Come on Hawks supporters, you have to put in the effort to come to the games. The Hawks need your support. They are playing great footy but still only 39,000 supporters turned up yesterday even after wins over the Bulldogs and reigning premiers North Melbourne. Come on Hawks fans, put in the effort to come and watch and get your memberships.
Come on Hawks supporters
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Bloodstained Angel
Premiership Player
Hawkfan5
Just two words mate : NO WAVERLEY
Just two words mate : NO WAVERLEY
Angel, you nailed it.
Unfortunatley to many Hawks from down that way just cant (or wont) afford the extra two hours required that it now takes for them to get to a footy match in central Melbourne.
I see their point, I live in Essendon and the demographics are that the majority of dons fans are out this way. It take me 20 mins to get to the 'G'. I loved waverly because the Hawk fan base was really getting into it out there. Now its a battle to win them back. The best way is to play good footy. And dont kid yourself, if you dont the supporters wont come (Saints/Woods of the last few seasosns show that).
Unfortunatley to many Hawks from down that way just cant (or wont) afford the extra two hours required that it now takes for them to get to a footy match in central Melbourne.
I see their point, I live in Essendon and the demographics are that the majority of dons fans are out this way. It take me 20 mins to get to the 'G'. I loved waverly because the Hawk fan base was really getting into it out there. Now its a battle to win them back. The best way is to play good footy. And dont kid yourself, if you dont the supporters wont come (Saints/Woods of the last few seasosns show that).
- Thread starter
- #4
I live in Lilydale, it takes me an hour to get to the MCG. I haven't complained at all that it is too far. I know that it is a long way to the MCG and Waverley was alot easier to get to but we just have to deal with it and follow our team by giving up some time to go and watch them.
Bloodstained Angel
Premiership Player
Grendel and hawkfan5
Sh*t yeah
I guess all through the previous years ever since the AFL first proposed the idea of leaving Waverley and building Docklands, people have been constantly asking the AFL 'what about footy in SE Melbourne' ?
and to date the question is unanswered really.
Waverley was great for the footy public in this vast area because fans could just rock up to a game of AFL standard footy without having to worry too much about getting there, about getting into the ground or having to worry about reserving a seat etc.
Also, Wavereley was great for footy because many many thousands of Melbourne people who lived close to the ground, and did not follow any particular club, would just show up and watch a game of footy because it was just so easy to do. Also for the thousands of footy fans in the LaTrobe Valley and Gippsland areas it was super easy to get to.
Those same people would not be prepared to make the journey all the way into Colonial or the MCG.
It just makes the whole business with Colonial all the more strange. I didn't object to the Stadium being built, but why abandon Waverley ?
Its slap-bang in the Middle of Suburban Melbourne (for chrissake) this is footy's absolute heartland of support - why has the AFL abandoned these people - who should be the AFLs most precious asset ?
Look at it from any angle (emotional, demographic, commercial, historical) and the decision to abandon Waverley looks like a decision so foolish it beggars belief.
I don't even live in Melbourne but even observing events from up here in Rugbyland even makes my blood boil.
Sh*t yeah
I guess all through the previous years ever since the AFL first proposed the idea of leaving Waverley and building Docklands, people have been constantly asking the AFL 'what about footy in SE Melbourne' ?
and to date the question is unanswered really.
Waverley was great for the footy public in this vast area because fans could just rock up to a game of AFL standard footy without having to worry too much about getting there, about getting into the ground or having to worry about reserving a seat etc.
Also, Wavereley was great for footy because many many thousands of Melbourne people who lived close to the ground, and did not follow any particular club, would just show up and watch a game of footy because it was just so easy to do. Also for the thousands of footy fans in the LaTrobe Valley and Gippsland areas it was super easy to get to.
Those same people would not be prepared to make the journey all the way into Colonial or the MCG.
It just makes the whole business with Colonial all the more strange. I didn't object to the Stadium being built, but why abandon Waverley ?
Its slap-bang in the Middle of Suburban Melbourne (for chrissake) this is footy's absolute heartland of support - why has the AFL abandoned these people - who should be the AFLs most precious asset ?
Look at it from any angle (emotional, demographic, commercial, historical) and the decision to abandon Waverley looks like a decision so foolish it beggars belief.
I don't even live in Melbourne but even observing events from up here in Rugbyland even makes my blood boil.
sainter
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
I can see where all of you are coming from but I am glad that we are no longer playing at Waverley.
I must admit that my view is a little selfish. I live in the Western Suburbs and it was a decent old hike getting to Waverley. One of my major problems with Waverley was that the public transport was virtually non-existent. The one time I didn't go by car, it took me over 4 hours to get home. Compare this to Colonial Stadium, situated in a transport hub and is accessible from all over Melbourne.
From what I understand, many of our supporter base in the Gippsland region have been able to capitalise on the V-Line train service.
Having said that, I hardly missed a saints game there over the past 5 years but I am dead against the principle of a stadium that is only accessible to a certain proportion of Melbourne.
It is also good to go to a stadium that does not smell of urine when the wind changes. And it is certainly a culture shock playing at a stadium with a roof as opposed to a ground situated in a rain belt that was absolutely freezing during winter.
And the reality is that there was a not a good word spoken about Waverley until it became likely that it would be replaced. I was disappointed to see the ground go, but give me Colonial Stadium anytime!
I must admit that my view is a little selfish. I live in the Western Suburbs and it was a decent old hike getting to Waverley. One of my major problems with Waverley was that the public transport was virtually non-existent. The one time I didn't go by car, it took me over 4 hours to get home. Compare this to Colonial Stadium, situated in a transport hub and is accessible from all over Melbourne.
From what I understand, many of our supporter base in the Gippsland region have been able to capitalise on the V-Line train service.
Having said that, I hardly missed a saints game there over the past 5 years but I am dead against the principle of a stadium that is only accessible to a certain proportion of Melbourne.
It is also good to go to a stadium that does not smell of urine when the wind changes. And it is certainly a culture shock playing at a stadium with a roof as opposed to a ground situated in a rain belt that was absolutely freezing during winter.
And the reality is that there was a not a good word spoken about Waverley until it became likely that it would be replaced. I was disappointed to see the ground go, but give me Colonial Stadium anytime!
- Thread starter
- #7
You have got to be kidding sainter. What about the people in the outer-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It took us twenty minutes to get to Waverley, going to the MCG which is the Hawks new ground takes an hour by train.
And i never remember taking 4 hours or even 1 hour to get home from Waverley. The Western Suburbs aren't that far away and there is plenty of parking at Waverley.
Can i ask you why the saints arent getting anywhere near as many people to their games this year compared to last year. Even right at the start of the year when you had no excuses not to come your fans didn't turn up.
Go Hawks
And i never remember taking 4 hours or even 1 hour to get home from Waverley. The Western Suburbs aren't that far away and there is plenty of parking at Waverley.
Can i ask you why the saints arent getting anywhere near as many people to their games this year compared to last year. Even right at the start of the year when you had no excuses not to come your fans didn't turn up.
Go Hawks
Hawthorns crowd of 39,000 against Geelong is more than what the two clubs would have drawn at Waverley (yes, I know Geelong don't draw well out at Waverley)
Hawthorns crowd against North of 36,000 is more than the two clubs have EVER attracted to Waverley (bar finals)
I think the MCG suits Hawthorn fine.
The problem is, whichever ground you choose, you will be dis-enfranchising certain supporters. It's a catch-22.
But the MCG is the centre of Melbourne. Melbourne population spreads outward, so the "G" is where all people from ALL OVER MELBOURNE (not just the eastern suburbs) can centrally come together to go to the footy.
Oh sure, the people of Gippsland may not make the trek. But c'mon. How many people from Gippsland bothered to come to Waverley ? it's still a long, long way to come. Those people would only come to a couple of games a year anyway and there is no reason why they can't continue to do that as a "special occasion" at the MCG.
Personally, living in Werribee it was terrible going to Waverley. Firstly I had to drive to the city. THEN drive through the city before heading onto the SE arterial. It was a pain in the neck.
At least being at the MCG, all people who live in the Melbourne metroploitan area are treated equally. We all have to travel a similr time to go INTO the centre of Melbourne. It is logical, really.
I support the retention of Waverley, but Hawthorn is suited to the MCG. You may be surprised Hawk fans, that Hawthorns crowds at the MCG in recent years have been suprisingly big. They have been bigger on average than what the Hawks get at Waverley.
What does that say ?
Hawthorns crowd against North of 36,000 is more than the two clubs have EVER attracted to Waverley (bar finals)
I think the MCG suits Hawthorn fine.
The problem is, whichever ground you choose, you will be dis-enfranchising certain supporters. It's a catch-22.
But the MCG is the centre of Melbourne. Melbourne population spreads outward, so the "G" is where all people from ALL OVER MELBOURNE (not just the eastern suburbs) can centrally come together to go to the footy.
Oh sure, the people of Gippsland may not make the trek. But c'mon. How many people from Gippsland bothered to come to Waverley ? it's still a long, long way to come. Those people would only come to a couple of games a year anyway and there is no reason why they can't continue to do that as a "special occasion" at the MCG.
Personally, living in Werribee it was terrible going to Waverley. Firstly I had to drive to the city. THEN drive through the city before heading onto the SE arterial. It was a pain in the neck.
At least being at the MCG, all people who live in the Melbourne metroploitan area are treated equally. We all have to travel a similr time to go INTO the centre of Melbourne. It is logical, really.
I support the retention of Waverley, but Hawthorn is suited to the MCG. You may be surprised Hawk fans, that Hawthorns crowds at the MCG in recent years have been suprisingly big. They have been bigger on average than what the Hawks get at Waverley.
What does that say ?
It says you have too much time on your hands Dan. Why (not how) do you know these crowd stats? Its freakin me out man!!!
Personally, after 4 elimination final loses in the 70's and 80's all out at Waverly, all close games, and it pissed down at each game, I hated the place with a passion. But I think its a mistake to lose it.
They should bull doze Optus Oval instead....
Personally, after 4 elimination final loses in the 70's and 80's all out at Waverly, all close games, and it pissed down at each game, I hated the place with a passion. But I think its a mistake to lose it.
They should bull doze Optus Oval instead....
Ohh Dutchy making me smile with those "bulldoze Optus thoughts" gives me reason to live.
Dan, they studies done show central population to more or less be pretty much Waverly area. Its the growth corridor. Sure I have no dispute with crowds that have been to see us at the G. What I dont agree is that we werent garnaring growth out at Waverly. It was increasing year by year. Our membership IS located pretty much central to that ground. Waverly if it had been given the attention it was promised when first built (public transport my main beef) then it could have been a very good footy ground.
As it was, it was only ever half built, not much real effort by the league was ever made even before any ideas of the GSS, into improving it and now its history.
I think the Hawks can recover from its closure but the members who havevnt resigned simply to spite the league for its closure have got it wrong, its only hurting the Hawks.
Those who cant get to the G for whatever reason, well thats a shame and something that the league may well regret when the next generation grows up without being brought up on Aussie Rules.
Dan, they studies done show central population to more or less be pretty much Waverly area. Its the growth corridor. Sure I have no dispute with crowds that have been to see us at the G. What I dont agree is that we werent garnaring growth out at Waverly. It was increasing year by year. Our membership IS located pretty much central to that ground. Waverly if it had been given the attention it was promised when first built (public transport my main beef) then it could have been a very good footy ground.
As it was, it was only ever half built, not much real effort by the league was ever made even before any ideas of the GSS, into improving it and now its history.
I think the Hawks can recover from its closure but the members who havevnt resigned simply to spite the league for its closure have got it wrong, its only hurting the Hawks.
Those who cant get to the G for whatever reason, well thats a shame and something that the league may well regret when the next generation grows up without being brought up on Aussie Rules.
Y
ytry4
Guest
Why do all these people in the East keep complaining there is no Waverley. Some people in the North of Melbourne have to drive an hour to the MCG as well. All grounds are now closer to the city so everyone is equal distances to them...
sainter
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Oh no! I am almost in Dan territory.
At least you didn't have to travel to Waverley every second week. Often the drive would only take 45 minutes, then another 45 minutes getting out of the car park.
But I have to agree that the MCG and Colonial Stadium are centrally located so that people from all over Melbourne can get there. The public transport system takes you right to the doorstep of the two grounds. I only attempted to catch public transport once to Waverley and it took me almost 4 hours for a trip that should have taken half the time.
As Hawthorns membership shows, they are well down on members and membership renewals but they have signed up a lot of new members because of the accessibility of the G.
And yes, Optus is a hole! (Which might have something to do with our appalling record there)
At least you didn't have to travel to Waverley every second week. Often the drive would only take 45 minutes, then another 45 minutes getting out of the car park.
But I have to agree that the MCG and Colonial Stadium are centrally located so that people from all over Melbourne can get there. The public transport system takes you right to the doorstep of the two grounds. I only attempted to catch public transport once to Waverley and it took me almost 4 hours for a trip that should have taken half the time.
As Hawthorns membership shows, they are well down on members and membership renewals but they have signed up a lot of new members because of the accessibility of the G.
And yes, Optus is a hole! (Which might have something to do with our appalling record there)
Dutch,
About the crowd stats.
I don't know how I know. I don't study them or anything. I just know.
My mind is a boggle of football stats and information.
For example, I can tell you off the top of my head, that the biggest ever crowd at Waverley was Queens Birthday 1981 betwen Hawthorn and Collingwood: 92,935.
There has never been a crowd in the 80,000's at Waverley. The second biggest was 79,000 odd also in 1981 between Essendon and Collingwood (towards the start of Essendon's 15 match win streak)
Don't ask why I know. I just do. When I see something happen in football, I make a mental note of it and I don't forget (well, not often, anyway)
Don't spoil my fun.
About the crowd stats.
I don't know how I know. I don't study them or anything. I just know.
My mind is a boggle of football stats and information.
For example, I can tell you off the top of my head, that the biggest ever crowd at Waverley was Queens Birthday 1981 betwen Hawthorn and Collingwood: 92,935.
There has never been a crowd in the 80,000's at Waverley. The second biggest was 79,000 odd also in 1981 between Essendon and Collingwood (towards the start of Essendon's 15 match win streak)
Don't ask why I know. I just do. When I see something happen in football, I make a mental note of it and I don't forget (well, not often, anyway)
Don't spoil my fun.
No spoilsporting intended Dan... it is kinda impressive but you gotta admit - a bit eccentric.
I personally remember films - often scene for scene and have a ridiculous amount of film trivia in my head... whatever turns you on I suppose.
I personally remember films - often scene for scene and have a ridiculous amount of film trivia in my head... whatever turns you on I suppose.
I'm big on movies too, but footy is my passion.
Does this interest you ? Essendon has won just over 58% of their matches since competition bean in 1897.
Carlton have won 62%, and the Magpies 61%
Something which NO ONE has mentioned is that Collingwood have held the all time winning percentage for the entire history of the VFL/AFL until this past year.
Their 4-18 season saw them drop to 61%, and below Carlton. Carlton have now got the best winning percentgae. Sucks, doesn't it.
The only good thing is that their supporters don't know it.
Does this interest you ? Essendon has won just over 58% of their matches since competition bean in 1897.
Carlton have won 62%, and the Magpies 61%
Something which NO ONE has mentioned is that Collingwood have held the all time winning percentage for the entire history of the VFL/AFL until this past year.
Their 4-18 season saw them drop to 61%, and below Carlton. Carlton have now got the best winning percentgae. Sucks, doesn't it.
The only good thing is that their supporters don't know it.
They do now bigmouth!
Actually a more interesting stat in that Carlton have only really got into the Premiership race since 1968 - ie: the money-bags era.
Prior to 68 they were a club with a very average history - hadn't won a flag for 21 years and only 3 since 1916!
At the time they were 5 (count em) 5 flags behind Collingwood and 4 behind both Essendon and Melbourne.
Interesting, is it not, that in the era most associated with chequebook premierships (ie: the 70s to the early 90's) the baggers hit paydirt wining 8 (!) flags between 68 and 95 (68,70,72,79,81,82,87,95)
This is why everyone hates them. On reflection, it almost makes you feel sorry for Collingwood supporters.
How's that for some stats Danny Boy?
Dutch
PS. Thankfully, in the absence of "the chequebook" and in these post-draft times, I think I can see a team that will (hopefully) again "bring balance to the force"...
Actually a more interesting stat in that Carlton have only really got into the Premiership race since 1968 - ie: the money-bags era.
Prior to 68 they were a club with a very average history - hadn't won a flag for 21 years and only 3 since 1916!
Interesting, is it not, that in the era most associated with chequebook premierships (ie: the 70s to the early 90's) the baggers hit paydirt wining 8 (!) flags between 68 and 95 (68,70,72,79,81,82,87,95)
This is why everyone hates them. On reflection, it almost makes you feel sorry for Collingwood supporters.
How's that for some stats Danny Boy?
Dutch
PS. Thankfully, in the absence of "the chequebook" and in these post-draft times, I think I can see a team that will (hopefully) again "bring balance to the force"...
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