"Kangaroos Statement"

[Howard Littlejohn]

Mods, if someone beats me to it, please delete.


Just got this email, as I'm sure many of you did.

The Kangaroos Board today met with the AFL Chairman, CEO and key executives in relation to the club's future.

The Kangaroos put forward a hybrid option of committing to Melbourne as our home, but playing a number of games on the Gold Coast.

As a result of the meeting, the AFL clearly stated that nothing but relocation was an option in relation to the Gold Coast.

The Kangaroos Board intends to continue discussions with the AFL over the next few weeks.

The issue of the vacancy on the Kangaroos Board bought about by Graham Duff's retirement and the position of Chairman remains under discussion.

If nothing other than relocation is acceptable to the AFL, then what's the point of taking the 30 days? Just say "No" and its finished with (for this year).
Clearly the "hybrid" position (unworkable anyway, imo) isn't as far as some on the board are prepared to go - and there must be a feeling a majority may still fold.

 

[FOOOOTY]

The board has a lot of things to consider.. they cant sit and hope that the AFL is bluffing they have to take what they say as fact and act accordingly,

AFL have screwed the Kangas, theyve put them in the position that if they say NO, then they are basically playing 7 games in an area building a market for another side..

They have to work out the finances and see if they can survive without the money from the SDF and the gold coast games.. 30 days basically stops the Kangaroos fans getting on board and showing the board that they can generate enough money from an increased turnout from fans.. AFL = pr!cks

 

[Mr Reliable]

There's an agreement in place until 2009, which I assume the AFL will honour (honorable people that they are). There's a massive TV rights deal that requires 16 teams, 8 games and 22 rounds. Nobody is going to create a new team in 5 minutes out of thin air.

Demetriou can bluster all he likes. This fight COULD go for two years. Strap yourselves in guys.

 

[Rick18]

This statement doesn't make any sense. You would think with the AFL clearly laying out their wishes, the North Melbourne board would do the same thing in return.
So does this mean that the board is still seriously considering the idea of relocation?

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Yeah, the TV deal is a problem.
There would most likely be no 17th team until 2012 - although simply planting us up there would require it be renegotiated on some aspects (Qld FTA games). And 2012 isn't what the AFL wants.

 

[Redd]

I find the "hybrid" option put forward to the AFL by the board to be very disturbing.
8 home games in the GC is almost a full relocation. It certainly makes it very easy for the AFL to finish off the job when it wants to.

To me this option is also unacceptable and I will be emailing the club to let them know this.
I suggest everyone that can, should also voice this opinion quickly, as I am also concerned that comments about continuing dialogue with the AFL may change into an agreement. Our board has constantly shown that it has no balls to make hard decisions.

 

[Tas]

He is bluffing on SDF, Swans are receiving $1 million a year from it the year after winning a premiership and by the end of 2009 Brisbane might be on it as well given the direction they are heading off-field. He may not guarantee the support will exist but the AFL will continue to support clubs as long as interstate clubs are on the drip.

Clubs/AFL just need to be realistic about how quickly clubs can turn things around with the level of support given.

 

[FOOOOTY]

He may be bluffing about the SDF but how sure can the Board be of that?.. They have to make the decision without factoring it in thats the danger

 

[rooboy_88]

The thing is the GC team will have to play home games at the gabba until 2015 because of a contract in place with the Qld Govt.

any news on the chairman?

 

[CoastBhoy]

The thing is the GC team will have to play home games at the gabba until 2015 because of a contract in place with the Qld Govt.

any news on the chairman?

Thats old news mate , government up here have come out and said that if there is a team up here , (Roos or new team) , playing full time , they will scrap it.

 

[rooboy_88]

Thats old news mate , government up here have come out and said that if there is a team up here , (Roos or new team) , playing full time , they will scrap it.

oh ok i wasnt really sure on the issue, thanks 4 the clarification.

 

[EchucaRoogirl]

Let the AFL think they are bullying North to make a decision in 30 days but North should go back to the AFL and say we won't be playing in QLD, timbucktoo or anywhere else to try to get rid of NORTH MELBOURNE let the AFL hand out the 17th licence. North have been around since 1858 and they will be around for another 150 plus years. C'mon all you so called Bigfooty readers who are North supporters and aren't members join up for the love of our footy club to make it a success both on and off the field. North top 4 in 2008
Lets all sing.....
Hearts to hearts.....