Home Ground - Showground vs SCG

[Colonial]

Not sure what your point your trying to prove? I have bought a GWS jumper in my closet.

That’s nice.

For a guy that has posted 38,000+ posts, why would I want to deceive or be someone who I am not? That isn't worth my time my friend.

Yet you call us “them” & “golden child”.

I don’t know, maybe you are just special.

 

[Del125763]

em” & “golden child”.

I don’t know, maybe you are just special.

Maybe using the term 'golden child' is a tad disparaging. I dont know I regularly post on Whirlpool forums in the sports section and maybe got influenced by the chat in there. I dont mean that in an offensive way either.

Some kids get labelled (especially the ones that grow up as the sole child) as the 'spoilt one' and I dont know whether to associate that in a negative or positive way- at times. I see that as sort of similar parallels.

I dont know as a Giants fans, 'we' at times expect to get concessions, get help, get a leg up to boost the club brand. Giants in comparison to your most recent start up franchises: Freo, Gold Coast and Id even go say Port Adelaide (despite their one premiership) have performed admirably and dare I say better than all those 3 clubs given their short time when coming into existence- on field. Its the off-field that needs to improve. eg Working with club members, making decisions that grows the brand of the club- and looking from the outside (who regularly watches their games), Im not convinced alot of their decisions from AFL and GWS management assist the club in doing that. Little things from: fixturing, how and where they play games are my main gripes. AFL has made massive inroads in NSW over the past 25 years but there is still a long way to win over the western suburb/Greater Western Sydney demographic for this footy team. I speak of someone that has studied, worked in Western Sydney, specifically in areas like: Parramatta, Liverpool, Hawkesbury area.

 

[Colonial]

Maybe using the term 'golden child' is a tad disparaging. I dont know I regularly post on Whirlpool forums in the sports section and maybe got influenced by the chat in there. I dont mean that in an offensive way either.

Some kids get labelled (especially the ones that grow up as the sole child) as the 'spoilt one' and I dont know whether to associate that in a negative or positive way- at times. I see that as sort of similar parallels.

I dont know as a Giants fans, 'we' at times expect to get concessions, get help, get a leg up to boost the club brand. Giants in comparison to your most recent start up franchises: Freo, Gold Coast and Id even go say Port Adelaide (despite their one premiership) have performed admirably and dare I say better than all those 3 clubs given their short time when coming into existence- on field. Its the off-field that needs to improve. eg Working with club members, making decisions that grows the brand of the club- and looking from the outside (who regularly watches their games), Im not convinced alot of their decisions from AFL and GWS management assist the club in doing that. Little things from: fixturing, how and where they play games are my main gripes. AFL has made massive inroads in NSW over the past 25 years but there is still a long way to win over the western suburb/Greater Western Sydney demographic for this footy team. I speak of someone that has studied, worked in Western Sydney, specifically in areas like: Parramatta, Liverpool, Hawkesbury area.

That’s an awful lot of waffle.

Especially the beginning & end bit.
You studied here? Oh yay.
Yet you don’t get why the SCG for our home games, besides maybe a one off double header during the Easter show, is a Bad idea?

You studied here, the majority on here grew up Western Sydney or spent the majority of their time as Western Sydney. They I can take opinions from wether I agree with or not.
I take those opinion by some such as yourself with a grain of salt.

 

[Giant YoYo]

Maybe using the term 'golden child' is a tad disparaging. I dont know I regularly post on Whirlpool forums in the sports section and maybe got influenced by the chat in there. I dont mean that in an offensive way either.

Some kids get labelled (especially the ones that grow up as the sole child) as the 'spoilt one' and I dont know whether to associate that in a negative or positive way- at times. I see that as sort of similar parallels.

I dont know as a Giants fans, 'we' at times expect to get concessions, get help, get a leg up to boost the club brand. Giants in comparison to your most recent start up franchises: Freo, Gold Coast and Id even go say Port Adelaide (despite their one premiership) have performed admirably and dare I say better than all those 3 clubs given their short time when coming into existence- on field. Its the off-field that needs to improve. eg Working with club members, making decisions that grows the brand of the club- and looking from the outside (who regularly watches their games), Im not convinced alot of their decisions from AFL and GWS management assist the club in doing that. Little things from: fixturing, how and where they play games are my main gripes. AFL has made massive inroads in NSW over the past 25 years but there is still a long way to win over the western suburb/Greater Western Sydney demographic for this footy team. I speak of someone that has studied, worked in Western Sydney, specifically in areas like: Parramatta, Liverpool, Hawkesbury area.

I don't understand what the massive interest is in playing in the east but I'm sorry you have not adequately articulated why we should play there.

If you took a look at the Giants fanbase a large proportion of them are kids. This is the generational fanbase the AFL has spoken about time and time again and I have absolute faith they will get there.

A lot of posters tell us we should play at the SCG but all it tells me is that these posters don't regularly attend our games.

With all the Government investment into Sydney Olympic Park in time Sydney Olympic Park will be a superior option to attend games at.

Sugar hits will not cut it and won't last when the east is adequately serviced by the Swans ..

 

[Del125763]

That’s an awful lot of waffle.

Especially the beginning & end bit.
You studied here? Oh yay.
Yet you don’t get why the SCG for our home games, besides maybe a one off double header during the Easter show, is a Bad idea?

You studied here, the majority on here grew up Western Sydney or spent the majority of their time as Western Sydney. They I can take opinions from wether I agree with or not.
I take those opinion by some such as yourself with a grain of salt.

I actually studied out in Parramatta for around 2 years. I need to make that clear.

Not sure what this specifically is about but I have heard there is some sort of relationship between Western Sydney University and GWS Football club:

Corporate Partnerships and Collaborations

www.westernsydney.edu.au

Im gathering its a relationship that helps students to do research and get behind the scenes feel of the club.

I don't understand what the massive interest is in playing in the east but I'm sorry you have not adequately articulated why we should play there.

If you took a look at the Giants fanbase a large proportion of them are kids. This is the generational fanbase the AFL has spoken about time and time again and I have absolute faith they will get there.

Now my main gripe is the club plays 8 games at ENGIE. And 8 games only. With all due respect to Canberra, they do a terrific job when they get their games there. Eddie McGuire suggested on Footy Classified a year or a couple of years ago, was the GWS Giants and Gold Coast Suns should be playing their full allocation of home games in their home cities. If they want to share or distribute a few games to another state/territory, then one should get possibly a Victorian club to do that. Eg Get a Victorian club to host a couple of games against GWS in Canberra.

I believe it dilutes the brand and to be honest 8 games in your own backyard , people at times forget there is a game on there. Looking at the AFL schedule this is the Giants gap between home games at ENGIE:

March 9 vs Coll
Gap between March 10 - April 6th before the next game (basically 3 rounds without a fixture at ENGIE)
April 6 vs West Coast
then you have over 6 weeks before you get the next game at ENGIE in Round 10 on May 17

Not sure how you are expected to garner momentum in a season, in your home town when you host 1 AFL game, from March 10 to May 16. Your supposed to build your fortress in your own backyard before you go somewhere else.


That isn't good enough for me. This is the dilution I talk about. People of Greater Western Sydney almost forget there is an AFL game in their own backyard by that time and you lose that energy that you have built up in Opening Round.

You guys have a point when you say, Giants fans are unlikely to travel to Central Sydney to watch the Giants- I can accept that. But if they are unwilling to travel to SCG for a game, what chances are they likely to come to Canberra for a game?

I am diehard and have travelled to Manuka Oval many a time to watch sporting events there, from Sydney. Again nothing against Canberra, nothing against Manuka Oval- I love the facilities. But if Canberra want AFL games- give them their own team or get one of the Victorian teams to host games there to build up the GWS brand- which Im sure AFL HQ, who are prepared to give the Giants a leg up to make them one of the bigger brands in Australia, concessions if needs be.

 

[dlanod]

You'd get broad agreement on both the lack of games over the show period and playing more games in Sydney. But calling the SCG "Central Sydney" to try and pretend it's at all accessible from the majority of the Giants catchment is insane.

 

[Giant Strides]

Now my main gripe is the club plays 8 games at ENGIE. And 8 games only.

I believe it dilutes the brand and to be honest 8 games in your own backyard , people at times forget there is a game on there.

Not sure how you are expected to garner momentum in a season, in your home town when you host 1 AFL game, from March 10 to May 16. Your supposed to build your fortress in your own backyard before you go somewhere else.

That isn't good enough for me. This is the dilution I talk about. People of Greater Western Sydney almost forget there is an AFL game in their own backyard by that time and you lose that energy that you have built up in Opening Round.

So, Canberra-based fan here.

Your argument will resonate with the fans you're talking with on the central point about not enough games in western Sydney. Now, I can agree with that view, but I'm also pragmatic about how can you solve that? And at the moment, and for the length of the Giants' contract with ACT Government, Canberra is the chosen solution. (Which you, and others, are entitled to disagree with.) I think you just need to be less emphatic about what you perceive as the solution, given that most of the fans here have seen this same discussion and the same solutions being offered up for the last 10 years - and many don't agree with them, even though they don't agree with the Canberra solution either.

Incidentally, I think the AFL has done a poor job of this year's fixture, given the poor number of home games pre-Easter Show that you have identified. Given that we played opening round, and have the several week gap early season due to the Easter Show (well known), our "make up" bye should be one of those weeks when Engie Stadium is unavailable, rather than wasting a week when Engie could be used. And we also have two away games in a row either side of the bye. It's the dumbest fixturing.

There's 5 rounds before the show starts (which coincides with Gather Round this year), and we only play twice in Sydney. We should play 4 times, even though that would be a couple of back-to-back games. Round 5 (the 6th round, though with opening round included) is Gather Round so we have to play that, but we could have our OR-compensatory bye in round 6. That would still be a 5-week absence from Engie (Gather round, bye, Manuka, versus Swans at SCG, away game).

So, play OR (H), 1 (H), 2 (A), 3 (H), 4 (H), 5 (A - GR), 6 (Bye) ...

A block of games up front would start the season with consolidation for the club. Then the Sydney Swans away game in that Easter Show block so that fans can come out if they're motivated ... a Manuka game then (motivated fans can travel). If you want to replace Canberra (contractually has to be in the long run), then maybe ... just maybe ... one home game at the SCG might become palatable instead of that Manuka game.

But, yeah, certainly VFL House has done the club no favours with the fixture this year.

 

[Del125763]

You'd get broad agreement on both the lack of games over the show period and playing more games in Sydney. But calling the SCG "Central Sydney" to try and pretend it's at all accessible from the majority of the Giants catchment is insane.

You'll have to excuse me in that area when I refer to 'Central Sydney' as downtown Sydney. I consider it to be where the main train station is.

I have only lived in Sydney for 11 years. I offended someone when I referred the Northern Beaches as 'The Northern Suburbs'. I have had people in the North Shore frown upon people living in York Street in the Sydney CBD.

I have felt this vibe about the negativity of education studying in the Western Suburbs of Sydney from the East. Yes there is snobbery at mind - Im only slowly picking it up.

So, Canberra-based fan here.

Your argument will resonate with the fans you're talking with on the central point about not enough games in western Sydney. Now, I can agree with that view, but I'm also pragmatic about how can you solve that? And at the moment, and for the length of the Giants' contract with ACT Government, Canberra is the chosen solution. (Which you, and others, are entitled to disagree with.) I think you just need to be less emphatic about what you perceive as the solution, given that most of the fans here have seen this same discussion and the same solutions being offered up for the last 10 years - and many don't agree with them, even though they don't agree with the Canberra solution either.

Manuka Oval crowds in 2024: 12448, 13080 and 13268 for Giants games. That is considerably better than what the Giants got hosting games at ENGIE (all games last season) with an average of 12731 (including: Opening Round, the Sydney Derby and the Finals). We should be having a discussion why Canberra shouldn't be the 20th AFL licence? With a population reading from ABS 2021 Census of around 450,000 , they should have their own team. It would create 11 actual proper GWS home games, an away fixture at SCG and an away fixture at Manuka. It would lessen travel, would create more of an inner rivalry (3 hour drive to Canberra). You create 13 games in your own region akin now to WA teams having 13 home games (with North relocation their fixtures) and SA teams having their own 13 games (with Gather Round)

I am struggling having followed the Giants to understand what demographic they are reaching out to? People often say that anything north of the Harbour Bridge is GWS heartland? Is that really true? Ive often also heard that North Shore/Eastern Suburbs/Central is Swans heartland. I have worked as a cab driver and dropped people off after Swans games to the Shire- Id imagine that is Swans heartland too.

And then I hear the Hills/Ryde is Giants heartland. And then I heard another one anything after the M4 is Giants heartland. And then you have the element of Canberra chucked in there as well. It feels like a 'jack of all traders and master of none' philosophy in terms of attracting fans.

 

[Giant Strides]

I am struggling having followed the Giants to understand what demographic they are reaching out to?

It feels like a 'jack of all traders and master of none' philosophy in terms of attracting fans.

I believe that this is a deliberate approach to try and gain broad amount of support. However, your view of it being a "master of none" is potentially accurate, and I think mirrors others' views/concerns. Only time will tell whether it has worked or not, after all, everyone (reasonable) has acknowledged that it's a generational build.

 

[MelbourneGWS]

So, Canberra-based fan here.

Your argument will resonate with the fans you're talking with on the central point about not enough games in western Sydney. Now, I can agree with that view, but I'm also pragmatic about how can you solve that? And at the moment, and for the length of the Giants' contract with ACT Government, Canberra is the chosen solution. (Which you, and others, are entitled to disagree with.) I think you just need to be less emphatic about what you perceive as the solution, given that most of the fans here have seen this same discussion and the same solutions being offered up for the last 10 years - and many don't agree with them, even though they don't agree with the Canberra solution either.

Incidentally, I think the AFL has done a poor job of this year's fixture, given the poor number of home games pre-Easter Show that you have identified. Given that we played opening round, and have the several week gap early season due to the Easter Show (well known), our "make up" bye should be one of those weeks when Engie Stadium is unavailable, rather than wasting a week when Engie could be used. And we also have two away games in a row either side of the bye. It's the dumbest fixturing.

There's 5 rounds before the show starts (which coincides with Gather Round this year), and we only play twice in Sydney. We should play 4 times, even though that would be a couple of back-to-back games. Round 5 (the 6th round, though with opening round included) is Gather Round so we have to play that, but we could have our OR-compensatory bye in round 6. That would still be a 5-week absence from Engie (Gather round, bye, Manuka, versus Swans at SCG, away game).

So, play OR (H), 1 (H), 2 (A), 3 (H), 4 (H), 5 (A - GR), 6 (Bye) ...

A block of games up front would start the season with consolidation for the club. Then the Sydney Swans away game in that Easter Show block so that fans can come out if they're motivated ... a Manuka game then (motivated fans can travel). If you want to replace Canberra (contractually has to be in the long run), then maybe ... just maybe ... one home game at the SCG might become palatable instead of that Manuka game.

But, yeah, certainly VFL House has done the club no favours with the fixture this year.

Yes, 100% agree. I am biased as a Canberra based fan and I LOVE seeing our team play at Manuka, but I respect the different views of others here wanting to move Giants full time to Western Sydney & Canberra get a full time AFL team. The reality is that until at least 2032, Giants will play 3 games at Manuka, and moving any of the 8 games from Engie to SCG during this time, will just be very detrimental to us in terms of getting WS behind our team. We don’t ever want to settle for being the second rate Sydney Swans lookalikes which is what would happen if we ever end up playing a significant % of our games in SCG.

Also 100% agree with the fixtures- defies logic why we wouldn’t get the bye during the Easter Show

 

[Adam Giant]

Giants Stadium is such an underrated venue for watching footy. Obviously the convenience of the location is subjective, but it's hard to argue that SOP lacks everything you need for a great game day experience once you arrive. Plenty of food and drink options, carparks, a train station (plus Metro to come) and playgrounds for the kids.

The stadium itself is also perfect for our current needs.

If they could just upgrade those hideous red seats I'd have nothing to complain about.

 

[Del125763]

I believe that this is a deliberate approach to try and gain broad amount of support. However, your view of it being a "master of none" is potentially accurate, and I think mirrors others' views/concerns. Only time will tell whether it has worked or not, after all, everyone (reasonable) has acknowledged that it's a generational build.

Well you wouldn't see the Sydney Swans member dishing off three games to say Newcastle.

It wouldnt sit down to well for Brisbane fans , to move three games up to Cairns.

Id imagine once the Giants get bigger, all of those home games in their home base will matter.

Giants Stadium is such an underrated venue for watching footy. Obviously the convenience of the location is subjective, but it's hard to argue that SOP lacks everything you need for a great game day experience once you arrive. Plenty of food and drink options, carparks, a train station (plus Metro to come) and playgrounds for the kids.

The stadium itself is also perfect for our current needs.

If they could just upgrade those hideous red seats I'd have nothing to complain about.

Ill head to the Eagles home game in Rd 4. Someone mentioned in here there is a direct train from Central to Homebush. Im pretty sure there isn't . Its a nuisance in that regard for me. My way of getting there by public transport , as I used to work at Accor, was to go from Central to Lidcombe to Olympic Park.

Id be interested in what the experience is like nowadays.

I dont like the location personally but everyones cup of tea is different. The location doesnt have that many great eats, mainly just ate at Maccas across the road there, and even 1-2 hours before a game, there is distinct lack of atmosphere on game days. Over the last year in terms of sporting events its got nothing over a: SCG, Marvel, MCG, North Sydney Oval...............Like I said before it feels like a 'ghost town' does Homebush. Ive been down to Geelongs Kardinia Park and Id say there is more happening around the grounds there, than the Sydney Showgrounds. Even somewhere like the Junction Oval down in St.Kilda has more of a vibe for sporting events. I know that may sound sad but Ive been fortunate enough to travel to watching sport events around Australia.

 

[Adam Giant]

The location doesnt have that many great eats, mainly just ate at Maccas across the road there, and even 1-2 hours before a game, there is distinct lack of atmosphere on game days.

There's a couple of pubs, a steakhouse, a Thai restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a poke bar... along with the fast food joints like Oporto, Subway, McDonalds etc. I've tried most of them and enjoyed the dining experience in the precinct.

 

[dlanod]

Someone mentioned in here there is a direct train from Central to Homebush. Im pretty sure there isn't .

Assuming you mean Homebush Bay/Sydney Olympic Park and not actually Homebush (given there's also an Homebush Station), there's only direct trains from Central to Olympic Park for big Accor Stadium events. They aren't put on for Giants games generally. Not sure who would have suggested there was without the above disclaimer.

North Sydney Oval

Lovely oval. North Sydney on a weekend is about as dead as you could possibly find though...

 

[Del125763]

There are some good things about the Showgrounds I admit.

Because of there being significantly less traffic (foot traffic), its fairly easy in terms of walking from the train station to the game. Getting out of there during main events eg state or origin, NRL Grand Final is absolute chaos on those days.

When you only get crowds off 11k to 12k, there is parking around, within proximity as well.

Ill tell you guys such is the low level of pubs and entertainment around the precinct, I as a taxi driver once picked up lads (3 blokes), to take them to an alternate bar about 20 minutes down Parramatta Road. They had finished attending their sporting event- to which I also attended (an NRL game). That pretty much to me tells all you need to know about the precinct.

 

[Orangeutan]

There are some good things about the Showgrounds I admit.

Because of there being significantly less traffic (foot traffic), its fairly easy in terms of walking from the train station to the game. Getting out of there during main events eg state or origin, NRL Grand Final is absolute chaos on those days.

When you only get crowds off 11k to 12k, there is parking around, within proximity as well.

Ill tell you guys such is the low level of pubs and entertainment around the precinct, I as a taxi driver once picked up lads (3 blokes), to take them to an alternate bar about 20 minutes down Parramatta Road. They had finished attending their sporting event- to which I also attended (an NRL game). That pretty much to me tells all you need to know about the precinct.

You'll also need to understand the fickleness of the 21st century Sydney sport fan.
A 7:20pm game on Saturday, with a suggestion of rain, and rail trackwork will wipe out 2k of a potential crowd total.

This is why the conversation always loops back to being a generational matter. A Western Sydney AFL culture is being built. But we're only adding hundreds of new supporters each year - it takes time.

 

[Orange crush]

heck me …. That’s 40mins I’ll never get back …. Would read again (not)

 

[Canberra Pear]

There are some good things about the Showgrounds I admit.

Because of there being significantly less traffic (foot traffic), its fairly easy in terms of walking from the train station to the game. Getting out of there during main events eg state or origin, NRL Grand Final is absolute chaos on those days.

When you only get crowds off 11k to 12k, there is parking around, within proximity as well.

Ill tell you guys such is the low level of pubs and entertainment around the precinct, I as a taxi driver once picked up lads (3 blokes), to take them to an alternate bar about 20 minutes down Parramatta Road. They had finished attending their sporting event- to which I also attended (an NRL game). That pretty much to me tells all you need to know about the precinct.

Olympic Park's population is set to increase fivefold in the next 25 years. Bars, pubs, restaurants will all come with that.

The Parramatta light rail and the metro will both go through the precinct in about eight years. It's about to get much more accessible.

Olympic Park might not have been the best option at the start, but its position only gets stronger.

 

[Colonial]

heck me …. That’s 40mins I’ll never get back …. Would read again (not)

And you think I’m nuts

 

[Del125763]

There's a couple of pubs, a steakhouse, a Thai restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a poke bar... along with the fast food joints like Oporto, Subway, McDonalds etc. I've tried most of them and enjoyed the dining experience in the precinct.

Compare that to what you get near the SCG and it feels like childs play. Maybe Im underrating the precinct but there is a distinct lack of food choices and variety around there. I stand by that.


After SCG, you can grab a nice meal at alot of different outlets around Oxford Street or Potts Point - if your prepared to venture a little further. There are also a variety of fuel stops around Randwick , if you like the quick and go type food.(Near UNSW / The Hospital Childrens way).

When working at Accor (the ground opposite the Showgrounds) before, it was only the big events would they set up Food trucks and Food vans.

One thing is also for sure, you dont come to Olympic Stadium for the food or entertainment. You come there just for the sporting event (when its hosted there). Its not something that can change either. Monday to Friday during the business weak its 'dead' around there.

 

[Adam Giant]

After SCG, you can grab a nice meal at alot of different outlets around Oxford Street or Potts Point - if your prepared to venture a little further. There are also a variety of fuel stops around Randwick , if you like the quick and go type food.(Near UNSW / The Hospital Childrens way).

Yep, we can come all the way from Western Sydney to watch a game at the SCG and get a Mrs Macs pie at the Randwick servo on the way.

Sign me up.

 

[Del125763]

Yep, we can come all the way from Western Sydney to watch a game at the SCG and get a Mrs Macs pie at the servo in Randwick on the way.

Sign me up.

"If it aint a Mrs Macs , take it back." Famous quote from their Pie ads.

I wont accept the Mrs Macs slander.

 

[Bjo187]

Compare that to what you get near the SCG and it feels like childs play. Maybe Im underrating the precinct but there is a distinct lack of food choices and variety around there. I stand by that.


After SCG, you can grab a nice meal at alot of different outlets around Oxford Street or Potts Point - if your prepared to venture a little further. There are also a variety of fuel stops around Randwick , if you like the quick and go type food.(Near UNSW / The Hospital Childrens way).

When working at Accor (the ground opposite the Showgrounds) before, it was only the big events would they set up Food trucks and Food vans.

One thing is also for sure, you dont come to Olympic Stadium for the food or entertainment. You come there just for the sporting event (when its hosted there). Its not something that can change either. Monday to Friday during the business weak its 'dead' around there.

Interesting you like the scg so much, a Melbourne morning radio host went there on the Friday night and this was his take.

Ross Stevenson’s frank observation after going to the SCG on Friday – 3AW

www.3aw.com.au

 

[Del125763]

Interesting you like the scg so much, a Melbourne morning radio host went there on the Friday night and this was his take.

Ross Stevenson’s frank observation after going to the SCG on Friday – 3AW

www.3aw.com.au

I went to both stadia this summer for the cricket.

The guy has a point, the MCG probably has better seating. Merivale who I worked or in Sydney at the SCG in the past- treat their employees like $hit and the owner seems a tad up himself. Melbournians do plan sport events out far, far better and have a more of a 'care factor' towards sport. I attended a WBBL cricket match this summer at the SCG, and I swear you not, they opened the gates up about 10 minutes before tip off. They don't do things perfectly at the SCG, there are weaknesses in events hosted there, so I wont lie about that. And I think it might be something to do with possibly the MCG getting more events than the SCG during the course of the season- so things seem to go a bit more smoother over there.

And I'll give Western Sydney one thing, the food out in the western suburbs is better. I do like that 'multicultural' mix.

I dont know the exact Sydney Swans demographics , that broadcaster said something like 50% is from Eastern Suburbs- he might or may/be right. Im not located in the Eastern Suburbs per-se but I do feel that they have 3/4 quarters of the bearings market (North, East and South). GWS has West of Sydney, which is probably the biggest of the 4 bearings of Sydney.

I believe when the AFL created the 2nd club was to create that real second club rivalry in NSW. It will take time, it will probably take a generation or two or three. The NRL rivalries were formed hundreds of years ago. I believe with the AFL Markets down in Melbourne these days, is your average supporter isn't necessairly going to be based on location such is the spreadness of Melbourne east, west and north. Bearings has a bit more important in Sydney than Melbourne.