Is this a big call?

[The Rewboy]

With the Sydney experiment failing and Canberra still requiring a good kick-start, I ask is Perth a possible frontier?

I have noticed in the past 2 games against the Weagles at Subi that we have had a great amount of support. I recall the "North Melbourne" chant bellowing out across the ground several times on Sunday and a fair bit of blue and white amongst the crowd, which was remarked upon several times by the commentators.

We have had a rich history of Western Australian recruits leading to a big following in Perth. Plus, given the state of Footy in WA at present, it might be a positive thing to have a good side to play there for a possible 2 home games (eg versus Freo and perhaps Melbourne) and an away match. Anyway, its just a thought and I'd like to hear others opinions.

 

[Leia]

It's a possibility that is probably worth being considered, but I doubt it will be unless the Canberra experiment is announced to have been a complete and utter failure. I think that will remain the focus until it is either a success, or the same thing happens as in Sydney.

But actually, I think Canberra is not a bad option for us, and probably worth persisiting with for a little while. Just what I reckon anyway.

 

[Shinboners]

If we were to play extra games in Perth, then it would have to be a case of the WA Football Commission (who control the Eagles and Freo) inviting us to play there. If we just go straight to the AFL and ask for more matches there, then it's likely that the Eagles and Freo will react towards us in the same way that Sydney did to us when we tried to move into the Sydney market.

I'd love to see the Roos play a few extra games in Perth as our fans over there have given our boys fantastic support. But unless the AFL and WA Footy Commission put their full support behind promoting our games over there, then I think that Canberra is probably the safer option for our club.

 

[choppy]

I think the Canberra experiment should be continued with for the time being but I reckon the home game against Sydney should be stopped. If the fourth game is not played in Canberra then maybe it could be played in Perth.

It could be setup as an annual event one of thier public holidays. If it was advertised properly ie a few Pickett shirt fronts, some Carey goals, etc to fire em up it would surely be a sellout if the eagles were half travelling.

 

[Aussie_Roo]

I can recall a rumour of an offer to any struggling Victorian clubs to play a home game there for about $300k??

 

[35eye]

I'm all for playing first named games in any state or territory. If its all in the name of growing our support nationally, why not?

Perth is a fantastic place and the crowd support over the past couple of seasons has been awesome.

 

[kmartkid]

the biggest problem with Perth is that it is a long way away.

Canberra is less than an hour by plane, is affordable ($68 each way on Ansett) and it is possible to go to the game from Melbourne (which is where our supporter base is) without too much disruption.

Perth is 4 hours away with a time difference and almost impossible to get return airfares for under $600.

I think canberra is the best option - it has an aussie rules tradition, is close to Wagga (duck territory) and will embrace us as our only competition is Thugby.

I agree, one Sydney game a year is enough.