Give the Showdown it's deserved recognition

[Bunk Moreland]

This game just always seems to deliver. As a neutral I'd say it's probably the non Essendon game I look forward to the most.

Obviously today had added significance, and I don't think that's going to go away. Add to this the history between the two clubs, the fierce rivalry, and now the perfect setting with the magnificent stadium.

The one town, two team thing is fairly unique in our game with Freo-WC only really challenging it. It reminds me of some of the big European rivalries - a genuine rivalry that splits a city in two.

Anyway, I think it's one of the best displays and advertisements of our game, and it'd only be bigger and benefit the whole game more if a proper event was made of the clash. Making it a standalone game would only draw more attention and prestige to it, with the whole footy world watching.

Would people be in favour of this? It just seems like other matches have been able to build another dimension, such as ANZAC Day for Collingwood v Essendon and Easter Monday for Geelong v Hawthorn.

I think we should find a permanent annual fixture for a standalone showdown. It could be a night game on ANZAC Day, maybe the long awaited Good Friday slot... a night game on Queens Birthday eve... Whatever. I'm sure something can be found. I think it'd work really well and be a great event.

 

[Lensen]

doesn't need to be standalone, perhaps shunting carlton/richmond/collingwood off a friday night would be appropriate

 

[HowYouDoin]

Nearly as big of a spectacle as the Q-Clash.

Nearly...

 

[Andrew Mc]

It's fine just how it is. Great to see some genuine rivalry not needing AFL fixturing to be a marque game - it stands up all on it's own.

 

[daniel_4tw]

I'd prefer if it wasn't a Sunday game. A Friday or Saturday night would be great.

 

[pazza]

I'd watch a Friday or Thursday night Showdown. No problem. And that one today was an absolute cracker.

 

[GoCROWS!]

Put it on A Friday night

 

[BEEG]

Always seems to be a great game doesn't need to be stand alone most people will watch anyway

 

[Balance]

Good thing for Brendan Rodgers he went to this one.

 

[Gods_Son23]

closest margin ever though

 

[Hawkas1988]

I must admit I've always found the showdowns to have more atmosphere and a better more fierce rivalry than the WA Derbies.

 

[PowerKidd]

Shud be a Friday Night even a Thursday Night season opener!!

 

[rocket18]

We seem to get sunday twilight every year, don't need anything special just a Friday night game would be nice.

 

[BallaratBulldog]

Port/Adel and most of Freo/Eagles are the only good rivial games. None of those Carlton/Pies like drum ups. Put these in a Friday night.

 

[Borderline]

Good thing for Brendan Rodgers he went to this one.

I thought Port showed great character

 

[Borderline]

I must admit I've always found the showdowns to have more atmosphere and a better more fierce rivalry than the WA Derbies.

The players and coaches really play down the derby here which sucks, just saying it's just another game etc. Also probably not helped by the fact teams tend to dominate derbies for many years, with the Eagles winning the first 9 and us having their measure in the last 7 or 8 years.

 

[YES! YES! YES!]

They should play Showdown on New Years Day and Western Derby on Australia Day.

That would give both games a stand alone date like no other.

 

[Portmanteau]

Everyone goes to the Showdown so the league will out it on Sunday twilight. The fallen giants of the competition need to be propped up with bulk Friday fixtures. #AFLLogic

 

[Great8]

I must admit I've always found the showdowns to have more atmosphere and a better more fierce rivalry than the WA Derbies.

Not enough biff in Showdowns, the WA derbies are much more entertaining in that regards

 

[Great8]

We seem to get sunday twilight every year, don't need anything special just a Friday night game would be nice.

Showdown would sell out if they were played at 2am on a Wednesday. The AFL doesnt need to play them on a Friday night

 

[WCErevival]

The WA derby is always on a Sunday too. Think its because they will get a crowd no matter what time its on so they leave the blockbuster slots for other games.

 

[DT2000]

cracking game today, should always be a Fri night prime time match imo.

WA derby goes hot and cold, but to be fair maybe make it the Sat night match of the same rounds as the showdowns.

 

[Iron]

The Vics can keep their Friday nights. We'll take Thursday centre stage. Adelaide Oval would be overflowing every year.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

I think as much as anything else it's a fantastic advertisement for the game. It has everything I spoke about in the OP.

The game could really use it - for example, I know people who couldn't give two shits about footy and never watch it, but they watch the ANZAC Day game because it's an event. It's a bit bigger than footy.

Perhaps the Showdown - with all its layers - could become something similar and really showcase the game. So many showdowns have been compelling viewing, but we all watch them anyway because we're footy fans.

I know people say it doesn't need a standalone fixture, but maybe doing so could turn it into a real showcase. Something around a public holiday could work.

 

[PAFC_1870]

I'd prefer if it wasn't a Sunday game. A Friday or Saturday night would be great.

The AFL will never do that when we pack it anyway.