Western Sydney AFL team? [Archive]

View Full Version : Western Sydney AFL team?

RUNVS

1 Nov 2007, 09:56

Ive got a couple of questions for you all to see your opinions on the possibility of having a AFL team move to Western Sydney. For arguements sake lets say the Bulldogs will move to have the Western Bulldogs :)

1. What stadium would they be based in?

I know Telstra would be the obvious choice but i think we can all agree that for the first few years a Western Sydney AFL team would have reasonably low crowd figures and it never looks good having a crowd of 20,000 in a stadium which can fit 80,000. Also Telstra would be quite expensive. Is there another stadium in Western Sydney which has a crowd capacity of about 30,000 and would be reasonably cheap?

2. Do you think a Western Sydney AFL team will cut into the fanbase of the Sydney Swans?

I know i will never change teams as i will be a Swans supporter for life but i can see in the short term a Western Sydney AFL team would eat into the Swans fanbase.

3. Would you look forward to a Sydney AFL derby?

Bloods boy from the Bush

1 Nov 2007, 10:14

1. What stadium would they be based in?
I'm sure i heard that there was a new stadium being built in Western Sydney back I can't remember if it was going to a square ground to accomodate rugby or not perhaps that or maybe another new venue will be constructed.

2. Do you think a Western Sydney AFL team will cut into the fanbase of the Sydney Swans?
Not alot I dont think maybe a little but not alot Fremantle didn't hurt West Coasts and Port certain hasnt hur the Crows so I dont think its issue the issue would be whether West Sydney could attract enough supporters without current swans supporters on board.

3. Would you look forward to a Sydney AFL derby?
Being a passoinate Swans supporter I'd love for to strike up any sort of rivarly against anyone the current one with West Coast is great and playing Collingwood is always a big game. So a big inner city rivalry would be great for me as a supporter.

However I think a Western Sydney is still at least 10 years away. The AFL is putting all their energy into getting a team on the Gold Coast at the moment and that may not happen till at least 2011 and then they will need to monitor how it goes before looking into the possibility of a second Sydney team.

RUNVS

1 Nov 2007, 10:18

However I think a Western Sydney is still at least 10 years away. The AFL is putting all their energy into getting a team on the Gold Coast at the moment and that may not happen till at least 2011 and then they will need to monitor how it goes before looking into the possibility of a second Sydney team.

I think a second Sydney team is alot closer than most people realise. It wouldnt surprise me if there was one by 2012.

Bloods boy from the Bush

1 Nov 2007, 10:29

I think a second Sydney team is alot closer than most people realise. It wouldnt surprise me if there was one by 2012.
Okay you may be right but I just dont see them starting two new teams whithin that short space of time I expect they will want to check the feasability of a new team first using the Gold Coast as a prodotype. Having said a 17 team competition would not be ideal and that could also lead to another team being added quite quickley which would agree with what your about 2012

chalbilto

1 Nov 2007, 10:32

I think a second Sydney team is alot closer than most people realise. It wouldnt surprise me if there was one by 2012.

After the failed "home" games at the SCG by the Kangaroos together with the hassles the hierarchy are having in convincing the kangaroos to relocate to the Gold Coast, I believe that it will be quite a few years before a second team will be set up in Sydney. If the hierarchy does get The Kangaroos to relocate (which I think is inevitable) then they will wait to see how the relocation works out, after which they will decide about the direction and implementation of a second team in Sydney.

bloods01

1 Nov 2007, 13:22

I think it is way off. I don't think that Sydney can have two teams. It's a competitive market place as it is.

CAS79

1 Nov 2007, 13:39

Cant see it happening for the next decade. Queensland is the focus at the moment in ensuring that there is a team on the gold coast so League does not eat up all the publicity there and that some kids will be exposed to AFL, and the AFL will absorb plenty of financial losses for the club that bases itself there.

Western Sydney may be on the project after that but the AFL cant absorb two teams that will start with low support bases and most likely heavy financial losses for a decade.

ssfc0203

1 Nov 2007, 16:12

wouldn't introducing two teams simulatenously be better? one team would just stuff up the whole fixture and make it more complicated..

catters05

1 Nov 2007, 16:34

NExt tv rights imo a new gc and sydney team.

As for ground, what about the new little one in the west and telstra stadium for blockbuster games.

The ground will then grow, start small.

ssfc0203

1 Nov 2007, 17:12

NExt tv rights imo a new gc and sydney team.

As for ground, what about the new little one in the west and telstra stadium for blockbuster games.

The ground will then grow, start small.

New little one? :confused:
Parramatta Stadium? But the Eels already use that very often..
The Telstra Stadium deal would have to accomodate the growing number of Swans games as well as the regular NRL ones..

catters05

1 Nov 2007, 17:14

New little one? :confused:
Parramatta Stadium? But the Eels already use that very often..
The Telstra Stadium deal would have to accomodate the growing number of Swans games as well as the regular NRL ones..

No the new one at Bankstown or something.

kookadog

1 Nov 2007, 17:44

There's a new stadium being built by the AFL in Blacktown, I think it's only a 10,000 15,000 capacity.

RUNVS

1 Nov 2007, 18:10

There's a new stadium being built by the AFL in Blacktown, I think it's only a 10,000 15,000 capacity.

If they make it a 30,000 seat stadium it would be perfect for a Western Sydney team in its first 5 years.

catters05

1 Nov 2007, 19:12

If they make it a 30,000 seat stadium it would be perfect for a Western Sydney team in its first 5 years.

Not yet, grow slowly as they have the big ground for use as well.

ssfc0203

1 Nov 2007, 21:29

There's a new stadium being built by the AFL in Blacktown, I think it's only a 10,000 15,000 capacity.

Oh, well I live pretty close to Blacktown and I haven't heard of it, so just goes to say how many people do know about it.

Anyone reckon with 2 or more teams in nearly every state, State of Origin would come back on?

No1SwansFan

1 Nov 2007, 21:35

There's a new stadium being built by the AFL in Blacktown, I think it's only a 10,000 15,000 capacity.
Yep not far from me it is actually more doonside and is with in the Olympic compound there. Well that was the plan anyway but there maybe a change they are using Quakers Hill more and more for AFL juniors stuff.

Tuco

2 Nov 2007, 08:06

After the failed "home" games at the SCG by the Kangaroos together with the hassles the hierarchy are having in convincing the kangaroos to relocate to the Gold Coast, I believe that it will be quite a few years before a second team will be set up in Sydney. If the hierarchy does get The Kangaroos to relocate (which I think is inevitable) then they will wait to see how the relocation works out, after which they will decide about the direction and implementation of a second team in Sydney.

After the Kangas cynical effort to sqeeze money out of this city I'd say the AFL should know one thing for sure - a hybrid team will probably fail in Sydney unless it wholly adopts Sydney as its base. "The "Sydney" part of the Sydney Swans was almost the most important part of the branding during it's set up. And I'd be very concerned about any team on the Gold Coast if it was still telling everyone it was a North Melbourne team.

Personally, I'd love a second team in Sydney. The big Derbies are the best footy games. Liverpool/Everton, Freo/WC, Port/Adel, Carl/Coll. Bring it on I say...eventually.

Bas44

4 Nov 2007, 21:55

I think that the AFL would base the team in in Blacktown at the new Stadium. Although small in capacity, the AFL has shown in the past that it will fund a team for long term success.

Although the Swans are regarded as the east sydney darlings, the real fact is that supporters come from everywhere in the metro and outer metro areas.

Homebush isn't really "out west". People living in areas such as west of Blacktown or south of Liverpool would regard it as being closer to the city than west.

Forty years ago it was western suburbs but not now.

If they relocated a team from Melbourne then it would have to be a 100% move like the Swans did. Although there has been talk about the Western Bulldogs moving north, I can't see that happening with the upgrade of facilities at Whitten Oval. The Bulldogs would be a good fit out west though. They would fit into the culture.

It will probably be norf after the AFL establishes an independant team on the Gold Coast.

What's better than an east v west derby. I'd like to see that!

ssfc0203

4 Nov 2007, 23:56

What's better than an east v west derby. I'd like to see that!

Yeah, that would be interesting to watch. Footy's really creating a niche in Western Sydney and detracting from the crowd that goes to the rugby.

If only they could find a way to have the games at Parramatta Stadium, its fully equipped, full sized and at the heart of Western Sydney. I doubt it though, Eels hog everything :rolleyes:
I'd be much closer to the footy then!

Tuco

5 Nov 2007, 08:22

Yeah, that would be interesting to watch. Footy's really creating a niche in Western Sydney and detracting from the crowd that goes to the rugby.

If only they could find a way to have the games at Parramatta Stadium, its fully equipped, full sized and at the heart of Western Sydney. I doubt it though, Eels hog everything :rolleyes:
I'd be much closer to the footy then!

Well Parramatta Stadium might fit the bill for an expansion team in Crowd capacity (only 20k) but it's not an AFL sized ground. Approx. 138m long and 78m wide. Maybe Sydney's next A-League team will be there though.

ssfc0203

5 Nov 2007, 18:29

Well Parramatta Stadium might fit the bill for an expansion team in Crowd capacity (only 20k) but it's not an AFL sized ground. Approx. 138m long and 78m wide. Maybe Sydney's next A-League team will be there though.

:(

And here's me thinking the Swans could come to Parramatta. Apart from the occassional school visits, I'd say Western Sydney is still a bit neglected by the Swans. We've just sort of stumbled across footy, liked it and kept on multiplying.

is2SWaNz

6 Nov 2007, 13:51

Homebush isn't really "out west". People living in areas such as west of Blacktown or south of Liverpool would regard it as being closer to the city than west.

I agree. I live very close to Homebush, in fact I can see Telstra stadium from where I live. But also, I can see the city, and its actually not far. I don't consider myself 'out west' neither.

I remember last year Demetriou said they were planning to construct another AFL stadium in Blacktown and hope that after 2010 we will have another AFL team. Personally, I wouldn't like a second team because I think the Sydney Swans just makes me feel more united. Their motto last year 'Sydney's own Sydney Swans' just really warms my heart. But having said that, I'd love a derby. Its very entertaining to see the WCE fans/ Freo Fans and PA/Crows fans at each others throat.

But when Demetriou was hoping for another team after 2010, I think it is too early. I've read an article earlier in the week (last week), and it basically stated that when CH 10 was broadcasting the Collingwood vs Sydney finals, we basically got smashed in terms of ratings. And funny enough, people living near me have absolutely NO IDEA who the Sydney Swans are. But if people did, I can guarantee that they wouldn't be able to name a single player from the team. They are all NRL orientated and to launch another team in Blacktown or in the greater west is impossible right now.

We are still a long way to set up an 18th team or reallocate the Dogs.

J-swan

6 Nov 2007, 14:17

I agree. I live very close to Homebush, in fact I can see Telstra stadium from where I live. But also, I can see the city, and its actually not far. I don't consider myself 'out west' neither.

I remember last year Demetriou said they were planning to construct another AFL stadium in Blacktown and hope that after 2010 we will have another AFL team. Personally, I wouldn't like a second team because I think the Sydney Swans just makes me feel more united. Their motto last year 'Sydney's own Sydney Swans' just really warms my heart. But having said that, I'd love a derby. Its very entertaining to see the WCE fans/ Freo Fans and PA/Crows fans at each others throat.

But when Demetriou was hoping for another team after 2010, I think it is too early. I've read an article earlier in the week (last week), and it basically stated that when CH 10 was broadcasting the Collingwood vs Sydney finals, we basically got smashed in terms of ratings. And funny enough, people living near me have absolutely NO IDEA who the Sydney Swans are. But if people did, I can guarantee that they wouldn't be able to name a single player from the team. They are all NRL orientated and to launch another team in Blacktown or in the greater west is impossible right now.

We are still a long way to set up an 18th team or reallocate the Dogs.

Totally agree. I live in the Hills District and while we have a surprising amount of Swans fans here, for every 1 there is 20 NRL fans. It's going to be a long, lonnnnnnnnng time before they will get any support for a second Sydney team.

Here It Is

7 Nov 2007, 15:37

Exunctly.

The AFL doesn't cotton on that we are not a one team town.
We are a 12-team town - even if the other 11 play vastly inferior sports.
Melbourne will support a second NRL team before Sydney will support a second AFL team.

DMJR

7 Nov 2007, 19:22

The renewed talk of a second AFL side in Sydney has obviously come about due the current situation of the AFL, demanding that North Melbourne make a decision on whether to move to the Gold Coast. The AFL want a team established there by 2010 given the progress of the ARL Titans and the effects of a summer side in the A-League.I believe this will have an effect on a second AFL side in Sydney, but not immediately or within the next 5 years.

The problems currently facing North Melbourne are immense. Despite being hugely successful on the field and innovative in marketing over the last twenty years plus; they have not been able to convert this into sustained membership or corporate support. According to the Press:

a. Their own Gemba Report stated that they needed to find an extra $7 million dollars a year to compete with the ‘big boys’;

b. They are currently $4 million in debt; and

c. The AFL is unlikely to continue extra funding (above the normal allotment) after 2009, if there is no likelihood of improvement in the long term.

I believe North Melbourne will refuse to move within the 30 days and the AFL will act to give the Southport Sharks a 17th Licence, with special privileges to ensure their competitiveness. This is probably ideal in someways as it will ensure the new team has a true local identity.

I was living in Brisbane just before and when the Bears were formed. They had a one year head start on the Broncos but squandered this and went backwards due to an appalling football set-up, making it a rich-man’s toy instead of a membership base and playing a ‘Brisbane’ side on the Gold Coast (it was akin to Melbourne being based in Geelong). I would have joined so as to see my Australian Rules, but refused due to the above reasons.

The AFL and their Gold coast study group say an AFL side can make it on the Gold Coast with long term support. And that is the KEY. Any expansion team must be viewed in the long term as an investment, twenty years and more. Expansion teams can develop two things; a market and a population. You do not wait for the market to be available. Many successful competitive businesses understand this and the AFL is in dire competition against the other codes. The Swans and Bears/Lions have and continue to develop their own markets only after proper and ongoing AFL support.

Before living in Brisbane I spent a number of years in Townsville. It was an open market as far as sporting codes went, with Aussie Rules very popular in spite of the Rugby League and Union. Then along came the North Queensland Cowboys and the whole area is now solid Rugby League. This may not seem serious now as the area has a rough population of 150,000. But in 2010 it is expected to 175,000, in 2026 it will be 270,000 and grow at 2% per year in this now Rugby League stronghold. In 2050 the establishment of the North Queensland Cowboys will be seen as a smart strategic investment. A similar thing happened in Canberra with the ‘Raiders’. The VFL waited too long and it can now only support part-time fly ins.

Colless has said that there should not be a second AFL side in Sydney by 2010. I think probably 2015 is more realistic, However, between 2010 and 2015 North Melbourne maybe looking for a home if their 2 or 3 year revival effort fails. I believe it is more likely that North Melbourne will find themselves based at Blacktown rather than the Gold Coast, if circumstances dictate they must move. And if the idea of a local Sydney derby for Swans supporters based upon an historical “boo a roo’ doesn’t grab you there is an alternative. To create a second Sydney side by 2015; we could establish a new identity based upon a representative SFL/SFA side. Over a number of years this side would play as many games as possible as curtain- raisers to Swans matches, against other Australian Rules Leagues. The idea would be to get the new identity into the minds of the Sydney Australian rules public. This could then be the basis of the new side when it was decided to form the second Sydney AFL Club. Like the Southport Sharks it would have the advantage of being a true local identity and; it would also need to be seen and supported as a long term investment in Western Sydney.

In the even longer term (20 – 30 years) we should consider similar strategies for Darwin and Cairns. This is not pipe dreaming as this is where the future population of Australia will grow, and the AFL needs to claims the hearts and minds of these areas early. Does the Cairns Kangaroos or (very) Northern Kangaroos sound altogether impossible?

scottwade

7 Nov 2007, 21:00

Thanks DMJR, fascinating post.

Particularly interested in your observations relating to Townsville & Canberra and how that impacts on the AFL's current long term strategy in the Northern states.

DMJR

16 Feb 2008, 10:16

And away we go:

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/two-more-clubs-for-afl/2008/02/15/1202760607682.html (http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/two-more-clubs-for-afl/2008/02/15/1202760607682.html)

Some people are happy:

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/sydneys-west-is-wild-about-afl/2008/02/15/1202760608113.html (http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/sydneys-west-is-wild-about-afl/2008/02/15/1202760608113.html)

Once they award the licence I wonder how they will go about it; On a previous post I suggeted "To create a second Sydney side by 2015; we could establish a new identity based upon a representative SFL/SFA side. Over a number of years this side would play as many games as possible as curtain- raisers to Swans matches, against other Australian Rules Leagues. The idea would be to get the new identity into the minds of the Sydney Australian rules public. This could then be the basis of the new side when it was decided to form the second Sydney AFL Club".

However with the now much shorter time frame I think they are more likely to establish a Team with younger players who don't get picked up after being in the NSW/ACT scholarship and older types with unfulfilled potential (ie. failed at their first AFL club and didn't get a second chance); put it together a few years before actually joining the AFL and play for a year or two in the VFL, SANFL or even ACTAFL. This might allow the club to find its feet before starting in the AFL. As it was building in the lesser league and when it entered the AFL, it would be given draft concessions for sometime so as to be able to put together a competative list.

ssfc0203

16 Feb 2008, 15:59

Yeah, I just saw it in the paper too. Looks like they're pretty serious about doing it very soon.

Any names, just to have a squiz? Western Sydney Dunderheads, i though - although I'm kind of owning myself in that too :D

is2SWaNz

16 Feb 2008, 20:15

Hmm... Blacktown seem that they're up for it. As for me, I'm still a bit sceptic about the plan. Its a wonder if those who've 'packed out' at the oval in Blacktown actually know much about Sydney Swans. People around my area, in the inner west, don't know anything about AFL nor do they know anything about the Sydney Swans. Sure, they've heard about the team but do they really follow the game? They hardly know the players... probably except for the 'big bald guy'.

"We had the Sydney Swans out here for a special promotion and the place was packed out. I reckon that with a second team you might get a lot of Swans supporters switching across."

Traitors!!!

RUNVS

16 Feb 2008, 20:30

They hardly know the players... probably except for the 'big bald guy'.

You have to love the big bald guy :D

What a Western Sydney team needs is a cult figure like Tony Lockett was for the Swans. The type of player that the crowd love as that will really help the development of a Western Sydney team.

is2SWaNz

16 Feb 2008, 20:59

You have to love the big bald guy :D

What a Western Sydney team needs is a cult figure like Tony Lockett was for the Swans. The type of player that the crowd love as that will really help the development of a Western Sydney team.

Thats true, Western Sydney love their cult figures and big men.

bedford

16 Feb 2008, 22:24

maybe they could put another team in sydney and move the swans back home.

just kidding

No1SwansFan

17 Feb 2008, 11:50

A little bit of news for those interested in this idea of a team in WS. They are creating a new junior team to e based out of Rooty Hill at the new ground. They are supposed to be called Rooty Hill Power. So it looks as if they are starting the leg work already.
megan

western swan

17 Feb 2008, 20:01

im sure ther'd b a few jokes about that team heheh

but i dont rekon ther is enough players to even make 2 more teams, let alone enough supporters in sydney...im thinkin they need a tassi team or even a NT team? just to make it a 'national' league

i dunno, just puttin it out ther

Undisputed_King

18 Feb 2008, 18:33

It will never work.

I've lived in sydney for all of my life, and I have not come across many 'true' AFL fans. Most of the people that I know will keep one eye on the swans if they're doing well, but will quickly lose interest if the swans aren't firing.

A second AFL team in sydney is at least a decade away for mine

No1SwansFan

18 Feb 2008, 19:59

J-swan

18 Feb 2008, 20:41

ssfc0203

18 Feb 2008, 20:52

RUNVS

18 Feb 2008, 21:00

They have a very old following of the Knights, although not everyone would be RL+.

But it looks like the AFL are going forward no matter what, and, unless people desert the Swans (bandwagoners!) i really don't care.

The thing about Bandwaggoners is that they will support whatever Sydney team is doing well so as long as 1 of the Sydney teams are competitive then the bandwaggoners will remain.

ssfc0203

18 Feb 2008, 21:46

It means fluctuating memberships until both teams stabilise, i guess, although i think our membership tally will more or less remain the same. You just don't spend close to a hundred dollars because you're a bandwagoner.

Pj,Rj,Hj

19 Feb 2008, 02:32

J-swan

19 Feb 2008, 09:47

A second sydney team fasinates me. I really don't know the true core strenght of Australian Football in Sydney so maybe some of you can inform me.

All I can say is that I like many West Aussie didn't want Fremantle in the league for purely selfish reasons, obviously the state had the fan base for a second team. One thing I didn't see coming was how it galvanised support for the eagles. Before Freo, even during the early 90's powerhouse team, crowds for the eagles were lazy and stable at around 25 000. You new your team, almost everyone had that team and no one asked questions til' suddenly Fremantle were in and people had to draw a line, pick a side.

Sydney (the city) just might surpise itself and find a larger than expected firery support for local competion. As many of you would know with your NRL clubs, local derby's rock. In WA and SA the derby/showdown weeks stop the citys' much like SOS for you guys. It would be really cool to see a packed out SCG for Swans games and Telstra for the new team. East vs West, bring is on!

For the new team they will obviously set up club and training at the Blacktown facility while playing out of Telstra stadium. Being in NSW an appropiate colour would be the state pale blue and maybe navy?
I like the names the West Sydney Blue Tongues or the Funnel-Webs.

Question, do the swans have a social club like the leagues clubs and could a new team create such a venue?

You raise a really good point about the galvanizing of support, I'd never thought about it quite like that before. I know many people that (due to our improved form and profile) have started to take an interest in the game but really don't call themselves Swans supporters, that may change if they had a local team.
I would just love to have a derby. This, above anything else, is the main reason I'd like a second team.
In answer to your question regarding the social club, yes the Swans have a fully licensed leagues club called "Club Swans" in the heart of Kings Cross. If a second team where formed, with the club culture of Sydney, in particular western Sydney, a leagues club would be a brilliant idea.

Liesha

19 Feb 2008, 16:22

Im a swans fan through and through. Will never ever change my loyalties. regardless of how close to me this other team would be and let me say I could walk to their training ground in about 15 - 20mins. I grew up with the swans my kids have grown up with the swans and will continue to do so.

There definitely isnt the support out this way to deal with another team. Would perhaps a little further up the coast be a better option. Somewhere around newcastle maybe?

Im with you on this one. Im a swans fan through and through, but Im also a Westie through and through, and I certainly wont be changing who I support just because of their location.
I can see a second Sydney team falling flat on it's face after about 5 minutes. Most people out here in Sydney follow rugby league very strongly, but it's still a huge struggle to get people to attend the games. I would be very interested to know what makes the AFL think that there is enough support for a second team.

ssfc0203

19 Feb 2008, 16:54

Western Sydney has a majority of the 'nuclear family' types, with more and more young and old kids participating in Auskick and district competitions.
To see a burgeoning team develop as the Western Suburbs continue to develop will, i think, create a foundation for a grassroots footy culture.
Parents love AR, since it is a medium to low impact sport that not only involves die hard fans, but also on-off fans who don't need to know every single rule to enjoy the game.

Big Wheel

20 Feb 2008, 11:03

I think another team in sydney will not work!!

You have already created a supporter base with the swans. Most people in Sydney who follow the swans are not going to turn their back on them when another team arrives.

The only other way to do this is make an exsiting team move there. They already have a supporter base.
Look at the bears lions merger. Bears were terrible, then when they merged things started to go well for them.

The AFL should really think about having a team in Tassie (full time) and a team in either NT (to bloody hot) or Canberra. At least you will have a team repersenting your state thus buliding a fan base.

Burninglevi

20 Feb 2008, 11:11

adhs

24 Aug 2008, 13:17

I think a second AFL team in western Sydney will work.

When you think about it the AFL has never properly approached establishing an AFL side in Sydney in the same way they approached SA, WA and Qld markets.

In 1982 when South Melbourne moved to Sydney it was their last chance to survive and not a desire to expand Australian Football into Australia's biggest city. I think it was only in the early 90s when the Swans were close to death that there was talk about redfeining the brand and making it more relevant to the Sydney market (eg changing the nickname and colours to be more representative of NSW/Sydney). However the passion of Sth Melbourne fans and the realisation that doing so would be completely turning backs on a potential supporter base in Melbourne saw the Swans reaffirm their history even more, which culminated in Paul Roos' famous quote on the podium after the 2005 Grand Final.

However, while this history is great for the Swans it still means Sydney has never really had it's "own" AFL team with it's own Sydney personality/image.

Establishing a team in western Sydney and basing it in the geographic centre of the city, gives the AFL an opportunity to establish from the ground up a team for Sydney and the Sydney sporting market in the 21st century.

The Sydney sporting market has changed since 1982. Back then the NSWRL was the dominant code and was still based around suburban rivalries although in 1982 teams were introduced from Canberra (AFL territory) and Illawarra (sth coast NSW). Rugby union was amateur and the local suburban competition was the focus of attention and Soccer teams in the National Soccer League were still very much supported along ethinc loyalties.

Fast forward to 2008 and Sydney teams now compete in trans-Tasman competitions against teams from other states and NZ. NRL has streamlined the amount of Sydney teams in it's competition through mergers and natural attrition; Professionalism, the Super 14 and a more consistent schedule has galvanised rugby union's supporter base; Sydney FC have drawn huge crowds in only 3 seasons of the streamlined soccer A-League and the appeal of the sport has broadened with the success of the Socceroos.

While the Swans have developed and grown Australian football in Sydney over the past 25 years, with the increased competition from the other codes I can't see them being able to grow the code much further. I feel they've maxed out their potential fan base (drawn largely from the eastern suburbs and north shore) and with the end of the golden era seemingly over it will demonstrate the pressure that is on this sole club as they attempt to rebuild while remaining competitive - a problem clubs in Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide don't face as the support of the code doesn't depend on the success of their teams.

Sydney needs another AFL team, a team for the 21st century and beyond, with a Sydney identity. A western Sydney AFL team serves more of a purpose than just winning flags (Fremantle are based in an AFL state and their best finish is a Prelimary Final appearance in over a decade). They need to have a presence to compete against other codes, take the pressure off the Swans in developing Australian football and demonstrate to Sydneysiders that AFL is more than just the Swans. 2012 is not too early. Waiting any longer will allow soccer and possibly Rugby Union to establish teams in the region and rugby league will only continue to maintain it's stranglehold. By establishing a team in western Sydney the AFL is demonstrating it's commitment to footy in NSW and lightening the load on the Swans. It's more than just the twice a season blockbusters at ANZ Stadium between the Swans and the new teams... Think about it during pre-season camps when the Swans travel to Coffs Harbour, the second team can travel to Dubbo or Canberra, reaching twice as many people, AFL matches will be played in Sydney every weekend, more teams=more opportunities for aspiring AFL players in Sydney and around the country.

Western Sydney is a long-term proposition whether you launch the team in 2012 or 2020. I don't see western Sydney AFL fans marching in the streets by 2020 for their own team any more than they are now. Until they finally have a team with a logo, colours, coach and players they will continue to go along to the occasional Swans match at ANZ Stadium. So it's better to hit the ground running before these fans are taken by rival codes because once that happens it will be impossible to get them back.

MushroomRocket

24 Aug 2008, 13:23

right now afl should concentrate on gold coast. west sydney whould come 2 years after that.

denbert

26 Aug 2008, 15:58

Why not leverage one of the existing small clubs?

denbert

26 Aug 2008, 16:00

Rooty Hill? good god, no team will make it there without suffering a few casualties :P

Oi, that's my home-town!

MalceskiFan

26 Aug 2008, 16:17

I found my thrill on Rooty Hill

whiteandred

28 Aug 2008, 03:19

I almost climbed Mount Druitt once!