Oppo Camp Non Eagles AFL discussion thread II

[Forward Press]

At the risk of having bricks hurled at me, I actually believe:

- The introduction of GC and GWS has not diluted the talent pool - grassroots participation is far higher than before, and the Australian population has increased far more than 12.5% between the introduction of Port in 1997 (when the AFL first hit 16 clubs) to justify 12.5% more clubs 15 years later.

- The locations are spot on, with ABS data indicating rapid growth in western Sydney and Gold Coast, far far more than Tasmania. Both regions are bigger than Tasmania, population-wise and economically, and growing faster. Sure, there is valid criticism that it's rugby heartland (in the former) and full of tourists (in the latter), but you have to start somewhere.

- Tasmania is roughly evenly split between Hobart and Launceston in terms of population and any Tassie team would not only struggle to grab the traditional Hawk and North supporters, but also have to divide time between the two cities. Attendances would be shocking.

- And lastly, $$$. With Tasmania being such a tiny state with barely any growth, the AFL doesn't give a shit about it. You can argue whether it's right or wrong but the AFL (and West Coast, and Freo, and all other clubs) are all about the almighty dollar.

 

[Feeling Groovy]

At the risk of having bricks hurled at me, I actually believe:

- The introduction of GC and GWS has not diluted the talent pool - grassroots participation is far higher than before, and the Australian population has increased far more than 12.5% between the introduction of Port in 1997 (when the AFL first hit 16 clubs) to justify 12.5% more clubs 15 years later.

- The locations are spot on, with ABS data indicating rapid growth in western Sydney and Gold Coast, far far more than Tasmania. Both regions are bigger than Tasmania, population-wise and economically, and growing faster. Sure, there is valid criticism that it's rugby heartland (in the former) and full of tourists (in the latter), but you have to start somewhere.

- Tasmania is roughly evenly split between Hobart and Launceston in terms of population and any Tassie team would not only struggle to grab the traditional Hawk and North supporters, but also have to divide time between the two cities. Attendances would be shocking.

- And lastly, $$$. With Tasmania being such a tiny state with barely any growth, the AFL doesn't give a shit about it. You can argue whether it's right or wrong but the AFL (and West Coast, and Freo, and all other clubs) are all about the almighty dollar.

 

[Bender_]

At the risk of having bricks hurled at me, I actually believe:

- The introduction of GC and GWS has not diluted the talent pool - grassroots participation is far higher than before, and the Australian population has increased far more than 12.5% between the introduction of Port in 1997 (when the AFL first hit 16 clubs) to justify 12.5% more clubs 15 years later.

- The locations are spot on, with ABS data indicating rapid growth in western Sydney and Gold Coast, far far more than Tasmania. Both regions are bigger than Tasmania, population-wise and economically, and growing faster. Sure, there is valid criticism that it's rugby heartland (in the former) and full of tourists (in the latter), but you have to start somewhere.

- Tasmania is roughly evenly split between Hobart and Launceston in terms of population and any Tassie team would not only struggle to grab the traditional Hawk and North supporters, but also have to divide time between the two cities. Attendances would be shocking.

- And lastly, $$$. With Tasmania being such a tiny state with barely any growth, the AFL doesn't give a shit about it. You can argue whether it's right or wrong but the AFL (and West Coast, and Freo, and all other clubs) are all about the almighty dollar.

The reason that the MCG 50 year deal is so attractive is all about the dollars too, doesn't make it right.

Attendences in Tasmania vs GWS would be pretty close, and I'd dare say Tasmania would have higher numbers over their first five years than GWS. But yes the chance of growth is far better in NSW and QLD.

As I stated in my initial post I know it's naive in this league to expect decisions to be made on equality and the idea of a state deserving it, but that's the same reason why I don't like footy as much as I used to. We've grown too accustomed to the idea that the bottom line is the most important thing and that it's okay for the AFL to jam whatever they deem "for the greater good" down our throat. Just coz it's the way it is, doesn't make it right or that I'm going to settle.

 

[Forward Press]

The reason that the MCG 50 year deal is so attractive is all about the dollars too, doesn't make it right.

Attendences in Tasmania vs GWS would be pretty close, and I'd dare say Tasmania would have higher numbers over their first five years than GWS. But yes the chance of growth is far better in NSW and QLD.

As I stated in my initial post I know it's naive in this league to expect decisions to be made on equality and the idea of a state deserving it, but that's the same reason why I don't like footy as much as I used to. We've grown too accustomed to the idea that the bottom line is the most important thing and that it's okay for the AFL to jam whatever they deem "for the greater good" down our throat. Just coz it's the way it is, doesn't make it right or that I'm going to settle.

That's why I did say rightly or wrongly.

Re: attendances in Tassie vs GWS - maybe membership numbers would be higher but unless it translates to bums on seats (and eyes on TV) with all the money that flows from it, it means nothing.

It is all about the bottom line. Traditionalists can still watch the WAFL if they choose. But when the crowds start flocking and the stars begin wearing man buns and launching fashion lines, tradition only ever stays if it's profitable. I would argue there is not a single professional sporting league in the world where tradition prevails over the dollar.

 

[Dylan82]

I'll add my thoughts on the subject for what it is worth.

Ultimately it comes back again to the decisions of the QAFL and most importantly the WAFL in 1986 to drink the Victorian kool-aid out of fear of losing control over the national presence of football in their respective states.

Those hasty decisions cemented the authority of the VFL, rather than the creation of a new authority that would overarch all of the state leagues equally. It doomed the histories of the WAFL and SANFL and their proud clubs to become nothing more than feeder teams to an uncaring parent.

That was when the Rubicon was crossed. That was when the dream of a truly national competition was put on hold, possibly forever.

By 1990 the VFL re-branded itself as the AFL - Only 3 of the 14 clubs were outside Victoria.


In the 29 years since then, no Victorian club has been relocated and just one has been merged.

Tasmania still does not have a team.

The Grand Final is currently locked in contract to be at the MCG until 2057.


You tell me that it is a national league.



There is no easy way out of the hole that the sport is in.

 

[Yamumluvsbigcox]

There is no easy way out of the hole that the sport is in.

All the non victorian clubs can do is win the flag and shit all over their crappy VFL .

 

[WCEswift]

Seems about right. Some kids are near grown men and some a still a couple of years off growing significantly. I can see how getting crushed into the dirt by someone who looks more like one of your dad's peers than yours turns a fair few kids off if they aren't pretty good at footy.

Must be even worse for the league states.

Can confirm nephew is 14, 6'4, 88kg, built like a gorrilla runs like a race horse, can be unpleasant to be around oppo parents post game

 

[jesterwester]

Can also add to the GWS/GC argument that the extra game they sell a week to broadcasters means they don’t really lose much money at all to expand. The AFL Is prepared to play the long game, given how strong they are financially.

IMO, the Game will eventually move to tassie, maybe even Darwin someday. But I don’t think they can expand the competition again until such time that they get a bigger pool of players.. NSW & QLD are just massive in population- so if they can get people playing AFL, ever so surely the numbers of AFL quality players will increase.

GC were a shambles from the start, but who could have possible foreseen sending a bunch of 18 year olds to the Gold Coast could turn out so badly?

 

[DJMac]

Fremantle have released their 2019 membership packs.

It includes:
1 spitting dummy on purple lanyard for spitting and retrieving every time the opposition gets a free kick.
1 scarf for waving after a win. Disclaimer - you have to stay until the end of the game.
1 cap
1 large purple chip. Can be worn on either shoulder.
1 large box of tissues. Additional supplies can be purchased after derbies or Eagles premierships.

 

[RookiePick]

Imagine swapping out the chance to go back to back and getting treated like a literal nobody at your new club.

Poor Scotty. I think he's the only premiership player on their list too. Show some respect Poort

 

[FKASC]

View attachment 631483

Imagine swapping out the chance to go back to back and getting treated like a literal nobody at your new club.

Poor Scotty. I think he's the only premiership player on their list too. Show some respect Poort

good luck distinguishing between Sam Mayes and Sam Hayes too

 

[Truckosaurus]

Speaking of distinguishing between people:


Doppeltwatters!

 

[Turboman1994]

Gold Coast whilst an absolute cluster **** has potential. Junior AFL is quite strong in Gold Coast and by far has the highest number of junior participants. South port Sharks in particular are a strong club and if Gold Coast and get something that resembles competitive they have the potential to outstrip Brisbane imo

 

[Dylan82]

A couple of interesting JLT 2 matches so far, some thoughts on them:

Geelong vs Essendon

• Scott must have liked what he saw at Leederville last Friday, as it was the Geelong Eagles that turned up to play Essendon. Controlling the possession with 237 kicks and 119 marks. It will be interesting to see how it progresses for them against Collingwood as Ratugolea is no Vardy, Rohan is no Darling and Blicavs is no Barrass.
• Geelong will however, absolutely flat-track some poor teams this year.
• Whilst the majority of teams are adapting more towards kicking gamestyles, Woosha just continues like it is still 2006 - running the ball via handball rather than using marks to control possession. I look forward to how it will pan out.
• Shiel must be wondering what he has got himself into. His new team-mates in the middle are just not on the same level that his old ones were.
• As expected without Hooker, the Bombers defence looks brittle. With him not returning for another month at least, they will be vulnerable to conceding big scores.

GWS vs Adelaide

• Without Shiel, GWS looked slow - as in Eagles 2017 kind of slow. I know Kelly was missing but they looked very average when moving the ball tonight.
• It's going to be a long, hard season for Coniglio. Somehow I don't think he would appreciate getting bashed up all night without much in the way of help either.
• With the return of B.Crouch and Smith and no dodgy torture camps the Crows appear to have re-found their mojo.
• It will be interesting to see what Clarkson does in two weeks - the Adelaide midfield runs deep but lacks pace. I would not be surprised if Seedsman and Milera get some extra attention.

 

[ioppolo]

When did Port pick up Sam Mayes?

 

[ep2018]

Richmond and Adelaide are the only top 4 certainties for mine. Richmond were the best team last year and have added another A+ forward in Lynch, and Adelaide have a piss easy draw this season without the constraints of their shitty preseason camp to put up with.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Adelaide are Top 8 chances, not Top 4 certainties.

One feels Richmond have the ability to revert to type as well.

 

[Cuzz09]

Its pretty shit that a teams fixture can determine a season.

Adelaide case in point.



On SM-G925I using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Yippy Yi Yeo]

Not sure why people keep repeating the myth that Richmond were the best team last year, it's nothing but lazy skin depth analysis. They may have won 2 more games than us during the H & A but also had one of the best injury lists in recent memory, still only managed to win one game away and we thumped them by 50 points when we met. We won 10 of the first 11 games, faltered midway through the year when we were missing most of our forwardline plus some, easily accounted for Richmond and had the best record against other top teams. Once we had our best team on the park we won almost every game, accounted for Collingwood 3 times, twice away and won 3 finals while missing 3 AA calibre players, and when it was all said and done we won as many games as Richmond did over the year despite the setbacks we faced.

West coast were far and away the best team and played the best footy in 2018.

 

[madfx]

Richmond were the best team last year.

Flat trackers were not the best team last year. The best team last year won the ****ing flag

 

[bUCKET__]

lolnorf. Aaron Hall leading your tackle count at 3 for the match is an embarrassment, even in the preseason.

 

[bUCKET__]

ahhh when did the Laugh Out Loud North Melbourne Football Club filter return

 

[FKASC]

Lolnorf

 

[FKASC]

Slyce did good?

 

[FKASC]

Hipwood is pretty overrated IMO