View Full Version : The Melbourne based cheersquad.
campbell
3 Nov 2002, 08:35
On another post, I said why we were not members of the club last year, because of the abuse we received at the Essendon GF. I was wondering if we were the only ones that had a problem that week or did others have problems.
We had a Melbourne based membership with a cheersquad membership as well. We were told at least 3 times during the year and in GF week when we rang the club and the person they directed us to, that we were not welcome to make the banners. The kids were so disappointed.Apparently it was explained by this person, they have all the people they need, so no one else is allowed to participate.Strange system that one.
We also had problems accessing the tickets for the GF. The person in Melbourne wouldnt let us pay for them up in Brisbane where we had relocated. We are the one club, which totally escaped her. She wouldnt even let me know if we had the tickets.My sister could pay for hers and get hers at the club in Melbourne, but us 3 had to be stuffed about big time.We couldnt even go to the club and get them when we got to Melbourne, we were made go to the Centra to pick them up on the Friday. It was so stressful, driving to Melbourne, not knowing if we had the tickets or not.
The persons manner was unfortunate.She told us we should be thankful that we might get tickets, that because we had not made banners and participated during the year, tecnically we were not supposed to get tickets.
Now how can you help out when this same person has told you repeatedly that you are not welcome.Also when the club doesnt inform you of cheersquad stuff.When you have to ring them, and be given this persons name, who just is plain rude. It was so bad.
Then on GF day, she was walking up the aisle and came up to our group and had a go at us.Saying she was the President, and that we shouldnt be sitting in those seats etc etc. When I showed our families memberships to her, she didnt even apologise to us. I was so angry.
My sister rang the club last week and asked about memberships for next year and was directed to this person again. She rang gingerly hoping that things may have changed. Alas, voila a mouthful was given to my sister.Did you know that no new people are allowed to join the cheersquad next year.This years members only.
Now how can the club prosper with this occuring.I thought we were trying to encourage new members.Not say you can't be members.
I just hope that when it comes time, that this person is not in charge of the cheersquad and things change bigtime. Needless to say my sister is not even taking out a club membership, because she was abused by this lady.
We will be joining in Brisbane this year. We had a ball in the finals in the cheersquad area. Thanks to Rory and Danni for that.
Mr Ripper
3 Nov 2002, 11:53
Geez, the Vic based cheer squad hierarchy being difficult to get along with...now there's a new one. :rolleyes:
Just stick with us good and solid citizens in the Bris squad, Gayle.
Sounds like she and Joffa should get together. A match made in heaven. There's a saying about it being unwise to give some people power over anything.
Cheersquads are all the same. A few people like their egos to be patted and it makes them feel good. I hate them because of their stupid rules - no drinking and no swearing (can't smoke anyway now).
At the Crows v Lions game this year I got asked out of the crowd (I was one of the first in so was easy to pick in Lions gear) to help hold Aka's 150th banner. Even though we eventually lost the game, it was the highlight of my year. Not a Brisbanite, I have been content to follow the Bears/Lions from afar. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to get so close to my hero's and found the members of the Squad very pleasant and genuinely appreciative of the help. It is nice to meet fellow Lion supporters when living interstate, especially the cute short girl who seemed to be running things. An Nth QLD’er, I find it ironic that I see more of my team here in Adelaide than I did at home. In Adelaide, there is plenty of room for all us SA Lions and as an Armchair Member, I get my tickets in the mail. I may only get to see them live, once or twice a year, but at least I know there are good people back in God’s Country, ensuring that our team can run onto the field with pride every week.
re. Vic Banner making - I remember a note in a Lions Vic Member Newsletter send out saying they required help on the Thurs night prior to Vic games for making the banners, and gave a number to call. The catch was you had to be a Vic based cheersquad member from memory...
sisterka
4 Nov 2002, 11:32
i joined the melbourne-based cheersquad last year, after being
a fringe dweller for a while before that.
i have not had any problems with any cheersquad member from
the president down to the footsoldiers & was surprised to find
that others had.
i had a fantastic time sitting with other like minded Lion fanatics
& intend to continue next season.
perhaps unfortunately you got off on the wrong foot?
roostersgal4eva
4 Nov 2002, 12:25
Originally posted by ian68
At the Crows v Lions game this year I got asked out of the crowd (I was one of the first in so was easy to pick in Lions gear) to help hold Aka's 150th banner. Even though we eventually lost the game, it was the highlight of my year. Not a Brisbanite, I have been content to follow the Bears/Lions from afar. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to get so close to my hero's and found the members of the Squad very pleasant and genuinely appreciative of the help. It is nice to meet fellow Lion supporters when living interstate, especially the cute short girl who seemed to be running things. An Nth QLD’er, I find it ironic that I see more of my team here in Adelaide than I did at home. In Adelaide, there is plenty of room for all us SA Lions and as an Armchair Member, I get my tickets in the mail. I may only get to see them live, once or twice a year, but at least I know there are good people back in God’s Country, ensuring that our team can run onto the field with pride every week.
is there a lons cheersquad in adelaide???????
Originally posted by roostersgal4eva
is there a lons cheersquad in adelaide???????
You know what roostergals4eva, I don't think we do have a supporter group in Adelaide.
We have the Lions c/squad in Brisbane.
A Victorian based c/squad in Melbourne.
A supporter group in WA/Perth
But I don't think we have any in Adelaide?
roostersgal4eva
4 Nov 2002, 12:28
isnt about time we did!
Originally posted by roostersgal4eva
isnt about time we did!
I think it certainly is!
Maybe you should investigate starting an official supporter group there? Yourself and Ian perhaps?
roostersgal4eva
4 Nov 2002, 12:33
Originally posted by Danni
I think it certainly is!
Maybe you should investigate starting an official supporter group there? Yourself and Ian perhaps?
i'll get on it - i need some ideas though
Originally posted by roostersgal4eva
i'll get on it - i need some ideas though
Maybe contacting the Lions to get the contact details of the WA supporter group? And then ask them how they got started, what worked/what didn't work etc?
roostersgal4eva
4 Nov 2002, 12:49
Originally posted by Danni
Maybe contacting the Lions to get the contact details of the WA supporter group? And then ask them how they got started, what worked/what didn't work etc?
thank you danni - cant do it today cause im at tafe but ill get onto it by the end of the week
as for the topic itself.
I think it is out of context to blame the person 'incharge' down there and lay all of it at her feet.
In reality the Cheersquad membership base in both Qld and Victoria has grown 4 fold in the last 3 - 4 years, with it more than doubling after the 2001 premiership. Yes, Change does has to happen. No it isn't an easy thing to do. There were more than a few occassions this year that I was ready to give up and say 'well do things the old way that worked for 40 ppl, and let the new 160 ppl membership base just fall over' . But you can't. You certainly can learn from the old ways and adapt them to make the new ways, but you can't just say it is all one persons fault. Trial and Error is the name of the game with such dramatic increases.
And for those of you on here from the Bris c/squad (I know there are a few of you), and any one else interested - the 2002 numbers of participation were fantastic. I just submitted the report to the club on Friday, and the number of ppl that contributed on a regular basis in many areas (not just banner making) was better than we could have imagined.
Being a c/squad member isn't just about sitting behind the goals and waving a flag, or making the banners, or selling raffle tickets, or any number of other things.
It is just a group of ppl who want to, and can, do things to support their club and participate in club activities.
And a big huge kudos to all those that take the time to do. Not they probably need the kudos anyway, I think from expierence, the friendships and bonds made between ppl that participate in these activities is a pretty big reward in itself.
BrisGirl
4 Nov 2002, 13:31
Loved every minute I have been involved.......
The "Armchair Membership" is a good option for SA fans. Originally intended for Nth Qld'ers and the like, it offers full membership without Gabba tickets. That means team poster, yearbook, newsletters, discounts, etc and if you want to go to any game, it is just a matter of contacting the club a few weeks earlier and they arrange it. In the case of Adelaide they generally get a block, however small it maybe, right behind the cheersquad.
keatings_gal
4 Nov 2002, 19:43
yeah i love it all...
well most of it...
tapestry
5 Nov 2002, 07:58
Last year we ventured down to Melbourne for the Pies match at Colonial. We were sitting near the cheersquad. Oi, what an eye opener that was. I felt sorry for some people on the night. There was a huge blew, not physical.These people were getting evicted from Colonial, they had been sitting quietly, then these ladies came up to them, and told them to get out of the cheersquad area.They were a wee bit upset.They showed cards to them, and apparently were members of the cheersquad. It was awful to watch. These guys were so upset, one was a little old lady. I don't know why they were evicted, but it wasn't for drinking or anything.
Later on during the match we wanted to move, but because it was a sellout we couldnt. The behavour of some in that area was shameful. It was embarrassing to be a Lions member that night. It was like feeding time at the zoo, I don't know who was worse them or the Collinwood goons. Oi.
When we went down for the big match, we made sure we were not seated near any of the goals, in case we sat near them, and they ruined another match for us.
Were do the cheersquad sit in Brisbane.
cjwalkley
5 Nov 2002, 13:02
Roostersgal4eva,
Check out the Rosemount Hotel in Adelaide. They are a member and sponsor of the Lionhunters coterie in Melbourne, and would be a very accomodating venue for any meetings etc. I think Rod Rose is the name of the manager. Good luck if you guys get something organised!
allystar
5 Nov 2002, 22:12
In response to the accusations made about the Melbourne based cheersquad, at no time have we ever told people they are not welcome at banner. We do have a limit on the amount that may attend banner making because the factory that we make it in, (which is kindly donated to us) has an insurance clause for a certain number. The only thing we do ask, is that people do not bring young children with them because there is alot of machinery in the factory and for safety reasons and security reasons this is why we prefer young children not to be there. As for the point about no new members, this is the first we have heard about it, and to our knowledge no new memberships are refused. If this were to be the case that is the clubs decisions, not the cheersquads. As for last years G.F. against Essendon, the club makes the rules on how and where tickets are paid for and collected. If you lived in Melbourne you paid for them at the Manningham Club and picked them up from there, if you were in Brisbane you paid for them up them and picked them up from which ever hotel the club designated. Once again not a cheersquad thing, but a club thing. The same applies down here in Melbourne, when we have attended games in SA we have to book and pay for our tickets through Brisbane,. which they then send to us by express post. Once again a club thing. As for the rules of the cheersquads eg drinking swearing etc, these rules are made the AFL not the clubs nor the cheersquads. At every game a representative from the AFL sits near the cheersquads and watches to make sure all rules are enforced. If they are not the club receives a fine which can vary from $500.00 upwards. Finally, as to the point about whoever ringing the President of the Melb based cheersquad in the past couples of weeks, don't know how they could have done this, because since the G.F. she has been away and uncontactable.
tapestry
6 Nov 2002, 06:47
So you are calling me a liar. I saw with my own eyes people being evicted at the Collingwood match. I heard what was said by the President of the cheersquad, and let me tell you it was very unpleasant.These people were members of the club and cheersquad.It left and unpleasant taste in ones mouth.It was not nice to witness.
My brother and his family rang the club just last week and were given a ladies phone number, who could help them with joining the cheersquad. This person told them that no new memberships were available this year. The club gave her number for memberships, so I doubt its a club decision.
Originally posted by allystar
As for the rules of the cheersquads eg drinking swearing etc, these rules are made the AFL not the clubs nor the cheersquads. At every game a representative from the AFL sits near the cheersquads and watches to make sure all rules are enforced. If they are not the club receives a fine which can vary from $500.00 upwards.
Proves what I've always thought about the AFL.
1. The are only interested in money and that is why they fine clubs and players at every opportunity.
2. They are sanatising the game that I like(formally loved), by removing any show of expression and enjoyment whilst at the game.
What do they want a tennis or golf crowd.
blackys_chick20
7 Nov 2002, 20:54
i dont think she was calling u a liar.... but just making a statement from the cheersquad's point of view.
I am a member of the vic based cheersquad and i havent as yet had any problems with them.
I also attened the banner makings (WHICH WERE CLEARLY STATED IN THE NEWSLETTER!) and i think the rules are fair as there is alot of machinery and dangerous stuff there.
As for the other people on here continuously bagging the cheersquad.. give em a fair go... they're trying really hard and i think they're doing a pretty damn good job... including with the GF tickets when there was over 500 members(both brissie and melb) but only 245 seats.... hence why the CLUB did a ballot which had nothing to do with the cheersquads....
well i know ill be joining again!
KEEP IT UP GUYS!
keatings_gal
7 Nov 2002, 22:19
good onya Blacky's chick.....
true true..
i have only been to a game in Melbourne twice... & they were the most important but i have been met with nothing less than open arms & houses & breakfasts both times........
LETS DO THIS AS A TEAM!!!
campbell
8 Nov 2002, 12:01
In 2001 when we were Melbourne members and cheersquad members, we did not receive any newsletters from the cheersquad or club. Maybe things have changed.My sister who has a disability rang re seats for Geelong, was allocated the seats by the club. When she went to the match, sat in her reserved seat in the cheersquad area, she was spoken to by the lady in charge. She was told she could not sit there, my sister was getting upset, as she had all the relevant tickets etc. If it wasn't for a lovely lady who knew my sister, Shirley was her name, who came up and told this other person to leave my sister alone. My sister would have been in all sorts of trouble.This was the same person who said we could not attend banner making, even though we have had years of banner making experience in the past. We even have a letter of thanks from the club. As for the GF allocation, in 2001 the club had more cheersquad tickets available than they had members, that changed this last season.In 2001 sitting around us were Essendon people who were in the cheersquad seats.They said they had bought them at ticketmaster.So the club had vacant seats available for cheersqud members.
There is obviously some problems with the cheersquad in Melbourne. Do you guys have an election, meetings etc. Up here at the banners we have been to, there are heaps of people making the banners, everyone is welcome.The children are the furutre of the cheersqaud and club. All should be welcome to learn and help. Insurance is a cop out. If they can do it in Brisbane then it can be done in Melbourne.
One thing I can't figure out, and never have mind you, is why its 2 separate entitiies. It should be one cheersquad, as we are one club. Have 2 cordinators responsible to the appropriate department at the club in Brisbane.
blackys_chick20
8 Nov 2002, 20:00
The reason there were essendon people sitting there was because that wasnt allocated to the cheersquad... the AFL kept those seats... the same with most of the seating at the Melb games we only get allocated a certain amount by the AFL... so its not the cheersquads fault nor the club's fault for this arrangement... and the reason why this person has to check the tickets is because sometimes people dont buy their seats they just turn up and presume they have a seat... and for the geelong game the AFL allocated 2 areas for the cheersquad( again "this person" checking the tickets) and i sat with shirley for that game and at no time did she tell the president to leave anyone alone... they c/s had no hassles that day what so ever with any of the seating (apart from some geelong supporters)
They also didnt say U COULD NOT ATTEND BANNER MAKING just stating the rules... as this factory was kindly donated to us, as we had nowhere else to make banner.
nor at any stage has "this person" told anyone u cannot rejoin the cheersquad, THE MEMBERSHIPS HAVENT EVEN BEEN SENT OUT FOR THAT YET!!!!
ive heard em say pleanty of times 'the more the merrier' so i dont see what ur problem is with them!
regarding the "more tickets than cheersquad members"
that is because we didnt have as many cheersquad members as we had this year... and we also had to divide it up with the brisbane based c/s.
keatings_gal
8 Nov 2002, 20:49
& u think there isnt problems with the brisbane c/s??????????
Ok I think this one has gone about as far as it can without getting way out of hand.
The thing to remember here is that regardless of if you a c/squad member in Brisbane or in Melbourne, everyone is simply part of the Brisbane Lions Cheersquad.
Massive jumps in membership that saw it double in the last couple of years means alot of changes.
As I said before alot of those changes are trial and error and it will easily be another year before everything is all worked out in ways that cope the best for the number of members.
I'd strongly urge that if you have any more concerns on this issue that you send them to club. The appropriate contacts can be found on the 'contacts' page at www.lions.com.au
Cheers
D.