So, anti-Tassie-deal posters, what are your alternatives?

Gary Shadforth

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Thread starter #1
.

I don't get what some anti-Tassie-deal posters are on about.

If the HFC Board directors sat on their hands and did very little or nothing to enhance and ensure our club's financial viability, the same complainants would remain on their case. There would be outcries if there were nothing done, we simply would not survive.

I ask of those posters, what are your alternative ideas to compete financially? Say, with the rich interstate clubs, Collingwood and Essendon, the latter two being most likely the only Victorian clubs that are presently financially viable apart from ours. The other clubs are on AFL social security or near to.

Survival in the AFL is to find a way in which to assure a financial future. Re-locating to Tasmania is not going to do it for us, that state simply lacks a large enough population. So you should have no fears in that sense.

So, anti-Tassie-deal posters, come up with your alternative funding plans for Hawthorn's survival? Just imagine you are on the Board and have ideas different to the incumbents. Deftly set out, in this thread, your plans and ideas which you feel would ensure Hawthorn FC's future financially.

Yours in anticipation, Gary.
 

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cs61

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#2
Good post Gary.

They have taken steps to secure the long term security of our football club and have enhanced our relationship with a market in a different state. Its a good plan and its proactive in realising the situation with Victorian clubs is going to get messy sooner or later. I have always been confident Hawthorn wouldn't be one of the clubs to fall over, but we haven't just sat around and waited to see what will happen. We have looked at options and have secured a great deal, and suddenly we are in a different league to the Kangaroos, Demons, Bulldogs etc.

If there needs to be 4 less games in Melbourne to secure our football clubs future, we can most certainly deal with that, especially considering the success we have had in Tassie onfield and offield.
 

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#3
Your post assumes that the Tassie deal makes long term financial sense in the first place.

We already saw from last season that playing 4 home games out of Melbourne caused a drop in the Victorian membership. Who's to say, at this point, what the long-term effect of this policy will be.

Secondly, we cannot compete financially with the big clubs, regardless of what we do (unless we strike oil under the grass at Waverley). The good news, though, is that we don't have to. We only need to survive, and have enough resources to be competitive on field. We are achieving that now, and that's despite an almost entirely uninspiring on-field performance onfield over the past decades. Most clubs lose money during lean years. Ours made money.

Moving a third of our games interstate is a significant sacrifice, especially if it is to be semi-permanent, because it has the potential to be seen as the club trading part of its identity away, if not handled properly.

Before demanding from us that we propose another equal-sized source of revenue, you should first demonstrate why the club should be so desperate for more revenue, in the short term, that it would want to make this potentially dangerous sacrifice (remember that St. Kilda, after picking up onfield, found that they we making more money from Melbourne games than they could from Tasmanian games).
 
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#4
There's one key figure that made me drop my slight anti-Tassie position (I was against the Tasmanian logo).

Recently I was looking at the Hawthorn Financial statement and noticed a massive drop in donations and special fundraising efforts. In 2005 the figure was $1,582,269 and in 2006 it was only $276,288. The profit for 2005 was $90,937 and was only made by some generous people propping up the club. Had those generous people not been around Hawthorn would have posted a million dollar loss. You only have to look at Carlton's situation to realise that it's dangerous to rely on people dipping into their own pockets. Had it not been for Ian Dicker would Hawthorn have made profits in those lean years?

It's true that membership numbers have dropped, but I don't think the Tasmanian venture can be completely blamed for this. Hawthorns poor form, AFL scheduling and the MCG redevelopment are also factors.

As for St Kilda it's true that they ditched Tassie but their situation was much different. They were playing good football and packing out Telstra dome and they didn't have the lucrative deal that Hawthorn has. I'm not sure St Kilda's win/loss ratio in Tassie was all that favourable.

The fact is you can't rely on donations forever and if the Tassie deal means Hawthorn won't become a charity case, then I'm all for it.
 

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#5
We must all remember that we are not provy to all the goings on at board level. However, from what I have read I think our board is doing a great job.

I feel the ingrediants are present to propel as to being one the top six clubs financially. the only thing missing is a period of on-field success. By this I don't necessarily mean a premiership, but several years of strong performances where we are a contender to finish in the top four for several years.

If this occurs, I have no doubt our membership will soar past 40,000 and our brand will not only remain within the top five, but push even higher.

I think many BF members don't appreciate how strong our club could be if some on-field success returned.
 

Gary Shadforth

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Thread starter #6
MightyFighting said:
Your post assumes that the Tassie deal makes long term financial sense in the first place.
Where in my post have I assumed that? I have made no mention of anything 'long term' in Tassie.

Secondly, we cannot compete financially with the big clubs, regardless of what we do. ...
Maybe not quite with some of the intersate clubs who do not have to compete with so many other clubs within a state. I believe that situation will eventually pan out as the other less financial Victorian clubs will need to merge of relocate interstate. But otherwise I disagree. It's a bland statement you have made, MF. Our Board of Directors (which is made up of some of the most eminent business people, most of whom would have specialist consultant advisers in their personal business affairs), sponsors, backers (i.e: Mirvac-LendLease), staff and many volunteer workers behind the scenes would differ with you. Like on the field, our club has to strive to be better in business. And, in my opinion that's what I see occurring at our club, Frankly, I am quite impressed with the professional way in which our club is conducting itself these days. And I have been involved with HFC in various ways most of my life including 41 successive years as a member.

Before demanding from us that we propose another equal-sized source of revenue ...
I haven't demanded anything. I asked for (suggested) antiTasmania-deal supporters to come up with and display an alternative strategy to the way in which our directors are going about raising funds? It is a fair question to ask those who repetitively go on an on about the Tassie sponsorship.


.....you should first demonstrate why the club should be so desperate for more revenue...
I don't have to demonstrate anything of the sought. As I have said I am very satisfied with the way in which our powers-that-be are going about their duties, I see no desperation but some pretty cool business decisions.

All written in deference to you, Mighty Fighting, as I respect your views but disagree with some points you have made.
 

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#7
Just stumbled upon this while floating around, thought Id add a post...

Being from Northern Tasmania, I am very happy with Hawthorn moving games down here, as any AFL is better than none, and that is a viewed shared by tens of thousands up here, maybe more. Its a move that will improve memberships (and has) and no doubt adds to the Hawks supporter base, whereas possibility for new supporters in Victoria may have been exhausted. And now with the contract being extended, there are now a whole generation of Tassie kids whose first AFL memory may be watching the Hawks, so theres another 10+ years of new supporters/members...

Just a thought

PS. Gary, Clint dont look good in caps :thumbsu:
 
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#8
My take is the "apple' has a few maggots in it. Not against the 4 games in themselves just the handling of it.

-It seems likely the FTA TV from 3 of these games will be non existent.

-Early on it was claimed (by club officials including Dunstall in a radio debate with Scott) that as well as the 7 MCG home games there would be up to 4 designated away games there. These did not eventuate and a glance at the fixture suggests it is a deliberate act by the AFL.

-They should have held their position with the AFL on this OR not taken hawks fans for dodos. There was the matter of the st kilda games meaning there was some leverage. the leverage will not be ther next year so will it get worse ?

I could also mention that we were sold the 4 games 'offshore' in 2006 as a one off for the commonwelth games (some logic that) when really it could be we were beng softened up for it semi permanently.

I have also some hersay that the board looked at the gold coast option a little too closely for a lot of people's tastes.

-Cant believe I am saying this but why aren't we negotiating to get a good deal at the dome ? how come in our home game there last year the pie fans had a large reserved section.
 

cs61

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#9
Just stumbled upon this while floating around, thought Id add a post...

Being from Northern Tasmania, I am very happy with Hawthorn moving games down here, as any AFL is better than none, and that is a viewed shared by tens of thousands up here, maybe more. Its a move that will improve memberships (and has) and no doubt adds to the Hawks supporter base, whereas possibility for new supporters in Victoria may have been exhausted. And now with the contract being extended, there are now a whole generation of Tassie kids whose first AFL memory may be watching the Hawks, so theres another 10+ years of new supporters/members...

Just a thought

PS. Gary, Clint dont look good in caps :thumbsu:
That's a major point. There is a fair market in Tassie, and if Hawthorn are playing consistently down there, its a great opportunity to take advantage and get the young generation on board. Playing games in the state is a start, hopefully we can start getting some on field performances going as well and we'll start to see some real improvement in membership.
 

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#10
What about if we merged with Melbourne? We could double our membership base and increase revenue streams.

Plus "The Dawks" sounds kind of cool as a nickname.

In all seriousness though, if it snowed in winter no one would be at the games. But at least all our games would be in Melbourne.... :)
 

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#11
Just stumbled upon this while floating around, thought Id add a post...

Being from Northern Tasmania, I am very happy with Hawthorn moving games down here, as any AFL is better than none, and that is a viewed shared by tens of thousands up here, maybe more. Its a move that will improve memberships (and has) and no doubt adds to the Hawks supporter base, whereas possibility for new supporters in Victoria may have been exhausted. And now with the contract being extended, there are now a whole generation of Tassie kids whose first AFL memory may be watching the Hawks, so theres another 10+ years of new supporters/members...

Just a thought
Our ability to recruit members on the mainland totally drawfs that in tasmania.
 

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MHDKA

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#12
.

I don't get what some anti-Tassie-deal posters are on about.

If the HFC Board directors sat on their hands and did very little or nothing to enhance and ensure our club's financial viability, the same complainants would remain on their case. There would be outcries if there were nothing done, we simply would not survive.
Well Gary the Management and Board are not there to sit on their hands they are there to ensure the long term viability of the club and create an environment that maximises the on-field performance for the benefit of stakeholders the major of which are members. That does not mean however they should simply grab a fist full of $$$ without ensuring they do it on the best possible terms for the club.

Further it is nonsense to suggest that if we did not increase our exposure to tasmania we would in any way endanger our on-field or off-field performance. As I have discussed elsewhere we have shown consistent improvement both on & off field over the last 3 years & it is incorrect to suggest that we needed the tasmanian sponsorship because we had financial issues.

Considering we have already attracted one of the top 10 banks in the world as a sponsor and are a team with prospects the equal of any in the AFL over the next 5-8 years why couldn't we either attract sponsorship with more favorable terms than what we have agreed to with the Tasmanian government or attract new sponsorship - perhaps the answer is either lazy or inept management.

I ask of those posters, what are your alternative ideas to compete financially? Say, with the rich interstate clubs, Collingwood and Essendon, the latter two being most likely the only Victorian clubs that are presently financially viable apart from ours. The other clubs are on AFL social security or near to..
See above in regards to sponsorship. Further given our improving prospects there is no reason we shouldn't be able to increase our membership over our record of 33K in 2007 without potentially pissing of victorian members some of whom are not 100% happy with the deal. In addition there are aspects of the deal that will impinge on our ability to recruit new members and lapsed members as well as new sponsors.


Survival in the AFL is to find a way in which to assure a financial future. Re-locating to Tasmania is not going to do it for us, that state simply lacks a large enough population. So you should have no fears in that sense.
You are probably right on this but in taking on this sponsorship with the terms we have agreed to we have downgraded the sponsorship of one of the worlds greatest banks, jumped into bed with a government whose support could change at the next election or opinion poll, alienated parts of our membership base & created identity issues that will effect our ability to recruit new members.


Finally, I have noticed some posters supportive of the deal have ridiculed those that are not 100% behind it. Frankly the deal is not a lay-down misere & to suggest otherwise is quite naive & disrespectful to those who have spent the time to discuss their opinions and who also love HFC and are simply concerned about the future of our club.
 

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#13
It is in the best interest of the club to develop Tasmania. The interstate power clubs do not have to share with 9 other clubs and can generate more revenue than Vic clubs just playing in Melbourne. The Tassie deal will benefit Hawthorn to the tune of 1.5 - 2 million a year gross profit after Tassie expenses (over 5 years that would be 7.5 - 10 million dollars).
You might be miffed that there is 5 games (4 premiership, 1 pre-season) less that will be played in Melbourne, but remember interstate clubs only play 11 home games. When Hawthorn is away in Tasmania, watch the game on TV or go to a Box Hill game and check out our younger players.
Then take into account Hawthorn's move to Waverley. Hawthorn are encouraging the Eastern suburbs population to support the Hawks and are the only team really pushing into that market (they also had a family day in Pakenham).
And finally, the old Glenferrie social club (plans at the present time) will be converted into a medical centre which will guarantee $$$ coming into the club every year.
These financial decisions will give the Hawks the best chance to have a Melbourne presence for many years to come.
Now on-field, Hawthorn's youth policy is really good and is reminding me of the San Fransisco 49ers at the start of the Bill Walsh years. That crop alone secured 4 superbowls :cool: . Alistair Clarkson is a smart coach and will be in the job for the next decade with a few Premierships to show for it.
 

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#14
We already saw from last season that playing 4 home games out of Melbourne caused a drop in the Victorian membership. Who's to say, at this point, what the long-term effect of this policy will be.
The fact that our membership is 20% up on last season puts that theory to bed IMO. Granted the deal has probably cost us an extra 2, 5 or 7% more members to date, but the opportunity cost of the extra membership revenue is offset by the sponsorship agreement.

Secondly, we cannot compete financially with the big clubs, regardless of what we do (unless we strike oil under the grass at Waverley).
Why not?

The good news, though, is that we don't have to. We only need to survive, and have enough resources to be competitive on field. We are achieving that now, and that's despite an almost entirely uninspiring on-field performance onfield over the past decades. Most clubs lose money during lean years. Ours made money.
True, however we have a golden opportunity to expand on our brand not only into one market but multiple markets. To me, that's exciting.

Further it is nonsense to suggest that if we did not increase our exposure to tasmania we would in any way endanger our on-field or off-field performance. As I have discussed elsewhere we have shown consistent improvement both on & off field over the last 3 years & it is incorrect to suggest that we needed the tasmanian sponsorship because we had financial issues.

Considering we have already attracted one of the top 10 banks in the world as a sponsor and are a team with prospects the equal of any in the AFL over the next 5-8 years why couldn't we either attract sponsorship with more favorable terms than what we have agreed to with the Tasmanian government or attract new sponsorship - perhaps the answer is either lazy or inept management.
Absolutely, however I think I read somewhere HSBC is footing exactly the same amount as the principle sponsor as they did previously as the major sponsor - which (if true) would be excellent for the clubs corporate brand.

According to the HSBC site;

"Research shows HSBC is in the top five most recognised AFL sponsors. This is testimony to our successful partnership to date, but also provides a platform for HSBC to build our brand through this new relationship," Davis said.
To put it into perspective, since the HSBC-Hawthorn partnership was formed in 2004, the Hawks have finished 15th, 14th and 11th. With success immanent, the clubs and sponsors exposure will only increase – which can only be a good thing for the club and backers.

HSBC also have a vested interest in Hawthorn being strong in Victoria;

HSBC has retail banking branches in Box Hill, Camberwell, Glen Waverley, and at Swanston and William Streets in Melbourne's CBD and 18 branches throughout Australia. HSBC plans continue its expansion in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, a growth corridor servicing a large, traditional Hawthorn membership and supporter base.
The fact that we were able to retain HSBC as a major sponsor let alone step back and still contribute a similar amount is a massive vote of confidence in the clubs future direction – especially considering our previous 3 years under the HSBC banner.

You are probably right on this but in taking on this sponsorship with the terms we have agreed to we have downgraded the sponsorship of one of the worlds greatest banks, jumped into bed with a government whose support could change at the next election or opinion poll, alienated parts of our membership base & created identity issues that will effect our ability to recruit new members.
In terms of alienation of the support base, if fans were that disheartened by the deal would our member response still be strong?

Finally, I have noticed some posters supportive of the deal have ridiculed those that are not 100% behind it. Frankly the deal is not a lay-down misere & to suggest otherwise is quite naive & disrespectful to those who have spent the time to discuss their opinions and who also love HFC and are simply concerned about the future of our club.
Absolutely, there are some aspects of the deal I also object too – the ‘Tasmania’ logo on the jumper and the PR campagin are just some of the many flaws.
 

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#15
good post, however, us hawk fans aren't so much "anti-tassie" i think most of us are

1) POd with the amount of opposition using it as a way to sink cheap shots

2) the boldness of the "tasmania" on the jumper


We understand that it is just a sponsorship, which entitles us to lucrative oppotunities down in tassieland.
 

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#16
What are the alternatives?

- BUILD on the 30-35000 base membership level by endeavouring to play as many games at the MCG as possible. The Tasmanian deal has had a negative effect on our draw - and the number of games at the MCG let alone in Melbourne.

- Promote the club with better advertising campaigns that target families to attend games (stKilda have advertised its club very well of late). Draw on the large dormant supporter base that lived through the era of the 80s and early 90s in the advertising - potentially another era of success is upon us - promote this heavily and get them back at the footy.

- Get involved in VICTORIAN schools and colleges, get kids to love the Hawks - promote the playing group and its personalities (ala Dipper Dermie of the eighties) - let its supporters feel connected to the team by knowing its players - Hawthorn have not had a single player to see a reason to go and attend a match since Crawford in his prime - this is about to change *cough* Buddy *cough*

- Form rivalries with other Victorian clubs and create a tribal atmosphere amongst the supporter base. Why do you think the AFL are desperate to keep the Blues afloat? It isnt the Carlton brand thats important - its the rivalries with the Collingwoods and Essendons that draw the crowds. It is rivalries that put bums on seats

- Promote each home game as a major event. Gimmicks Fireworks Competitions - whatever! Get in the media's face with each home game - put it on the back page. We have a high profile president that can achieve this! Essendon do this very well via Sheedy.

- Be stubborn, arrogant to the media and the AFL and defend the Hawthorn brand. If the draw stinks - come out strong - have it on the back page - Hawthorn slams the AFL for scheduling TD games against Collingwood and Carlton. It feels like Hawthorn are the whipping boy of the AFL.

Overall it needs to improve its attendances at its home games. Simple as that - and of late the only promotion of a hawthorn home game is at 11PM on a Thursday night at the Footy Show. Why?

Sure the two games a year that might still draw only 20,000 despite a better marketing strategy - send them to Tasmania - as marque games.

The pro-tas team seem to think the sky is falling on Hawthorn - but it is not. We have a base of 30,000 members despite no success on-field (at one stage we were a rabble) - our attendances are the greatest - but they are very far from the worst, we have great facilities, a high profile president, and a playing group with a LOT of potential.

Too much emphasis is on Tasmania, and if this deal goes beyond 5 years at 4 games a year - will have a negative impact of the growth of the club in Victoria - which leads to permanent relocation more so than if it were to play all of its games in Melbourne.
 

cs61

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#17
Why do people keep bringing up the relocation crap. There are plenty of reasons why it just isn't possible. Its a poor way of trying to argue the other side of the Tassie deal because it just isn't feasible.
 

Gary Shadforth

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Thread starter #18
Hawkk said:
The fact that we were able to retain HSBC as a major sponsor let alone step back and still contribute a similar amount is a massive vote of confidence in the clubs future direction – especially considering our previous 3 years under the HSBC banner.
Supports what I wrote .....

Gary Shadforth said:
Our Board of Directors (which is made up of some of the most eminent business people, most of whom would have specialist consultant advisers in their personal business affairs), sponsors, backers (i.e: Mirvac-LendLease),
HSBC, one of the worlds largest banks, are very proud of their sponsorship of the Hawks and have been with us three years extending their interest until the end of 2008..

This huge Hong Kong-Shanghai based corporate backs only two other sports entities in Australia, the HSBC Waratahs and Sydney's huge annual Sydney to Surf charity fun run. I note the Hawks heads this list of three.

It could well be that the Hawthorn FC could be of great assistance to HSBC by being part of a launching pad for the latter to open branches in Tasmania. Sponsors assisting the club and vice-versa is what it is all about .... its called give and take.

No doubting Thomas's in that organization. Have a squiz at the HSBC Websites' Hawks page. CLICK HERE
 

Gary Shadforth

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Thread starter #19
It is in the best interest of the club to develop Tasmania. The interstate power clubs do not have to share with 9 other clubs and can generate more revenue than Vic clubs just playing in Melbourne. The Tassie deal will benefit Hawthorn to the tune of 1.5 - 2 million a year gross profit after Tassie expenses (over 5 years that would be 7.5 - 10 million dollars).
You might be miffed that there is 5 games (4 premiership, 1 pre-season) less that will be played in Melbourne, but remember interstate clubs only play 11 home games. When Hawthorn is away in Tasmania, watch the game on TV or go to a Box Hill game and check out our younger players.
Then take into account Hawthorn's move to Waverley. Hawthorn are encouraging the Eastern suburbs population to support the Hawks and are the only team really pushing into that market (they also had a family day in Pakenham).
And finally, the old Glenferrie social club (plans at the present time) will be converted into a medical centre which will guarantee $$$ coming into the club every year.
These financial decisions will give the Hawks the best chance to have a Melbourne presence for many years to come.
Now on-field, Hawthorn's youth policy is really good and is reminding me of the San Fransisco 49ers at the start of the Bill Walsh years. That crop alone secured 4 superbowls :cool: . Alistair Clarkson is a smart coach and will be in the job for the next decade with a few Premierships to show for it.
Excellent post Hawkamania.

Through the Tassie sponsorship our club has been commissioned to promote Aussie Rules Football as well as our club throughout the Apple Isle. Isn't that in itself something great? As I said in another post - sponsorships are a give and take situations by both parties. The very reason why the word Tasmania is emblazoned on our guernsey.

I've seen the oblong logo on the club's website and have hardly noticed it after a few visits. I would expect it will be the same situation as I watch my beloved Hawks, week-by-week, striving to head up the ladder.

And in discussing promoting the game and the club, there are also programs set in place for our club to display a strong presence in the south-eastern suburbs and Gippsland.

I betcha when our boys are out there on the paddock bringing home the bacon, round-after-round, the issue of our major sponsorship and logo will hardly be raised. And to cap it off, the balance sheet at the '07 December AGM will be the cream on the cake.

And why shouldn't we reward our, hopefully, eventual 10,000 or so Tassie supporters with a handful of games at York Park. Remember there are many of us who live in far away places around the country who have to travel long distances to get to games as against half-an-hour in a plane. Do you witness the interstaters complaining? I'd travel thousands of kilometres across a lonely treacherous thirsty desert on a camel's spiked hump if the Hawks made a grand final.

Just let's get on with the season and be happy.
 

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#20
HSBC, one of the worlds largest banks, are very proud of their sponsorship of the Hawks and have been with us three years extending their interest until the end of 2008..

This huge Hong Kong-Shanghai based corporate backs only two other sports entities in Australia,
The sponsorship with HSBC has still been downgraded though because of the tasmanian deal.

BTW HSBC is London based.
 

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#21
The sponsorship with HSBC has still been downgraded though because of the tasmanian deal.

BTW HSBC is London based.
I don't see it as a downgrade. We have retained HSBC on a similar commitment as was previously the case. Main difference is that are not naming rights sponsor.

For mine, this highlights how effectively our board is functioning. Some subtely would be needed to handle this situation such as this and yet we have still got HSBC as a long-term sponsor.
 

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#22
Excellent post Hawkamania.

Through the Tassie sponsorship our club has been commissioned to promote Aussie Rules Football as well as our club throughout the Apple Isle. Isn't that in itself something great?
Do you really believe this - if it was the case why didn't we get a better deal from the AFL for playing away games at the MCG.

As I said in another post - sponsorships are a give and take situations by both parties. The very reason why the word Tasmania is emblazoned on our guernsey.
Exactly and that is why we should have insisted the naming be "Tasmania Tourism" or "Discover Tasmania" and this should have been the logo on our jumper rather than TASMANIA.

This would have meant:

- Some HFC members would not have been pissed off that we selling part of our identity

- More value to Tasmania itself from a marketing perspective by providing a message as part of the naming

- Avoiding confusion amongst those outside the club (such as potential new members) that we are indeed Tasmania Hawks and may in fact be located in Tasmania

Naming rights is an issue we should have negotiated more strongly on.

I've seen the oblong logo on the club's website and have hardly noticed it after a few visits. I would expect it will be the same situation as I watch my beloved Hawks, week-by-week, striving to head up the ladder.
I am sure you are aware gary the discover Tasmania logo is not the one used on our football jumper and most other merchandise & simply says TASMANIA

And in discussing promoting the game and the club, there are also programs set in place for our club to display a strong presence in the south-eastern suburbs and Gippsland.
Not surprising. I would hope the club would not give up trying to recruit on the mainland because of this deal.

I betcha when our boys are out there on the paddock bringing home the bacon, round-after-round, the issue of our major sponsorship and logo will hardly be raised. And to cap it off, the balance sheet at the '07 December AGM will be the cream on the cake.
Pretty obvious you were a journalist gary :).

Doesn't get around the point though that my daughter, when she saw the membership brochure asked "have we moved to Tasmania?"

And why shouldn't we reward our, hopefully, eventual 10,000 or so Tassie supporters with a handful of games at York Park. Remember there are many of us who live in far away places around the country who have to travel long distances to get to games as against half-an-hour in a plane. Do you witness the interstaters complaining? I'd travel thousands of kilometres across a lonely treacherous thirsty desert on a camel's spiked hump if the Hawks made a grand final.
But the split seems very unequal now though.

We are meant to be a victorian club with victorian supporters making up the vast majority of membership and expensive membership packages but 36% of our games have moved interstate restricting supporters the ability to see those games in victoria.

Further if foxtel is involved telecasting football (which I think will happen) a number of games will not even be able to be seen free to air.

They won't even be able to see the first practice game unless they travel to tasmania!

As far as being able to get to launceston in half an hour that is absolute poppycock!

In fact I will give anybody who can leave melbourne & get to launceston in 1/2 an hour a $1000.

The reason I say this is it takes 1hr to 1hr 20min to fly to launceston depending on the plane. You also need to get to the airport 30 min before the flight. Oh flights on the weekend get in at 2.55pm so you need to leave the day before and they fly out at 4.55pm so you will need to stay another day!

Just let's get on with the season and be happy.
No, I still think it is important for the club to understand members feelings on issues as important as this. How else can they represent members and address their concerns?
 

MHDKA

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Just don't keep coming here and just whingeing constantly about it.


LH86
Mature response - read the title of the thread Londoner.

As I previously posted:
MHDKA said:
Finally, I have noticed some posters supportive of the deal have ridiculed those that are not 100% behind it. Frankly the deal is not a lay-down misere & to suggest otherwise is quite naive & disrespectful to those who have spent the time to discuss their opinions and who also love HFC and are simply concerned about the future of our club.
 
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