blackdiamond
18 May 2003, 17:46
courtesy of www.portadelaidefc.com.au
Williams rapt with loyal crowd
http://portadelaidefc.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/article/092769aa.jpg
Power coach Mark Williams heaped praise on the 24,702 people who braved terrible conditions to witness the Power’s big win over the Kangaroos on Saturday afternoon at AAMI Stadium. Williams said the crowd figure showed the club had a core group of loyal fans that surpassed many other AFL clubs.
Heavy showers all morning in Adelaide, a stiff breeze and a maximum temperature of 19 degrees made football watching less than inviting. This was coupled with an irregular Saturday afternoon fixture. Fans sat through a very heavy shower just before the first bounce and intermittent rain throughout the game.
Without prompting, Williams made special mention of the respectable crowd figure in his post-match media conference.
“Before I go, I’d like to thank all the 24 or 25 thousand people who came. We really appreciate our supporters and we know those conditions aren’t easy to be in,” Williams said.
“Last week (against Melbourne at the MCG) we played in front of 12,000 people and it just shows the loyalty of our people is just outstanding and we really appreciate what they do.”
While the Power has at times come under criticism for its crowd numbers, Williams said the club was pleased to see that there were around 25,000 who would come every week despite the conditions.
“I’ll be happy (for us) to play in front of 25,000 every week if they are those loyal supporters who keep coming every time. If they can bring one or two along as well that would be great,” he said.
“But it’s great to know that we have a solid bunch of 25,000 that compares really favorably with about ten of the AFL teams.”
Last round saw Melbourne draw just 12,410 to the match against the Power at the MCG. Sydney got 23,276 to the SCG for their great win over league leader the Brisbane Lions, while the Western Bulldogs only had 12,542 at the perfect conditions of the Telstra Dome for their game against Fremantle.
Williams said the Power hoped its active work with the youth of South Australia would pay dividends with its crowds in the future.
“We certainly don’t have the top pulling power but in time if we keep winning West End Showdowns and keep winning lots and lots of games, we hope the younger players come over to the dark side,” he said laughing, “if you know what I mean by that!”
Williams rapt with loyal crowd
http://portadelaidefc.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/article/092769aa.jpg
Power coach Mark Williams heaped praise on the 24,702 people who braved terrible conditions to witness the Power’s big win over the Kangaroos on Saturday afternoon at AAMI Stadium. Williams said the crowd figure showed the club had a core group of loyal fans that surpassed many other AFL clubs.
Heavy showers all morning in Adelaide, a stiff breeze and a maximum temperature of 19 degrees made football watching less than inviting. This was coupled with an irregular Saturday afternoon fixture. Fans sat through a very heavy shower just before the first bounce and intermittent rain throughout the game.
Without prompting, Williams made special mention of the respectable crowd figure in his post-match media conference.
“Before I go, I’d like to thank all the 24 or 25 thousand people who came. We really appreciate our supporters and we know those conditions aren’t easy to be in,” Williams said.
“Last week (against Melbourne at the MCG) we played in front of 12,000 people and it just shows the loyalty of our people is just outstanding and we really appreciate what they do.”
While the Power has at times come under criticism for its crowd numbers, Williams said the club was pleased to see that there were around 25,000 who would come every week despite the conditions.
“I’ll be happy (for us) to play in front of 25,000 every week if they are those loyal supporters who keep coming every time. If they can bring one or two along as well that would be great,” he said.
“But it’s great to know that we have a solid bunch of 25,000 that compares really favorably with about ten of the AFL teams.”
Last round saw Melbourne draw just 12,410 to the match against the Power at the MCG. Sydney got 23,276 to the SCG for their great win over league leader the Brisbane Lions, while the Western Bulldogs only had 12,542 at the perfect conditions of the Telstra Dome for their game against Fremantle.
Williams said the Power hoped its active work with the youth of South Australia would pay dividends with its crowds in the future.
“We certainly don’t have the top pulling power but in time if we keep winning West End Showdowns and keep winning lots and lots of games, we hope the younger players come over to the dark side,” he said laughing, “if you know what I mean by that!”