melbourne.

Once again, unless you have proof and facts you have gone to find , your opinion/argument means shit to me/us.

TheBrownDog

30th October 2007, 01:25

Sadly there would be other Kangaroo's supporters that would have pledged funds over the first few years of this decade, only now to be more apathetic.

If I was a Kangaroo's supporter I would be getting exited about a more sustainable future in the Gold Coast.

Sadly, they are not viable in Melbourne.

Why aren't they viable?

They are profitable aren't they?

Don't mention the CBF because that is about compensating clubs for inequities caused by broadcast arrangements. Its not welfare.

Paddywackers

30th October 2007, 01:28

No dead horses here. We're alive and kicking!

Why not join the North Melbourne love fest on SEN tonight? We're owning the airwaves tonight.

The 1st step in our arse kicking exercise. Prime targets our directors, shareholders and the AFL.

And BTW - nothing shallow about our existence.

Shinboner Spirit, Est 1869

And we'll be here for another 140 years just to stick it up the nay sayers such as yourself.

The AFL have picked a fight that they can't and won't win.:thumbsu:

The Kangaroo's might win the battle, but they will lose the war if they get there way.

Do you honestly think the Kangaroo's can survive in Melbourne. Sure they're are a few die hards on bigfooty but your supporter base is too small.

What kid will want to choose the Kangaroo's as their team when they might not be they don't even know what the future holds. Yes Kangaroo's supporters such as yourself will fight for a shallow existance in Melbourne. (your team already plays 4 home games at the Gold Coast anyway). But that is to be expected. Will Kangaroo's continue to fight for there club like they are doing now in five years time? Or will the inevitable happen, will the Kangaroo's move to the Gold Coast? Will it be too late by than?

giantroo

30th October 2007, 01:37

The Kangaroo's might win the battle, but they will lose the war if they get there way.

Do you honestly think the Kangaroo's can survive in Melbourne. Sure they're are a few die hards on bigfooty but your supporter base is too small.

What kid will want to choose the Kangaroo's as their team when they might not be they don't even know what the future holds. Yes Kangaroo's supporters such as yourself will fight for a shallow existance in Melbourne. (your team already plays 4 home games at the Gold Coast anyway). But that is to be expected. Will Kangaroo's continue to fight for there club like they are doing now in five years time? Or will the inevitable happen, will the Kangaroo's move to the Gold Coast? Will it be too late by than?

I certainly do because there is still no proof that the GC is a viable position.Once again you have no facts to support your claims so you opinion is crap.

Arden

30th October 2007, 01:39

What kid will want to choose the Kangaroo's as their team when they might not be they don't even know what the future holds.

That's the beauty of kids, they don't give a rats which club makes the most money off-field. They care about who's winning, which colours they like best, who their family and friends support, and which players came to visit their school.

We have 22,000 members (25k last year), and haven't given our Melbourne market any love in 10 years, while our clueless board romanced markets all over the eastern seaboard. I see potential if we get our act together.

yioughtta

30th October 2007, 01:51

Sadly there would be other Kangaroo's supporters that would have pledged funds over the first few years of this decade, only now to be more apathetic.

If I was a Kangaroo's supporter I would be getting exited about a more sustainable future in the Gold Coast.

Sadly, they are not viable in Melbourne.

A more sustainable future in the Gold Coast?

You poor sod. You have been fed lies.

yioughtta

30th October 2007, 01:55

That's the beauty of kids, they don't give a rats which club makes the most money off-field. They care about who's winning, which colours they like best, who their family and friends support, and which players came to visit their school.

We have 22,000 members (25k last year), and haven't given our Melbourne market any love in 10 years, while our clueless board romanced markets all over the eastern seaboard. I see potential if we get our act together.

Exactly right :thumbsu:

And what are the kids seeing now?

The Roo Generation. Wellsy, Swallow, Harris, the Big McIntosh. Winners. Grinners. Champions in the making.

On-field success, which has been a trademark of North Melbourne for as long as I've been alive.

mwalker

30th October 2007, 02:02

I certainly do because there is still no proof that the GC is a viable position.Once again you have no facts to support your claims so you opinion is crap.

Firstly, it is great that NM members and supporters are mobilising, it's about time!!!! Best of luck with it too, and I mean that sincerely.

I do understand that you and many others would be pretty passionate about the topic at the moment so non-NM people might need to be a little careful what they say or they might get a spray....

But what I am wondering has there been any proof that the GC would not be viable. You have suggested that there is no proof that it is viable that's all. Just trying to be more educated about the situation.

Asgardian

30th October 2007, 03:00

Lidge

30th October 2007, 03:05

I have no real solutions, but I do have a question or 2.

If the Roos problems can be solved by increasing membership & attendances, why has it taken till 2008 to get that message through to the footy public?

The shareholders and directors have prevented us from having a say. We've had a gutful and enough's enough. We refuse to be silenced and pushed into the background any longer.

What do the passionate Roos supporters believe will be different for next season, when the same message, of save the Roos in Melbourne, has been a theme for at least a decade?

Turf out the stake directors, inject fresh blood onto the board and watch things happen.

Urban Myth re: the past decade.

Ron

30th October 2007, 03:27

The sen ad is pretty good.

Hopefully the supporters go out and sign up as soon as memberships are available.

moomba

30th October 2007, 04:18

I have no real solutions, but I do have a question or 2.

If the Roos problems can be solved by increasing membership & attendances, why has it taken till 2008 to get that message through to the footy public?

What do the passionate Roos supporters believe will be different for next season, when the same message, of save the Roos in Melbourne, has been a theme for at least a decade?

Until the last couple of years I think there has been a fair amount of trust in the North board to do the right thing by us all. I think that trust has gone to an extent, and the rank and file are less willing to sit back and let the board and administrators do the right thing by us. The lack of faith could be misdirected, and I certainly hope so. But I think it is probably a good thing anyway that the members do mobilise and establish a voice of their own separate from the administration.

As for what will be different, I don't know that we have ever been under the threat we currently are. It was always something in the back of my mind, but I think the time to act is now. Reading the Roos board you will find many thinking the same. As for getting more members, we can start by wooing back those Melbourne based supporters that are sick of the constant innuendo, and the belief that one day we will cease to exist in a format they find acceptable.

Asgardian

30th October 2007, 04:38

I can't figure out how you can overcome a bloc of shareholders when they form a majority group of owners of the club.

The supporters can do everything within their power, but you cannot escape the fact that the owners of a business have the final say in any decisions to be made.

Further to that, because of the AFL's monetary involvement, again there is financial muscle which the shareholders must listen to because it is a business for them.

It doesn't help when big shareholders like De Rauche(sp?) and Ansett can't see eye to eye with each other, let alone the supporters plus the AFL commission.

From the outside, and yep, I'm a bloody long way outside, there seems very little that supporters, or even minority shareholders can accomplish.

I hope I'm wrong

Crumpler83

30th October 2007, 06:46

Sadly, they are not viable in Melbourne.

If the Kangas apparently aren't viable in Melbourne then they sure as s**t aren't gonna be any more viable on the Gold Coast. I'd give it about 3 years as the GC Kangaroos before the initial interest from the locals dies down and they're on the verge of extinction again.

Screw that smug bastard Demetriou. Stand strong Kangas coz the majority of football fans out there worth their salt DO NOT want to see you guys leave.

jacko57

30th October 2007, 06:59

The problem is this; THE AFL is losing patience with the leaderless Kangaroos and is on the verge of threatening to withdraw its annual $1.4 million special funding of the club by the end of 2009.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/pressure-on-roos-to-move/2007/10/29/1193618795971.html

The AFL knows it has NM over a barrel.
The club cannot survive without AFL assistance and the AFL is so bloody minded about SE Qld, that they would prefer to send NM to the wall than back down.

It happened with South Melbourne and Fitzroy.
Ultimately the AFL will get what it wants; a 16 team competition, with a team based in SE Qld and if that means forming a new team from the remnants of a bankrupt NM then in all honesty (sadly) the AFL couldn't give a stuff.
The AFL will get what it wants if we all let them ; if they cop a genuine fight, not just from NMFC, but from ALL genuine footy lovers, they can be beaten.

Just think about it : will you really be better off if North caves in ? One less game you can see your team in Melbourne...........plus a GC team will be a massive financial burden on the competition for decades.

jacko57

30th October 2007, 07:01

I found this quite amuzing.
yeh.....small things amuse small minds.

FIGJAM

30th October 2007, 07:02

We Are North Melbourne (WANM)
We Are North Kensington! :rolleyes:

jacko57

30th October 2007, 07:03

The Kangaroo's might win the battle, but they will lose the war if they get there way.

Do you honestly think the Kangaroo's can survive in Melbourne. Sure they're are a few die hards on bigfooty but your supporter base is too small.

What kid will want to choose the Kangaroo's as their team when they might not be they don't even know what the future holds. Yes Kangaroo's supporters such as yourself will fight for a shallow existance in Melbourne. (your team already plays 4 home games at the Gold Coast anyway). But that is to be expected. Will Kangaroo's continue to fight for there club like they are doing now in five years time? Or will the inevitable happen, will the Kangaroo's move to the Gold Coast? Will it be too late by than?
Maybe a few kids will WANT to get on board once we establish for certain that the club is staying in Melbourne !

Stop the AFL/media white-anting campaign for relocation, and our membership base WILL grow.

Father Jack

30th October 2007, 07:07

Nice to see the writer of that article having their finger on the political pulse. Good luck with that 'Australian Democrats balance of power' thing. That'll be real useful.

flamethrower

30th October 2007, 08:39

yeah-nah

30th October 2007, 08:54

If the Kangas apparently aren't viable in Melbourne then they sure as s**t aren't gonna be any more viable on the Gold Coast. I'd give it about 3 years as the GC Kangaroos before the initial interest from the locals dies down and they're on the verge of extinction again.

Difference is the AFL will keep them viable if they move cos its long term strategic for them. If they stay AFL will wipe their hands and north will go under.

Lyyynnnchy

30th October 2007, 09:00

Okkkk Were do i sign up?

Hah youve got me all sad and teary with this relocation talk what can i do to help? When do membership sales open?

The Zebra

30th October 2007, 09:01

Difference is the AFL will keep them viable if they move cos its long term strategic for them. If they stay AFL will wipe their hands and north will go under.

Wilson is complicating the issue with her mis information and confusing the issue once again. The funding she is referring to the AFL withdrawing is payment for the Gold Coast games ($400K per game). This is actually not special funding, it is part of a commercial agreement entered into by North.

They have indicated that after 2009 they will no longer pay this money for North to play games on the Gold Coast. This however, does not mean a straight $1.2 Million - $1.6 million loss of revenue to North. Those games will either be sold to another market, or played back in Melburne where North will again receive gate receipts - and most likely get a good flow on to membership given increased games and far greater commitment to the Melbourne market.

The ASD is compensation for inequities in the draw. North have received less than two other clubs over the past 3-5 years. The AFL will not withdraw ASD funding while there are two other clubs receiving in. For all the threats they may make, the would not risk the guaranteed backlash that would follow - and the legal challengers if it got that far.

Hearts to hearts

30th October 2007, 09:20

Money would be better sent, on an exit strategy to the Gold Coast! If I get banned again for something that I truelly believe (hearts to hearts) than that would just be as farcicle as the Kangaroo's whoring of the AFL for a shallow existance in Melbourne.

Sweet of you to remember me. You know what you got banned for and every admin and mod on Bigfooty knows too, so watch yourself.

Farcicle? No surprises you can spell "shallow", though.

ShanBoi

30th October 2007, 09:25

Hats off to the roos supporters

If it keeps going at this rate you will raise enough money to send the entire playing list to the gold coast on a plane rather than senior players getting a ticket and junior players having to drive themselves up.

Rich

30th October 2007, 09:39

Stand tall Kangas.

I will be buying a NMFC membership next year.

Father Jack

30th October 2007, 09:44

Stand tall Kangas.

I will be buying a NMFC membership next year.

Yes, but you will have to do it for the next twenty years as well.

ShanBoi

30th October 2007, 09:45

Stand tall Kangas.

I will be buying a NMFC membership next year.

For what purpose? To keep their head above water for one more season? Are you going to buy one the year after, because if not you are just drawing out the process. Neutral supporters will prop them up in 08, things will look like they are on the up, and then in 09 the neutrals will jump ship and the roos will be back in the poo.

They need a solution for the future, not a bandaid.

SonOfReep

30th October 2007, 09:52

I'm only a bloke finishing year 12, but as soon as i don't have to save for f*ckin' schoolies I'm gonna put as much money as i can into this club.

So in other words, once you've spent all your money going up to the Gold Coast, you'll start putting money towards not going there? :confused:

Rich

30th October 2007, 09:54

Yes, but you will have to do it for the next twenty years as well.

Yeah, maybe.
I'm not saying its the cure, but it is just an appreciation of what all clubs give to our game and having grown up with these clubs and friends who support them, it is not much to give a little bit.

ShanBoi

30th October 2007, 10:08

Yeah, maybe.
I'm not saying its the cure, but it is just an appreciation of what all clubs give to our game and having grown up with these clubs and friends who support them, it is not much to give a little bit.

Mate, if the north melbourne 'fans' arent passionate enough to cough up for a membership each year, why should fans of other clubs?

I feel for the true north supporters who buy their membership each year and dont want to see their club relocate/merge/fold. Those guys i have sympathy for. The fans who jump on and off the bandwagon but aren't prepared to pay for their clubs survival year in year out get no sympathy. If north want to survive they need to pull their finger out and get members and supporters who will pay their way. Not sympathetic neutrals who want to bail them out for a year.

Hit And Rum

30th October 2007, 10:10

Gold Coast - It is your destiny!!

We're the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Kangas
and we're here on Bigfooty to say goodbye
We're the big 7urds kings of the big debt
We're the Kangas we're flying North

Seriously though:

Gretel - "It's time to go - North"

Then you can walk out of the house and you are in the gold coast!!!

Father Jack

30th October 2007, 10:12

Gold Coast - It is your destiny!!

We're the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Kangas
and we're here on Bigfooty to say goodbye
We're the big 7urds kings of the big debt
We're the Kangas we're flying North

Seriosuly though:

Gretel - "It's time to go - North"

Then you can walk out of the house and you are in the gold coast!!!

This sort of thing needs to be saved for Bay 13.

Hit And Rum

30th October 2007, 10:16

Go G Force - Mobilise!!

Seriously though your coach and players want to go there maybe you should listen to them.

Here you go North...

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=32

Roughie

30th October 2007, 10:19

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9185/roosprotestwg6.th.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=roosprotestwg6.jpg)

Great Protest Roo Boys

whelan=legend

30th October 2007, 10:39

ME and one of my collingwood supporting mates were talking to our roos supporting mate (who had no problems sinking the boot in when we lost to them). And i said "spewing about gold coast?"

and he said "pffft. I dont care"

I was speechless and so was my collingwood mate. And this guy was a MEMBER this year. This is what the finals campaign would have done to alot of roos members i think. Weak as piss

Slattery_20

30th October 2007, 10:45

Good on you Shinboners!!! Tell Vlad and his cronies where to go!!!

I am amazed at supporters from other Victorian clubs sinking in the boots. Don't they realise that if the AFL force the Kangas to relocate to the Gold Coast that means more interstate trips each years.

As for West Coast and Freo fans, imagine 2 road games in Queensland each year. I'm sure the players would love all that travel.

Don't take the Melbourne out of the North Melbourne Kangaroos!!!!
there's no "melbourne" in their team now now... they're just the kangaroos

As for the issue itself... where were ya all at games? If the club was profitable for the AFL, there wouldn't be this issue, they'd be picking on Melbourne (again), or the Doggies

Only 1 Melbourne club has never received AFL hand-outs... guess who?

incubi

30th October 2007, 11:31

Why aren't they viable?

They are profitable aren't they?

Don't mention the CBF because that is about compensating clubs for inequities caused by broadcast arrangements. Its not welfare.

Nah North will be announcing a loss this year.

Doctor Jolly

30th October 2007, 11:36

Only 1 Melbourne club has never received AFL hand-outs... guess who?

If you are implying Essendon, then I suggest you consider handouts dont always have to be money...
1) Anzac day.
2) Home finals against higher ranked interstate sides.
3) guaranteed home town grand final should you make it.

:rolleyes:

jacko57

30th October 2007, 11:41

This sort of thing needs to be saved for Bay 13.
or flushed down the toilet, along with its author.

Rich

30th October 2007, 11:45

Mate, if the north melbourne 'fans' arent passionate enough to cough up for a membership each year, why should fans of other clubs?

I feel for the true north supporters who buy their membership each year and dont want to see their club relocate/merge/fold. Those guys i have sympathy for. The fans who jump on and off the bandwagon but aren't prepared to pay for their clubs survival year in year out get no sympathy. If north want to survive they need to pull their finger out and get members and supporters who will pay their way. Not sympathetic neutrals who want to bail them out for a year.

Every club has these, Hawthorn probably more than most. Hawthorn had won 8 flags in 20 years and still nearly went to the wall - the fact that they nearly did was embarrassing.
A lot of bandwagon supporters were jolted and bought memberships and gave money to the club. We survived, just.
North are not so lucky to have so many bandwagoners, and the AFL seem set on doing what they want to do.

Let's hope at the very least we see some ex-players and rich fans throw their weight (and money) around.

NimChief

30th October 2007, 11:48

MightyHawks

30th October 2007, 11:56

Stand tall Kangas.

I will be buying a NMFC membership next year.

I understand your feelings, but this is not yours or my fight. Are you planning on buying a membership every year? What if the doggies are threatened? will you buy both a north and a dogs one? Or drop north?

Unless you are planning on buying one for the next 5-10 years it's a wasted effort. North needs people with long term commitment.

Hawthorn would not have survived if membership had gone from 12000 in 96 to 34000 in 97 and then back to 16000. The consistent 30000+ is helping keep us going.

Do North supporters have the mettle for the fight? Will they put their hands in their pockets annually? Not just for base level memberships.

Other supporters can wish them the best. But if 10000 of us all bought memberships next year for North - they abandoned the GC, lost their AFL $$$ support, and the 10000 abandoned them 2 years later, what happens to them then?

We might have a 17 team competition which the league are rather keen to revert to 16 teams. North would then really feel the heat.

The challenge is for North supporters and north supporters only. Will you take out memberships? Will you upgrade your memberships? Attend a presidents lunch once a year? It's not what will you do in 2008. It's what you'll do for the next 10 years!!!

Lidge

30th October 2007, 12:02

k5_r5yKZ2ps

Hit And Rum

30th October 2007, 12:14

Show some class you ****ing muppet.

Show some money for the next 100 years and I'll be quiet. Until then:

North to the Gold Coast
Go north, the rush is on

Where the AFL is eyein'
Big nuggets of incentives theyre findin
North to the Gold Coast
Go north, the rush is on

Seriously though it is for the betterment for your club and the AFL as a whole. If you spent less time on Bigfooty and more time trying to drum up $$$'s for your ailing, beleagured club you might survive an extra year.

Could be worse...don't know how but I am sure someone can come up with an example.

moomba

30th October 2007, 12:16

Show some money for the next 100 years and I'll be quiet. Until then:

Another one that gets more joy out of a balance sheet than a football game.

Sad, but I guess thats the world we live in nowadays.

Hawkk

30th October 2007, 12:27

k5_r5yKZ2ps

Good to see you've stolen the next Australian Democrats ad from the ideas box :)

hundini

30th October 2007, 14:17

Show some money for the next 100 years and I'll be quiet. Until then:

North to the Gold Coast
Go north, the rush is on

Where the AFL is eyein'
Big nuggets of incentives theyre findin
North to the Gold Coast
Go north, the rush is on

Seriously though it is for the betterment for your club and the AFL as a whole. If you spent less time on Bigfooty and more time trying to drum up $$$'s for your ailing, beleagured club you might survive an extra year.

Could be worse...don't know how but I am sure someone can come up with an example.

Wtf has hapened to this country in the last decade or so?!?!

Australians used to give a rats and show spirit towards each other.
Good hearted competiteness in the outer I could stand AND enjoy, but this crap. :mad:

This strong economy and booming middle class Australia striving for the big new mortgage & big new car, is transforming our once great country.

Mate, what comes around goes around.

But thanks heaps for your contribution to the discussion, Scumbag.

Father Jack

30th October 2007, 14:42

Show some money for the next 100 years and I'll be quiet. Until then:

... (blah blah blah) ...

Could be worse...don't know how but I am sure someone can come up with an example.

Please ... go to bay 13 if you are going to peddle this rubbish.

wells is god

30th October 2007, 15:09

So in other words, once you've spent all your money going up to the Gold Coast, you'll start putting money towards not going there? :confused:

You are a very unintelligent person. Ever consider that maybe I'm not going to the Gold Coast for schoolies? Moron.

All you idiots saying there is no hope and we should just accept, go and get f*cked. Honestly if your club was in our position you would (if you had one ounce of spirit, passion or love for your club) be fighting until your last breath. Show some love for our game and respect for a club that has shown every side in the competition what it is to be passionate and determined for decades.

pazza

30th October 2007, 16:31

I remember 1989 like it was yesterday.

I can vividly remember putting my hand in my then 14 yo pocket and handing over a small amount to help Footscray survive the cull. No-one really wanted the Dogs to go..and backed by the public and a strong administration, it has survived. I couldn't do it though for Fitzroy a few years later (didn't have the finances).

I won't hesitate to hand over some cash to keep North in Melbourne. And if it has to come to that, then so be it.

I really hope the campaign works..and then the administration of North changes to remove the control of the shareholders.

wells is god

31st October 2007, 00:34

DeadlyAkkuret

31st October 2007, 00:59

Quick! To the Shinmobile!

Lol i could just be tired, bu that was funny!

DeadlyAkkuret

31st October 2007, 01:01

I found this quite amuzing.

Amuzing with a z? Now THAT'S amusing!

linger_isgod

31st October 2007, 01:44

Should have called the supporter group We Are North Kangaroos, just for kicks.

Hit And Rum

31st October 2007, 09:40

moomba

31st October 2007, 10:11

you short sighted morons. I don't get joy out of a balance sheet I get joy out of seeing the game grow and sorry to fans of the club formerly known as North Melbourne but you and your club are doing nothin to grow the game. You are trying, still unsccessfully after so many years to forge a home in a state that has simply stated through raw membership, sponsorship and yes....ooooh bad words...money, profit that they can't, won't and don't ever want to make a home for you.

Hang on, if we are talking about growing the game, surely you should consider that North are one of the teams that has consistently outperformed others over the years. You are not talking about making the game grow, you are talking about the game making more money, so the AFL has more money to send some other poor club and their supporters away from their heartland.

And your use of the "Club formerly known as North Melbourne" phrase clearly marks you out as someone that isn't capable of discussing the issue without bringing some very serious bias into it.

You have two options:

Cease to exist or move to the Gold Coast.

No, we have a third, stay put and improve the way we do things.

Further this is a debate and if I don't agree with irrational emotion based arguments then I will say. If you chose to then continue to call names - scumbag etc and continue to fire out ridiculous, nonsensicl arguments then I feel justified in writing stupid songs etc as it is on the same level.

You talk about irrational, emotion based arguments, then you call people morons and scumbags. It seems that it's you thats letting emotion get the better of you, I could understand it in a person trying to save their club, but in someone like you it's something else.

Gold Coast Kangaroos - Melbourne one day, Perfect the next...

Care to provide any evidence that the Gold Coast will be able to support an AFL football team. You wanted it, so lets take emotion out of it. Let's take NMFC out of it. Give me your evidence why the Gold Coast with their 3,000 attending their local grand final and average 11k crowd at AFL games will be able to support an AFL team. Where is the local and corporate support in the region, do you have any evidence that exists. Do you have evidence to support a theory that it will be local business and supporters and not the AFL (meaning the clubs that make up the AFL) will not be paying the bulk of the $300m upgrade of Gold Coast Stadium, as well as subdising any shortfalls the new club will need by virtue of the fact they won't be able to support themselves.

Like you said, lets take emotion out of it. Stop trying to win an internet pissing contest and debate this issue like an adult.

Doctor Jolly

31st October 2007, 11:49

No, we have a third, stay put and improve the way we do things.

The problem is, no one thinks you can do it. Many North people dont think you can do it.

Nearly 10 years ago the AFL flirted with you moving to Sydney, but you elected to "stay put and improve the way you do things".

Have you improved? Has the rumours of relocation/merger/death gone away ?

No.

How are you going to improve things ?
How are you going to stop the rumours ?

Doctor Jolly

31st October 2007, 11:51

Wtf has hapened to this country in the last decade or so?!?!

Australians used to give a rats and show spirit towards each other.
Good hearted competiteness in the outer I could stand AND enjoy, but this crap. :mad:

This strong economy and booming middle class Australia striving for the big new mortgage & big new car, is transforming our once great country.

Mate, what comes around goes around.

Mate, I dont think Australians have ever had much tolerations for people (teams) who dont pull their weight.

rb214

31st October 2007, 12:02

How are you going to stop the rumours ?

Shoot You

robaba

31st October 2007, 12:02

Mate, I dont think Australians have ever had much tolerations for people (teams) who dont pull their weight.

Well, we at North have never had much tolerance for gutless trolls with bad grammar.
It's all over now, so please get back to your swanettes.

moomba

31st October 2007, 12:07

Mate, I dont think Australians have ever had much tolerations for people (teams) who dont pull their weight.

Tell me, does a side that makes a lot of money, but wins f**k all pull their weight more than a side that struggles financially but is consistently successful.

Are you a footy supporter or an accountant?

Doctor Jolly

31st October 2007, 12:32

Tell me, does a side that makes a lot of money, but wins f**k all pull their weight more than a side that struggles financially but is consistently successful.

Of course.

In a 16 team comp there is always someone who has to come last, and someone who has to come first.

For example:
Richmond pull their weight far more than North "the parasites" Melbourne do.

Doctor Jolly

31st October 2007, 12:35

Well, we at North have never had much tolerance for gutless trolls with bad grammar.
It's all over now, so please get back to your swanettes.

It aint over by a long shot. This will be a good test for the AFL, and whether it has the nerve to kick on with expansion.

Its a win-win-win really from an footy fan. North will move to the Goldcoast, or Andy D will lose his job if he fails, or north will fold and a new gold coast team created.

SonOfReep

31st October 2007, 12:35

Tell me, does a side that makes a lot of money, but wins f**k all pull their weight more than a side that struggles financially but is consistently successful.

Are you a footy supporter or an accountant?

Well just have a look at the Dockers if you like. Fantastic membership numbers pulled out of a market already saturated by the West Coast Eagles, great book of sponsors and still they've won eff-all. You'd still say they're a very successful club though.

moomba

31st October 2007, 12:42

Of course.

In a 16 team comp there is always someone who has to come last, and someone who has to come first.

For example:
Richmond pull their weight far more than North "the parasites" Melbourne do.

So the answer is that you are an accountant, not a footy supporter. Good for you then, but I don't want accountants making decisions about the sport I love.

moomba

31st October 2007, 12:44

Well just have a look at the Dockers if you like. Fantastic membership numbers pulled out of a market already saturated by the West Coast Eagles, great book of sponsors and still they've won eff-all. You'd still say they're a very successful club though.

I certainly wouldn't. Don't want to knock the Dockers, but this is a sport and I wouldn't expect any of them to consider their club a success until they start winning things.

The way people are talking about footy nowadays we might as well award the premiership to the side with the best p&l, forget all the boring games, and stuff. What relevance to they have to footy.

Doctor Jolly

31st October 2007, 12:46

So the answer is that you are an accountant, not a footy supporter. Good for you then, but I don't want accountants making decisions about the sport I love.

You dont love the sport, you love a team, and only on the condition that it doesnt move too far away from you.

Doctor Jolly

31st October 2007, 12:49

The way people are talking about footy nowadays we might as well award the premiership to the side with the best p&l, forget all the boring games, and stuff. What relevance to they have to footy.

Well Collingwood have been doing that for the past 10 years. :D

But seriously, when it was amateur you could dismiss accountants, but not in professional sports. I have no problem with teams making losses in bad years, if they can turn it around in the good years. That what you'd expect from a "non-profit" organisation. But for a team to be making loss after loss no matter how they are travelling has to be seriously looked at. Where is the money coming from and what could it be better used for.

1jasonoz

31st October 2007, 12:51

The problem is, no one thinks you can do it. Many North people dont think you can do it.

Nearly 10 years ago the AFL flirted with you moving to Sydney, but you elected to "stay put and improve the way you do things".

Have you improved? Has the rumours of relocation/merger/death gone away ?

No.

How are you going to improve things ?
How are you going to stop the rumours ?

No they didn't!!

Hit And Rum

31st October 2007, 12:52

Hang on, if we are talking about growing the game, surely you should consider that North are one of the teams that has consistently outperformed others over the years. You are not talking about making the game grow, you are talking about the game making more money, so the AFL has more money to send some other poor club and their supporters away from their heartland.

And your use of the "Club formerly known as North Melbourne" phrase clearly marks you out as someone that isn't capable of discussing the issue without bringing some very serious bias into it.

No, we have a third, stay put and improve the way we do things.

You talk about irrational, emotion based arguments, then you call people morons and scumbags. It seems that it's you thats letting emotion get the better of you, I could understand it in a person trying to save their club, but in someone like you it's something else.

Care to provide any evidence that the Gold Coast will be able to support an AFL football team. You wanted it, so lets take emotion out of it. Let's take NMFC out of it. Give me your evidence why the Gold Coast with their 3,000 attending their local grand final and average 11k crowd at AFL games will be able to support an AFL team. Where is the local and corporate support in the region, do you have any evidence that exists. Do you have evidence to support a theory that it will be local business and supporters and not the AFL (meaning the clubs that make up the AFL) will not be paying the bulk of the $300m upgrade of Gold Coast Stadium, as well as subdising any shortfalls the new club will need by virtue of the fact they won't be able to support themselves.

Like you said, lets take emotion out of it. Stop trying to win an internet pissing contest and debate this issue like an adult.

First point North as successful: You have not converted your success into extra profile for the AFL, your club, members or money in any meaningful way that will save your club...if you had you wouldn't be in your current predicament.

Second point Club formerly know as North: No bias at all, just a statement of fact. You are now known as the Kangaroos. Your clubs choice not mine. I am just referring to their former name which your club chose to remove.

Third Point Stay An Improve: That is the same as extinction. If you can come up with a convincing plan, that is new and original as to how you can survive as financially viable I will read it, critique it and if it is flawless and allows for sustainable growth year on year then I will back it. Now so far people who, in all respect to you, have far more experience in running football clubs, sitting on boards, over seeing national sporting comps, have been unable to do this I doubt very much you can. Good luck though.

Fourth point emotional irrational arguments/language: The scumbag, moron comments was reference to what someone had called me earlier...! I am not emotional about this at all. Why? If you chose to move I win. If you chose not too you will cease to exist in a number of years. Once again I win. I am not clinging for survival and clutching at any straw I can so therefore I don't need to appeal to richer clubs, benefactors, other clubs supporters or the AFL's sense of sentimentality or emotion to help me survive this. You do because you have no way of extricating yourself from an unviable fiscal situation except through an "SOS" style emotional based appeal to tradition, empathy, shinboner spirit etc. Not exactly a solid platform for financial and club success.

Fifth point financial viability: The AFL, the most profitable, popular and best run sporting league in Australia believe it is a financially viable proposition. The players want to go there. The coach wants to go there. There is an exceptionally successful club Southport up there making reams of cash that shows it can be done. There is a history of support for AFL and ex pats up there. There is a market for corporate sponsorship that makes you 1 of 2 in Qld as opposed to 1 of 10 in Victoria. They don't have to be local, they can be national companies who will be able to sponsor a team in a fast growing population belt as opposed to a swamped Victorian market. The AFL will support you as they realise the potential membership and support for AFL football that can be generated in SE QLD that cannot be replicated in the flooded Vic market. They will remove their support in Vic if you stay. I would be very surprised if the AFL, local council, QLD gov't and federal gov't and corporate sponsorship and naming rights don't go a long way to building state of the art facilities and ground as opposed to the third world conditions at Arden st that your own playing and coaching staff want to leave.

The Kangaroos would have top notch facilities and an exclusive recruiting zone that alone could push you to premiership glory...which will give you more money and a safer situation in the AFL market place because the local people over time, like they have done in Sydney will give you a solid supporter base. Of course it won't happen overnight but you would be building support as opposed to desperately clinging to a decreasing supporter base in a over populated sporting market.

Finally this is not an internet pi$$ing contest, I am sad you would trivialise the death or survival of a relocated Kangas as such...this is a debate and it can only occur when people face the facts and remove the emotion out of it. I feel sympathy for Kanga supporters but they still have a choice: die or relocate. Make that decision soon or watch as the Kangaroos sinks further into debt and ultimately becomes a footnote in the history of the AFL.

Move to the Gold Coast...before it is too late.

ShanBoi

31st October 2007, 14:52

I love this thread name... "Shinboners Mobilise" lol. Every time i read it it makes me wonder what all 10 north fans would look like standing together!

wells is god

1st November 2007, 19:06

I love this thread name... "Shinboners Mobilise" lol. Every time i read it it makes me wonder what all 10 north fans would look like standing together!

It is incredible that you lack intelligence to such an extent that not only can you not comment on topic, but your pathetic excuse for a joke has been used and re-used more times than the sh*t and piss joke for your mob.
Grow up f*ckwit, you're an embarrassment.

ShanBoi

1st November 2007, 22:26

It is incredible that you lack intelligence to such an extent that not only can you not comment on topic, but your pathetic excuse for a joke has been used and re-used more times than the sh*t and piss joke for your mob.
Grow up f*ckwit, you're an embarrassment.

And yet it is still SO FUNNY!
And i have commented on the actual topic :)

We are all beating a dead horse. The facts of the matter are, you have to either

1. Increase your revenue by $7 million per annum
2. Move to the Gold cost and accept generous handouts from the AFL
3. Continue to operate as is, scrape together some cash to stay afloat for another season, and after 2009 die a not so slow and painful death.

wells is god

2nd November 2007, 12:08

And yet it is still SO FUNNY!
And i have commented on the actual topic :)

We are all beating a dead horse. The facts of the matter are, you have to either

1. Increase your revenue by $7 million per annum
2. Move to the Gold cost and accept generous handouts from the AFL
3. Continue to operate as is, scrape together some cash to stay afloat for another season, and after 2009 die a not so slow and painful death.

It may have been funny for you because you are as dumb as dogsh*t, but not for those of us who have some form of intelligence whatsoever.
Explain to me how we would survive on the Gold Coast if there is already a team there who aren't exactly making sh*tloads of profits?
The AFL won't give us handouts forever, and Gold Coast Stadium is a piece of sh*t, how can we survive on a home attendance maximum of 14,000?
Why would we leave behind an $11,000,000 redevelopment of Arden St for inevitable death?
You cannot answer any of those questions, you are an insolent fool who cannot look beyond the depths of sh*t that surround you, so you lash out at a team you are incredibly jealous of. Yes, we were younger than you and knocked you out of the finals this year, grow some balls and build a bridge like the rest of us d*ckhead.

ShanBoi

3rd November 2007, 16:06

It may have been funny for you because you are as dumb as dogsh*t, but not for those of us who have some form of intelligence whatsoever.
Explain to me how we would survive on the Gold Coast if there is already a team there who aren't exactly making sh*tloads of profits?
The AFL won't give us handouts forever, and Gold Coast Stadium is a piece of sh*t, how can we survive on a home attendance maximum of 14,000?
Why would we leave behind an $11,000,000 redevelopment of Arden St for inevitable death?
You cannot answer any of those questions, you are an insolent fool who cannot look beyond the depths of sh*t that surround you, so you lash out at a team you are incredibly jealous of. Yes, we were younger than you and knocked you out of the finals this year, grow some balls and build a bridge like the rest of us d*ckhead.

Hi again... Actually last year hawthorn had the youngest list did they not?? And jealous? Because you got one week further than us in finals and got absolutely PUMPED? Hardly...

Why would you leave behind the redevelopment? Who is funding it for starters, and what have you got to show for your big proud history that you are so afraid to leave behind? You have a terrible supporter base, even after your dominance in the 90's. You have some of the worst facilities out of all AFL clubs. Your attendance figures aren't the best and you are cash poor. So my question is why WOULDN'T you go?

The Kangaroos already sold out on their 'roots' by dropping the North Melbourne from their brand. You are a struggling club who needs money. The afl are dangling a potential $9M a year package in your face if memory serves because they desperately want to grow the game. They are promising to redevelop cararra, and even provide you with some kind of concessions to get you started. Yes it sucks having to relocate... But the REALITY of the issue is you are going to struggle to survive unless you find some SERIOUS cash - and fast.

Can you do it? I guess we will see!

GreatScott

3rd November 2007, 21:39

G’day Shinboners, I am Hawthorn supporter with a love of North. I have experienced the excruciating process of seeing my beloved Roys folded and shipped off interstate. I do not believe the relocation option is the best option for the North Melbourne Football club and its supporters. I believe the club should seek a merger with another Melbourne based club to better preserve its tradition and consolidate the support of Victorian supporters. I am unsure of what this report to the board contains, and I don’t know if this option has been fully explored, but if it hasn’t then I believe it should be.

A common misconception peddled by the media, and even the club itself, is that North Melbourne has little popular support. This is a club that regularly attracts over 40000 supporters to a game and attracts big corporate sponsorship dollars. The AFL is the 4th highest drawing domestic football league in the world, only just behind the English Premier League. Italy’s Serie A for example, has 4 or 5 big clubs, and the rest struggle to attract more than 10000 supporters to a game. I’m sure the A-league would be falling over themselves to admit a club with the level of popular support and fine tradition of a club like North Melbourne. North Melbourne is not dying, it is a big club, and it has and still is making an enormous contribution to Australian rules football.

I believe it would be folly for the AFL to disenfranchise tens or even hundreds of thousands of supporters in the name of ‘expansion’ and ‘rationalisation’. The Gold Coast Kangaroos may well attract many thousands of supporters on the Gold Coast, but the clubs Victorian supporters would effectively be lost to the club. I suspect very few of the supporters will be travelling to the Gold Coast for the Clubs home games.

I don’t believe the afl realise the value of North. North Melbourne, what a great brand, home to so much of the history of the game. It aint North Melbourne if it’s the freaking Gold Coast Kangaroos. It wouldn’t be the old shinboners if it was the Western Kangaroos or North Western either, but it still retains a tangible connection to North Melbourne. The Brisbane Bears – Fitzroy football club have no tangible connection to the Fitzroy area beyond the name. Have you seen the old South Melbourne grandstand lately?

I think we need to consolidate the support of the Victorian clubs to ensure we preserve as much of their tradition and history and value as possible. The most obvious merger partner for North would be Footscray. Footscray will be next on the chopping block, the AFL seem pretty keen on a Western Sydney side, the ‘Western Bulldogs’, how convenient. The suburbs are side by side and the merged playing club could utilise the resources of both Arden St and the Whitten Oval. The North Melbourne Football club could continue to operate in a joint venture with Footscray, not unlike the Wests Tigers. The clubs could both field sides in the VFL, playing out of the old grounds, in the old jumper with the old name, that’d be alright.

If a club aint profitable then it aint gonna survive, and at the moment North aint looking too profitable, but in a joint venture with another club they may well survive as a club in North Melbourne. I voted against the merger between Melbourne and Hawthorn, I’m glad I did, but if Hawthorn entered administration I would rather see them merged with a current Melbourne club than become the bloody ‘Tassie Hawks’.

Regards

wells is god

4th November 2007, 15:28

Hi again... Actually last year hawthorn had the youngest list did they not?? And jealous? Because you got one week further than us in finals and got absolutely PUMPED? Hardly...

Wrong. We fielded a younger side than you when we comfortably defeated you in the semi final this year. So deal with it f*ckhead. History says that we have made our 8th Prelim in 14 years thanks to this years achievement, so who wouldn't be jealous of that? Oh right, a moron with no idea like yourself.

Why would you leave behind the redevelopment? Who is funding it for starters, and what have you got to show for your big proud history that you are so afraid to leave behind? You have a terrible supporter base, even after your dominance in the 90's. You have some of the worst facilities out of all AFL clubs. Your attendance figures aren't the best and you are cash poor. So my question is why WOULDN'T you go?

The State Government, The Federal Government and The NMFC itself are funding it. We would be leaving behind an $11 million redevelopment at Arden St. Oval. How is that a good move? What do you think the imminent redevelopment would be doing? It would be vastly improving our facilities (it is $11 million after all mate) and we would then have far from the worst i can assure you. We have made many a side look ordinary with such terrible facilities, this redevelopment is only going to boost our on field abilities.

The Kangaroos already sold out on their 'roots' by dropping the North Melbourne from their brand. You are a struggling club who needs money. The afl are dangling a potential $9M a year package in your face if memory serves because they desperately want to grow the game. They are promising to redevelop cararra, and even provide you with some kind of concessions to get you started. Yes it sucks having to relocate... But the REALITY of the issue is you are going to struggle to survive unless you find some SERIOUS cash - and fast.

We hardly sold out our roots by dropping the name. It was an attempt to get money, has nothing to do with leaving history behind you idiot. Tell me what they can possibly do to the Gold Coast Stadium to make it competitive with the capacity and facilities of the Telstra Dome, where we play a lot of our home games whilst in Melbourne? It holds 60,000 odd, has state of the art facilities and is obviously located in the football home of Australia. The AFL cannot renovate GC Stadium to such an extent that it will rival what we already have to call home. That is obvious.