Sunshine Coast looking to relocate a Melbourne-based club

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Matchu

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Plan being hatched for AFL shift to the Sunshine Coast
Brisbane mentor Justin Leppitsch said he would be the first man to put his hand up to coach a Sunshine Coast-based AFL team, as the sport's Queensland chief executive laid out plans yesterday to expand in the region.

AFL Queensland chief executive Michael Conlan is getting behind a move to relocate an AFL team to the Coast in the next 15 years to take advantage of the expected population boom.

He met with Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson yesterday to discuss the possibility and map out a plan to make it happen.

Mr Conlan said: "It's very important we work with the local councils to get their development and facility plans - know what commercial plans they're working on to entice corporations to relocate here and grow their businesses - so then we start our planning on where do we set up another AFL club long-term."

He said Melbourne's population would not be able to support 10 AFL teams, and the Sunshine Coast could become a viable relocation destination.

"We already have bit of vision of whether Townsville could be a possible relocation for an AFL club, but if you look at that population by 2030 Townsville's going to be around about 250,000," he said.

"By 2030 we saw some vision that the Sunshine Coast could have a population of 500,000.

"That puts it into a population the size of Tasmania, which supports six home (AFL) games."

The AFL has had a major presence on the Coast this summer, with reigning premier Hawthorn, the Brisbane Lions, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs all holding training camps in the region.

The Lions are back on the Coast this week, visiting schools as part of an Australia Post Community Camp.

"We're very committed to growing our game here on the Sunshine Coast," Mr Conlan said.

Part of the growth plan is elevating a Coast team from the QFA North competition to the state-wide QAFL - the code's third tier, below the AFL and the NEAFL.

MR CONLAN said one of the region's current QFA North clubs could step up but the state body would prefer a region-wide representative team.

"The move of having a Sunshine Coast regional team in the state league comp probably would be one we think could be the answer," he said.

Leppitsch's focus is on rebuilding the Lions into a premiership force, but he is excited by the prospect of coaching a Sunshine Coast AFL team.

The former Brisbane defender would be 55 years old in 2030 - six years younger than current Carlton mentor Mick Malthouse and much younger than the code's oldest ever coach, Frank "Checker" Hughes, who was 71 when coach of Melbourne in 1965.

"I'd actually like to coach the team if it's here," Leppitsch said.

"It would be a nice place to live and coach a team at that point. It'd be terrific for the game if we had a team up here. I don't know what's going to happen in 15, 20 years, but I'd love to see it happen."

The Lions are on the Sunshine Coast and Gympie for a few days as part of their annual community camp.
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Sunshine Coast considered as future home for AFL side
SUNSHINE Coast could be home to an AFL team in 15 years, under plans discussed by AFL Queensland's chief executive this morning.

Michael Conlan had a meeting with Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson this morning where they discussed the Coast as a potential relocation site.

He said AFL Queensland would begin working with the Council with the intention of relocating a team to the region by 2030.

"It's very important we work with the local councils to get their development and facility plans - know what commercial plans they're working on to entice corporations to relocate here and grow their businesses so then we then start our planning on where do we set up another AFL club longterm," he said.

Mr Conlan said Sunshine Coast may overtake Townsville as the state body's preferred location for a future AFL team.

"We already have bit of vision of whether Townsville could be a possible relocation for an AFL club but if you look at that population by 2030 Townsville's going to be around about 250,000," he said.

"By 2030 we saw some vision that Sunshine Coast could have a population of 500,000.

"That puts it into a population the size of Tasmania, which supports six home games."

"The Sunshine Coast from a population point of view - and there's a lot of southerners in that development - I think there's going to be a demand for more AFL content on the Coast with that growth population."

Mr Conlan said AFL's current Melbourne-centric model would not be sustainable in the future.

"I think if you look at 10 AFL clubs still based in Melbourne; it's not enough population to support 10 AFL clubs.

The AFL has had a strong presence on the Coast this preseason, with premiers Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs holding training camps across the region.

The Lions are back on the Coast this week, visiting schools as part of an Australia Post Community Camp.

"We've brought five AFL clubs into the Sunshine Coast region in the last 60 days," he said.

"We're very committed to grow our game here on the Sunshine Coast. "I think the AFL has clearly demonstrated that by showing our commitment to the region and by bringing the clubs in here to really get out into the community."
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Sunshine Coast right on the mark for AFL clubs
Wonderful weather, fantastic facilities and THOSE beautiful beaches. It's a combination that looks likely to keep AFL clubs coming back to the Sunshine Coast for many pre-seasons to come.

The Western Bulldogs wound up their training camp today and headed home with their team photo printed on a surfboard and bags full of fond experiences from their nine days on the Coast.

"We noticed in Melbourne it was 14 degrees and raining. It's nice to be on the Sunshine Coast. We had a good bit of heat for the guys and I think they responded well," Bulldogs High Performance Manager Justin Cordy said.

The Bulldogs were one of three AFL clubs to accept an invitation from Sunshine Coast Council to head north and spend a portion of their pre-season at the Maroochydore Multi-Sports Facility.

Defending premiers Hawthorn hit the Coast in early December.

It was their fourth consecutive pre-season sojourn here and star midfielder Sam Mitchell said there were good reasons why the club kept coming back.

"Really good training facilities and the climate is great," Sam said.

The Melbourne Demons also found heaven on the Sunshine Coast. The club's High Performance Manager Dave Mission said our region ticked all the right boxes during their 11-day training camp.

"I think it's been outstanding, from the facilities that have been made available to us, right through to the weather conditions, which were what we were looking for," Dave said.

"The place we stayed at was great but probably the most important thing was the ability to get the work done that was needed.

"We banged about 80km into the boys in about 10 days which was really solid and exactly what we wanted – in fact it was probably more than we expected."

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O'Pray said the presence of major sporting clubs on coast would only strengthen its reputation as Australia's major regional sporting capital.

"To have three more AFL clubs spend a combined total of more than a month here is absolutely tremendous from a sporting and business perspective," Cr O'Pray said.

"These clubs travel up here with around 75 players, coaches, trainers and officials and they're all staying in our hotels, buying food from local shops, training in local gyms, playing golf and engaging with the local community so the economic, sporting and social benefits are enormous.

"Melbourne's coach Paul Roos also volunteered his time to be part of a sportsman's lunch at the Alex Surf Club last week and his presence was an enormous boost to the event that helped raise funds for the Maroochydore AFL Club.

"We also saw scores of supporters of these AFL clubs fly here from all corners of the country to watch their teams train and enjoy a holiday on the Sunshine Coast at the same time."

Sunshine Coast Destination Limited CEO Simon Ambrose said ensuring future visits from high profile interstate sporting clubs was an important goal.

"Melbourne and Sydney are our two most important interstate markets so having AFL teams come here helps to put the spotlight on the Sunshine Coast and it also helps to strengthen the development of the sport here," Mr Ambrose said.
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AFL Demons find heaven on the Sunshine Coast
From 'four seasons in one day' to 'beautiful one day, perfect the next'. That's what the Melbourne Demons AFL Club has experienced during its 10-day training camp on the Sunshine Coast.

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O'Pray said the club is one of a number to accept an invitation from council to head north and train at the Maroochydore Multi-Sports Complex at Fisherman's Road.

"What a fantastic coup for the Sunshine Coast to have high profile professional sporting clubs coming here on a regular basis," he said.

"Just prior to Christmas we had the 2014 premiers Hawthorn here for a similar pre-season camp and next week we'll welcome the Western Bulldogs.

"These clubs travel up here with around 75 players, coaches, trainers and officials and they're all staying in our hotels, buying food from local shops, training in local gyms, playing golf and engaging with the local community so the economic, sporting and social benefits are tremendous.

"Melbourne's coach Paul Roos also volunteered his time to be part of a sportsman's lunch at the Alex Surf Club last week and his presence was an enormous boost to the event that helped raise funds for the Maroochydore AFL Club.

"We also have plenty of supporters of these AFL clubs who fly here from all corners of the country to watch their teams train and enjoy a holiday on the Sunshine Coast at the same time."

Sunshine Coast Destination Limited CEO Simon Ambrose said ensuring future visits from high profile interstate sporting clubs was an important goal.

"Melbourne and Sydney are our two most important interstate markets so having AFL teams come here helps to put the spotlight on the Sunshine Coast and it also helps to strengthen the development of the sport here," he said.

Council presented the Melbourne club with a special memento of their time on the coast today – a surfboard with the team's photo that was taken on Mooloolaba Beach printed onto it.

Fellow AFL club the Western Bulldogs will arrive on the Sunshine Coast on January 28 to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming season.
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Looks like they have their sights set on the Bulldogs or the Demons at the moment. Justin Leppitsch has thrown his support behind it and would like to coach them. They will try to relocate a Melbourne-based club by 2030 when the population of the Sunshine Coast is expected to reach 500,000. The Sunshine Coast Council has already shown its willingness to support the game by inviting three AFL teams to train in their city and use their facilities. Sam Mitchell mentioned the training facilities were "really good" and believes the climate is ideal for training.

AFL Queensland appears to be behind the concept and are already putting plans in place to promote a Sunshine Coast team to the premier Queensland comp. I'm sure AFL Queensland has been in contact with the AFL about these plans so to go public with it they must have some support from the AFL. So, what do you think?
 
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I'm just going to bring North Melbourne into the discussion before someone else does because it's bound to happen.

"No thanks, we're fine here. Goodbye."

- The supporters of the North Melbourne Football Club.
 
Matchu said:
Plan being hatched for AFL shift to the Sunshine Coast


Sunshine Coast considered as future home for AFL side


Sunshine Coast right on the mark for AFL clubs


AFL Demons find heaven on the Sunshine Coast


Looks like they have their sights set on the Bulldogs or the Demons at the moment. Justin Leppitsch has thrown his support behind it and would like to coach them. They will try to relocate a Melbourne-based club by 2030 when the population of the Sunshine Coast is expected to reach 500,000. The Sunshine Coast Council has already shown its willingness to support the game by inviting three AFL teams to train in their city and use their facilities. Sam Mitchell mentioned the training facilities were "really good" and believes the climate is ideal for training.

AFL Queensland appears to be behind the concept and are already putting plans in place to promote a Sunshine Coast team to the premier Queensland comp. So, what do you think?
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No footscray, no team for the west of melbourne.
 

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Upgrayedd said:
Ehhhhh
is it viable? how would the GC/Lions fare with more teams competing for fans? Would the potential fanbase cop a failed victorian club?
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I guess it depends how you look at it. They are wanting a team in 2030 when the population is expected to reach 500,000. The Gold Coast's population in 2011 was a little over 500,000 so that might not be an issue. Plus they border Brisbane and the population of Brisbane will grow quite a bit in the next 15 years so they can tap into that market as well. The Gold Coast are unlikely to be affected because the two cities are two hours apart but Brisbane will likely be affected. Having said that, there are enough people in Brisbane for the Lions to deal with a small portion of their market being pinched.

The last question as to whether the people of the Sunshine Coast will accept a failed Victorian club is the hardest to answer. The city currently boasts zero professional sports teams so that should help.
 
Upgrayedd said:
Ehhhhh
Im not going to pretend to be some sort of export, is it viable? how would the GC/Lions fare with more teams competing for fans? Would the potential fanbase cop a failed victorian club?
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Sunny Coast is a 2 hour drive from Bris n 3 from the GC. Cant see it impacting either teams supporter base heavily. Great location imo, and with no nrl team represented in the area, think its a great locale to grow the game.
 
Suma Magic said:
They will have to compete with:

https://m.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-King-Cobras-RLFC/228963897115810

https://mobile.twitter.com/KingCobrasRLFC/with_replies
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The Sunshine Coast Falcons are the highest level rugby league team on the sunny coast. They play in the Queensland Cup, the level beneath the NRL.

http://scfalcons.com.au/

They play at Sunshine Coast Stadium (Kawana): http://www.sunshinecoaststadium.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/

Photos: http://www.sunshinecoaststadium.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sunshine-coast-falcons-gallery#
 

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Frankie boy said:
No footscray, no team for the west of melbourne.
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thats the part the Bulldogs have going for them, is they are the only team in the west part of Melbourne!
the AFL seem to want North in Tassie so that leaves St Kilda left of the minnow teams!

you wonder if the AFL would set up a team like Hawthorn have done in Tassie, to play 4 or 5 home games up there. it would require pretty much a new stadium to be built! because as far as venues on the Sunny coast this is pretty much the only venue
sunshinecoaststadium1.jpg
 
bombersfan4000 said:
thats the part the Bulldogs have going for them, is they are the only team in the west part of Melbourne!
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Does that really matter? You can have location in melbourne but you still have 9 teams in the state?

bombersfan4000 said:
you wonder if the AFL would set up a team like Hawthorn have done in Tassie, to play 4 or 5 home games up there. it would require pretty much a new stadium to be built! because as far as venues on the Sunny coast this is pretty much the only venue
View attachment 109290
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Looks sweet, park your car behind the goals
 
Upgrayedd said:
Does that really matter? You can have location in melbourne but you still have 9 teams in the state?
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just like the Hawks have done?
i wonder how the AFL would approach it,

Upgrayedd said:
Looks sweet, park your car behind the goals
Click to expand...
great spot to park! only if you don't mind your car having a few dents in it at the end of the game:p
 
bombersfan4000 said:
aren't the Hawks meant to be training in Tassie or Waverley at their already established bases
talk about taking the money and running
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I'm sure the Sunshine Coast Council offered them financial incentives to train in their city. They wouldn't bother unless they made it worth their while. At least we know the local council is willing to spend money on the game.
 
bombersfan4000 said:
aren't the Hawks meant to be training in Tassie or Waverley at their already established bases
talk about taking the money and running
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure Hawthorn have gone up there a few times in the last few years for our training camp, rather than going overseas every year (although they did go to South Africa last year). They get some hot weather around that time, so it works pretty well for our purposes, and from what the players have said, they love the change of scenery, rather than spending the whole preseason at home.
 
Upgrayedd said:
Looks sweet, park your car behind the goals
Click to expand...
To be fair, they have 15 years to build a new stadium. This is what Metricon Stadium looked like just 7 years ago:

OxBbXO9.jpg
 
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