View Full Version : Gold Coast Coasters
CoastBhoy
28 Aug 2008, 07:11
Coast' just as good as goldNick Smart
August 28th, 2008
THE GC17 bid team is set to axe the shortlist of club names and simply call the city's fledgling AFL team The Gold Coast Football Club.
The name of the team, to be announced at a gala function next Thursday night, has been closely guarded.
However, The Gold Coast Bulletin understands the bid team, and especially GC17 leader John Witheriff, is of the opinion there is merit in just calling the team 'Gold Coast' to distinguish themselves from the Titans, Blaze and the incoming A-League team as 'the' football club of the city.
The team will be simply known as the Gold Coast, the Coast or affectionately as the Coasters.
There will still be a mascot designed, which is set to be similar to the Fremantle Dockers mascot -- which is of a blonde-haired surfer with a surfboard under one arm.
As they have for all five shortlisted names -- the Marlins, Stingrays, Ironmen, Guards and the Rays -- the AFL has already registered both the Gold Coast Football Club and Gold Coast FC as a public company.
The bid team has always said it may go with an option other than the five on the shortlist, and it appears Gold Coast FC is that option.
While it would be a first in the AFL, the move is bold, and follows the lead of some of the world's biggest sporting clubs -- such as soccer giants Chelsea FC, Barcelona FC and Real Madrid.
Despite the secrecy surrounding the process, The Bulletin believes the bid team designed logos for all five names on the shortlist, plus a generic 'GC' logo for the Gold Coast Football Club.
There were two designs for each logo -- one in blue and gold colours similar to the Titans and Blaze and the other in red and yellow to follow the surf lifesaving theme.
It has been a close decision, although it is believed the colour scheme was resolved at a GC17 board meeting on Tuesday night.
When asked whether GC17 were considering going with Gold Coast FC without a specific nickname, bid team member Graeme Downie said: "I can't give you any detailed information obviously as it has to be a grand presentation on the night."
"But Gold Coasters won't be disappointed because we are taking into account what they recommended."
GC17 bid team manager Scott Munn yesterday would neither confirm nor deny the name of the team.
"We are still working on a few things," he said.
"I am not going to go through the whole process in where we are at with names.
"At the end of the day, all is going to be revealed next week on Thursday night and we are working towards it."
It has been a strong month for GC17, with the bid team signing up Guy McKenna as coach and Scott Clayton as recruitment and list manager in the past few weeks.
GC17 has signed up close to 30,000 supporters, are on the verge of registering their 100th business supporter and are virtually assured of securing the AFL's 17th national licence in October
Mr Crow!
28 Aug 2008, 07:35
This is one of the worst mistakes that they could make.
Shinboner Schem
28 Aug 2008, 08:32
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Cork_coaster.jpg/800px-Cork_coaster.jpg
Subprime
28 Aug 2008, 09:09
How will West Coast feel? After all they've been informally known as the coasters for 20 years. Maybe they'll take the opportunity to change their name to North Perth.
Could be good, could be bad.
I'm guessing bad.
The good could come from a mascot naturally evolving, like the traditional teams. I reckon this is a better way to go than having a marketing firm come up with a name.
However, if they don't want a mascot, then they should not have one. **** the docker clone off.
I hope they chose red and yellow.
I reckon they will probably end up being called the Marlins/Sharks anyway, if only 'informally' like the dockers.
Demonoid
28 Aug 2008, 10:03
I think this is a good decision. Whats wrong with Gold Coast Football Club? A team does not become any more or less successful by having a nickname. The fans can come up with one anyway, and I am guessing it will be the Sharks. Not officially of course, but, like Fremantle and the Dockers, the fans, players, media etc might still use it.
krusden
28 Aug 2008, 11:46
Coast' just as good as goldNick Smart
virtually assured of securing the AFL's 17th national licence in October
Think the journo's got his head in the sand with the phrase "virtually" there! Definitely, positively, 110% & rubber-stamped!
However the lack of a nickname IS a bit of a departure. Not that it's all bad, it'll just a bit boring.
Ice-Wolf
28 Aug 2008, 11:56
Think the journo's got his head in the sand with the phrase "virtually" there! Definitely, positively, 110% & rubber-stamped!
However the lack of a nickname IS a bit of a departure. Not that it's all bad, it'll just a bit boring.
What like Melbourne Footbal Club, St Kilda Football Club, Collingwood Football Club, Essendon Football Club ect.
They should just call the club Gold Coast Football Club but still choose a mascot.
Father Jack
28 Aug 2008, 11:59
A good idea I reckon, it may even give the club the chance to develop its own nickname over time.
Mr Eagle
28 Aug 2008, 12:11
Risky. It could work in their favour, but conventional wisdom would say no.
A good idea I reckon, it may even give the club the chance to develop its own nickname over time.
It forces people to refer to them as the Goldcoast Football club and not the Marlins so it re-inforces that they represent the Goldcoast and they represent football not just a team called they Marlins etc , Also what is soccer going to do ? There can't be two Goaldcoast football clubs , they'll have to be the GC soccer club :cool:
estibador
28 Aug 2008, 12:25
I wouldn't say it's even a first in the AFL. Our name is the Fremantle Football Club and like Demenoid says 'Dockers' is just an unofficial nickname that we can't even use on our merchandise.
In fact, besides the West Coast Eagles, aren't most clubs officially known as the XXXX Football Club?
Ice-Wolf
28 Aug 2008, 12:31
I wouldn't say it's even a first in the AFL. Our name is the Fremantle Football Club and like Demenoid says 'Dockers' is just an unofficial nickname that we can't even use on our merchandise.
In fact, besides the West Coast Eagles, aren't most clubs officially known as the XXXX Football Club?
yep, off the top of my head,
St Kilda FC
Collingwood FC
Essendon FC
Melbourne FC
Footscray FC
South Melbourne FC
North Melbourne FC
Geelong FC
Fitzroy FC now Brisbane Bears Fitzroy Football Club in AFL.
I think only West Coast and Brisbane are the exceptions with the mascot in the club name.
As far as im concerned the new clubs should just be Gold Coast FC and Western/West Sydney FC, with mascots chosen but not part of the clubs name.
I submitted this as a suggestion on the GC17 website, including using coasters as an unofficial name until something naturally developed.
My justification was that club culture comes from stories such as the black cat running on the park at Corio and Checker Hughes imploring his players to be like Demons, rather than having a name shoved down our throats by the same marketing types which created the Dockers and the Power.
Surprised that they actually have considered it but really hope that they go through with it.
WTF!! How crap!! :mad:
Why have a shortlist for?
We need a name.
What's with the gay mascot.
Bad move by the bid team, they will fall in short time. What a pity!
Where do i sign up for a Titans Membership?
estibador
28 Aug 2008, 13:05
What's with the gay mascot.
Are there any mascots that aren't completely lame?
They're just grown men dressed (mostly) in big animal costumes to entertain the kids. It's a very minor part of a footy club, who really cares what they look like?
Mr Eagle
28 Aug 2008, 13:12
In fact, besides the West Coast Eagles, aren't most clubs officially known as the XXXX Football Club?
There's a distinction between not having a nickname in your official business name and not having one at all (or in this case, having a rather vague one).
I don't think us being the West Coast Football Club would make any difference... not having the Eagle nickname would have made building the brand much harder in the early days.
Salad dodger
28 Aug 2008, 15:44
I think they are on the right track, I would prefer as I have stated before that it be called Gold Coast United, it is a reflection of the large area that makes up the coast from Coolangatta through to Hope island United behind one club.
GCFC is good and would make a good logo on the front of the jumper similar to Carltons with one letter overlaying the next, sure beats the Marlins (stinker).
As for the question of a mascot it doesnt seem to hurt the PL teams, I mean does Man U even have a mascot????? and they seem to have the odd supporter or two.
Subprime
28 Aug 2008, 15:49
I think they are on the right track, I would prefer as I have stated before that it be called Gold Coast United, it is a reflection of the large area that makes up the coast from Coolangatta through to Hope island United behind one club.
GCFC is good and would make a good logo on the front of the jumper similar to Carltons with one letter overlaying the next, sure beats the Marlins (stinker).
As for the question of a mascot it doesnt seem to hurt the PL teams, I mean does Man U even have a mascot????? and they seem to have the odd supporter or two.
Red devils I think
PumpyChowdown
28 Aug 2008, 15:58
Please, for the love of God, NOT Gold Coast United.
Sounds like a wannabe soccer team.
Nothing wrong with a cheesy mascot/nickname like the Marlins or the Stingrays, as it's in line with the "traditional" teams.
Don't like the idea of not having a nickname for the Gold Coast. As a start up in a non-traditional area, they need something to market themselves. I wouldn't be opposed to not nicknaming a club in an area like Tassie though.
Salad dodger
28 Aug 2008, 16:04
Please, for the love of God, NOT Gold Coast United.
Sounds like a wannabe soccer team.
Nothing wrong with a cheesy mascot/nickname like the Marlins or the Stingrays, as it's in line with the "traditional" teams.
Don't like the idea of not having a nickname for the Gold Coast. As a start up in a non-traditional area, they need something to market themselves. I wouldn't be opposed to not nicknaming a club in an area like Tassie though.
Wouldn't that make your BLUEs non traditional, I mean what the %^$# is a BLUE ;)
Clearly whatever it ends up being there will be unhappy people.
Gold Coast have the perfect opportunity to create a brilliant new identity, an opportunity that has not been seen in the AFL in nearly 15 years. No nickname = no identity!
MightyFighting
28 Aug 2008, 17:51
yep, off the top of my head,
St Kilda FC
Collingwood FC
Essendon FC
Melbourne FC
Footscray FC
South Melbourne FC
North Melbourne FC
Geelong FC
Fitzroy FC now Brisbane Bears Fitzroy Football Club in AFL.
I think only West Coast and Brisbane are the exceptions with the mascot in the club name.
As far as im concerned the new clubs should just be Gold Coast FC and Western/West Sydney FC, with mascots chosen but not part of the clubs name.Sydney's offical name is actually Sydney Swans Ltd.. They must be the only one not to have "Football Club" in their name.
MightyFighting
28 Aug 2008, 17:54
...
The good could come from a mascot naturally evolving, like the traditional teams. I reckon this is a better way to go than having a marketing firm come up with a name.
...It worked for the Tasmanian Devils. When they entered the VFL, they had no nickname. The Devils dame was adopted pretty much by acclamation.
Maybe Peel Thunder, Freo and Port Adelaide sould have tried that.
Sydney's offical name is actually Sydney Swans Ltd.. They must be the only one not to have "Football Club" in their name.
Funnily enough, they used to be the Sydney Australian Football Club Ltd. No idea why they changed it.
Alright, i vented earlier and feel better!
As for the name united, the new A-League team just announced will be called Gold Coast United.
I support Freo who are just Fremantle FC so i guess having the Gold Coast FC as a local team won't be so bad.
I was thinking that they may still have a Marlin logo (drop the gay surf dude) and still be called the GC FC. I guess that could work but just no gay surf guy.
Freo have a mascot with a surf board surely GC can be original.
Actually come to think of it, they could have a Shark logo and be called the GC FC. Now, that could work!!
Professor Knowall
28 Aug 2008, 21:42
Please, for the love of God, NOT Gold Coast United.
Sounds like a wannabe soccer team. ...
Funny you should say that - http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24253998-11088,00.html
Gold Coast United to join national soccer's A-League
Back on topic - Methinks it a good thing the AFL got the 'Gold Coast Football Club' and 'Gold Coast FC' officially registered. The nickname, whatever it may be, is merely secondary.
MightyFighting
29 Aug 2008, 15:20
This also means they can't have a cartoon animal on their jumper.
The Filth Wizard
29 Aug 2008, 15:59
So GC17 will have a surfer as the mascot and the 'Gold Coast Surfers' didn't make the shortlist?
Old Den
29 Aug 2008, 16:07
They can't have blue and gold - the West Coast will scream blue murder about their heritage being usurped - wait a minute...why not have one rule for the established ones and another for the blow ins?
I see that Searle has his welcome badge on, saying what is Gold Coast and what is not.
Gold Coast Bulletin 29/8/08
THE city's existing national sporting teams have raised their eyebrows, but fell short of condemning GC17, over a planned move to call the new AFL team The Gold Coast Football Club.
The Aussie rules entity, which is likely to enter the competition in 2011, would therefore be referred to as Gold Coast, without a nickname.
The Titans (NRL), Blaze (NBL) and United (A-League) all have separate 'mascot' names to differentiate themselves from each other.
Although GC17 will not officially announce the club name and colours until next Thursday night there are strong indications the bid team has opted for the 'Gold Coast' brand.
In an ever increasing game of one-upmanship, this name is also seen as an attempt by the AFL push to be considered as 'the' national code of the Gold Coast. However, the other sports were not biting yesterday.
Titans managing director Michael Searle said he was not too concerned about what the Gold Coast Aussie rules franchise inevitably called itself but admitted he was puzzled by the bid team's latest move.
(http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/08/29/15682_gold-coast-afl.html#comment)
"It is a very Victorian decision," he said.
"It has a very southern feel about it and doesn't really seem to represent the Gold Coast".
"I don't think it differentiates them enough from the other franchises or clubs on the Gold Coast and I think that is dangerous."
Gold Coast Blaze owner Owen Tomlinson also failed to react to the AFL bait.
"My first reaction was 'they couldn't come up with a name'," he said.
"I am not trying to be critical at all, but for them to think they are 'the' Gold Coast club, it is a bit presumptuous. But I wish them all the luck in the world and I hope they succeed."
Tomlinson admitted the Blaze actually considered calling themselves The Gold Coast Basketball Club at one stage.
Although they decided against it, Tomlinson said the club understood how time-consuming and difficult the naming process could be.
"At the end of the day, we are a Coast team like they are a Coast team.
"We are not 'the' Coast team and neither are they, even though they are just coming in.
"I can't be critical because if their motive is to push the Gold Coast, how can you be critical?
"But if their motive is they couldn't come up with a decent name, I feel sorry for them."
Clive Mensink, CEO of newly anointed A-League entity Gold Coast United, was indifferent to the AFL following the same thought processes.
"We have United (at the back end of the name) and that's instantly recognisable worldwide as a football label.
"We don't have any argument with the AFL, after all they too are on the Coast and you can't get away from that. You have to be realistic about these things.
"They have to make their decisions."
peas_and_corn
29 Aug 2008, 18:22
Yep, I forgot how reflective of the Gold Coast a 'Titan' is...
You'd think Searle would be more concerned about his team's dwindling crowds than laying into anyone else.
What a fat **** he is. 'Very Victorian?' Honestly, does he eat shit in the morning so he can regurgitate it later on that day?
KingsCrow
29 Aug 2008, 19:53
FFS. Just be called the Gold Coast Football Club and have a shark as your mascot.
Its not that ****ing hard. Its a good mascot and a good name. Enough with the pissy fish and the homo lifeguards.
****. Its not that hard.
Porthos
29 Aug 2008, 20:03
Its better if they don't have a nickname, so no-one loses out when they eventually merge and become Gold Coast Demons.
FootyJunkie
30 Aug 2008, 01:42
Its better if they don't have a nickname, so no-one loses out when they eventually merge and become Gold Coast Demons.
This new club will have $$$ behind it, but will be hollow, no soul....the creamy filling to come from a dead carcass from Victoria. Makes the a potential merger in the future no big deal on the Queensland front...they don't even have a nickname, until a merger.
Very sneaky indeed.
Aside from that, a red and yellow combination would look great on a jumper with GCFC monogram...bit like the SFC Shepparton jumper on the Toyota ads.
Mr Crow!
1 Sep 2008, 09:54
I still can't believe that this club won't have a nickname ... I hope that these reports prove to be unfounded.
Why put out a short-list of names, if you are not going to choose anything?
They'll have a name, the name Adelaide Football Club was registered by the SANFL years before it's entry into the AFL. The same will happen with GCFC, they'll get to it.
There are more important thangs to concern themselves with before they settle with names, colours etc.
FFS. Just be called the Gold Coast Football Club and have a shark as your mascot.
Its not that ****ing hard. Its a good mascot and a good name. Enough with the pissy fish and the homo lifeguards.
I agree.
But a shark is a fish :D
i dont know, i think the coasters is fine for the time being.
as said before, wait for something to come up itself. let the fans choose it themselves
Mr Crow!
1 Sep 2008, 12:37
They should be sponsored by XXXX, and be called the Gold Coast Goldies.
At least something!!!
http://i33.tinypic.com/20a2rmb.jpg
I'd play on the name, Sharks is too close to Southport (who will undoubtedly jump up and down) but the image is good. Bull Sharks are prolific up there, I'd go with Bulls
SwampCreature
1 Sep 2008, 14:21
http://i33.tinypic.com/20a2rmb.jpg
I'd play on the name, Sharks is too close to Southport (who will undoubtedly jump up and down) but the image is good. Bull Sharks are prolific up there, I'd go with Bulls
Queensland Cricket own the trademark
PDJohnson
1 Sep 2008, 19:33
THE GC17 bid team is set to axe the shortlist of club names and simply call the city's fledgling AFL team The Gold Coast Football Club.
However, The Gold Coast Bulletin understands the bid team, and especially GC17 leader John Witheriff, is of the opinion there is merit in just calling the team 'Gold Coast' to distinguish themselves from the Titans, Blaze and the incoming A-League team as 'the' football club of the city.
The team will be simply known as the Gold Coast, the Coast or affectionately as the Coasters.
There will still be a mascot designed, which is set to be similar to the Fremantle Dockers mascot -- which is of a blonde-haired surfer with a surfboard under one arm.
As they have for all five shortlisted names -- the Marlins, Stingrays, Ironmen, Guards and the Rays -- the AFL has already registered both the Gold Coast Football Club and Gold Coast FC as a public company.
The bid team has always said it may go with an option other than the five on the shortlist, and it appears Gold Coast FC is that option.
There were two designs for each logo -- one in blue and gold colours similar to the Titans and Blaze and the other in red and yellow to follow the surf lifesaving theme.
This is without doubt the most moronic suggestion I've ever heard!
1 - No mascot hey? What about the kids - what are they going to feature on caps, T-shirts, etc. There goes the merchandice sales for a start! And a nice middle finger to all those that participated in the naming contests / suggestions.
2- Distinguish themselves from other sports hey? They (Titans, Blaze, United, etc) are ALL called Gold Coast!! The only thing that distingushes them from each other is the bloody mascots!!
3 - Blue and Gold colours hey? - how original - West Coast will love that, let alone the term 'Coasters'! Any other modern sports franchise would include orange or bronze, something original, but these lot are are onto blue & gold - I can't believe this information.
I'm still upset about this! I reckon this is so selfish of the GC17 bid team.
I can't believe they want to go with a surf guy as an image. For crying out loud who in their right mind would wear merchandise sporting an ironman!! :mad: Pretty gay IMO.
Why not use Marlins or Stingrays?
Why would they ignore their supporters suggestions from day 1.
Very, very, very Big mistake by the bidteam and i hope they change their minds by Thursday night!!
We need a Mascot, we need a name!!
I have also noticed that on the GC17 website they have not updated the "Have your say" message board for almost a week now.
I bet GC17 know they are in the wrong! Why are they ignoring their inaugral supporters? Shame GC17!! :(
hot_pies81
1 Sep 2008, 22:31
I have been excited about this venture ever since it was announced. I rallied supporters, created a Facebook supporters group, posted messages and participated in surveys on the GC17 site, and even went to Nth Melbourne games for Christssake to show how much we want his on the coast, and then this slap in the face. All this bullshit about creating a "statement" by just calling them "the Gold Coast" is just that - BULLSHIT! When the crowds for the AFL games consistently exceed that of the Titans NRL games on the same weekend, that will be enough of a statement. Bring on the Stingrays or Marlins (something please!) just don't go calling them "The Gold Coast". How Boring! SAY NO TO THE GAY SURFER!!
Below are the so called GC17 Values!! What a load of Bullshit!!
Does that say engage the local AFL community!!
Does point 6 say proudly GC. These guys are full of it!! :mad:
They chose the gay Surfer, they chose the No Name brand :mad:
Boooooooooo!!!!!!! You lied to us GC17!!!!!
The following 6 values are what all stakeholders will stand for throughout this process and beyond:
1. Engage the local AFL community
2. Engage the broader community, making our journey open to everyone
3. Innovative and progressive
4. Compliment and contribute to the development of the Gold Coast sporting community
5. To adhere to the traditional values of other great sporting Clubs.
6. Proudly GC!
This is without doubt the most moronic suggestion I've ever heard!
1 - No mascot hey? What about the kids - what are they going to feature on caps, T-shirts, etc. There goes the merchandice sales for a start! And a nice middle finger to all those that participated in the naming contests / suggestions.
2- Distinguish themselves from other sports hey? They (Titans, Blaze, United, etc) are ALL called Gold Coast!! The only thing that distingushes them from each other is the bloody mascots!!
3 - Blue and Gold colours hey? - how original - West Coast will love that, let alone the term 'Coasters'! Any other modern sports franchise would include orange or bronze, something original, but these lot are are onto blue & gold - I can't believe this information.
Well summarised. It smacks of a very wimpy decision if you ask me. It's like GC17 don't want to make a decision because they don't want to upset anyone with their choice of name - Marlins, Stingrays etc.
It's like they're playing it safe and trying to please everyone, but by going with just "Gold Coast" they end up pleasing no one.
I have to admit though, a lot of the names that have commonly been suggested for GC17 don't inspire me very much. Surely people can come up with something better.
I'm also of the view that sometimes you can consult with the community too much about these things. I remember when Port Adelaide and Fremantle both started up, both those clubs made their decisions, Dockers and Power respectively, without either being the most supported by the community. But soon enough the public gets on board.
Personally, I think they should choose their colours first and then go with a nickname that fits with it.