Melbourne Members Unite

[Charlie]

Originally posted by Damien
Hey Charlie - good letter.

One thing confuses me though - I would be going after the Bulldogs game, as opposed to the Kangas game - The AFL and the Kangas need the Swans to get a decent size crowd. I know it has nothing to do with money, but perception that the Canberra experiment is working is important to them.

I really can't see the Swans getting that changed, and even if they went and lobbied the AFL, I think they would be told to get stuffed.

Basically, because I don't believe that the Swans are using their power in this regard. That argument has been bandied around, and if there really, truly is nothing that can be done about it, well so be it. But I've said what I think.

I *can* accept 6 games next year, on the understanding that for 2006 there will be seven.

The Telstra Stadium game is almost certainly because of the contract with the AFL that specifies six games - meaning we must pay whatever the rate is for six games whether we have them or not. The Wizard Cup game would thus reduce the cost of the main season games quite considerably.

[aflconvert]

Does anyone have stats over the last few years comparing
the number of games Swans have had in Melbourne each year compared to the other non-Victorian teams ?

[BAM_BAM]

Originally posted by Charlie

Of particular concern to me personally is the Manuka game, as I cannot see how the Swans playing that game benefits anyone at all. The game is underwritten, meaning the Kangaroos make no extra profits from a full crowd, and having large numbers of supporters travelling from Sydney does nothing for game development in Canberra. To me, this game in particular represents a waste of a Swans game, which is a precious commodity.

as much as I like going down for the Manuka game Charlie, you make a very valid point here.

When so many of us travel, mainly from Sydney, just how much is this game helping the raise the Aussie Rules profile in the ACT?

I know I have posted previously that many people residing in Canberra may associate themselves with Sydney, being the closest team to support so therefore it is great for them and the game, but realistically, are the AFL preaching to the choir by doing this. They are already interested in the game and are going to watch their team play.

I've said it before, but for your age, wow!! You astound me. I know age shouldn't come into it, but when I talk to guys your age, most don't get their point across anywhere near as well as you do. I'd proudly have you as my tomato stake anytime.

[robbieando]

Originally posted by aflconvert
Does anyone have stats over the last few years comparing
the number of games Swans have had in Melbourne each year compared to the other non-Victorian teams ?

Here we go (Note, finals aren't included in these stats.)

Sydney Swans

2004 - 5
2003 - 5
2002 - 6
2001 - 6
2000 - 6
Total - 28

Brisbane Lions

2004 - 6
2003 - 7
2002 - 6
2001 - 6
2000 - 7
Total - 32

West Coast Eagles

2004 - 6
2003 - 5
2002 - 7
2001 - 7
2000 - 7
Total - 32

Fremantle Dockers

2004 - 7
2003 - 6
2002 - 5
2001 - 7
2000 - 7
Total - 32

Port Adelaide Power

2004 - 5
2003 - 7
2002 - 5
2001 - 5
2000 - 5
Total - 27

Adelaide Crows

2004 - 5
2003 - 6
2002 - 6
2001 - 7
2000 - 8
Total - 32

So your telling me that Eagles, Crows and Dockers fans living in Melbourne have had more chances to see their club play in Victoria in the last 5 seasons than the Swans fans who would total more in number than those three clubs combined.

Facts are, 4 clubs have over the last 5 years had four extra games in Victoria than the Swans, while at the same time playing the same amount of matches that the Swans play, which take games out of Melbourne.

To think some call us unreasonable

[Damien]

God Brisbane do well for a club that buys a match from Melbourne!
(Do remember them getting a deal when they merged though I think)

Wow.

I didn't know these numbers, I think we need Myles to come out and slam the AFL for not respecting the Swans, Melbourne history and fan base. Not hard for them to sneak at least another game in, even with Manuka and the Bulldogs match.

I didn't realise how bad we fared with the other interstate sides. Even without our history, that is unfair.

[Charlie]

Originally posted by BAM_BAM
as much as I like going down for the Manuka game Charlie, you make a very valid point here.

When so many of us travel, mainly from Sydney, just how much is this game helping the raise the Aussie Rules profile in the ACT?

I know I have posted previously that many people residing in Canberra may associate themselves with Sydney, being the closest team to support so therefore it is great for them and the game, but realistically, are the AFL preaching to the choir by doing this. They are already interested in the game and are going to watch their team play.

I've said it before, but for your age, wow!! You astound me. I know age shouldn't come into it, but when I talk to guys your age, most don't get their point across anywhere near as well as you do. I'd proudly have you as my tomato stake anytime.

When you consider the likely break down of that Canberra game, there's virtually no game development happening.

You've got:
a) Kangaroos and Swans supporters who travel. I haven't been to one of these games, but it sounds like these make up a very large percentage.
b) Auskick, players' families, coteries, officials etc - all the automatic allocations that are a drop in the ocean at the MCG but become more important at a little ground like Manuka.
c) Fans of the two clubs who live in or around Canberra. These people are local, but they are not the 'great unwashed' that they are supposedly seeking.
d) Fans of other clubs - it's quite reasonable to assume that a city like Canberra, with a large 'transplant' population from all over the country, would have a lot of latent footy fans who enjoy going to a game or two no matter who's playing.

Take out all of them, and I can't see how us being in Canberra is doing much at all for 'game development'. Factor in that Manuka is not big enough to sustain a team, that Canberra is not big enough to sustain a team, and we are going along for the ride whilst the Kangaroos tread water. In effect, we waste a game per year assisting the Kangaroos in an unsustainable short-term grab for cash.

As for how I put my point across, this 'site deserves a fair bit of credit. I take pride in my writing, and posting on here and Bigfooty gives me consistent practice. I'm a better poster now than I was a year ago, and hopefully I'll be better again this time next year. Cheers.

[Country Member]

If you blokes think the Swans' football department would allow a Sydney home game to be given up (given he obvious advantages re home ground, travel etc) because of some perception of self-importance by one group of supporters (albeit historically relevant) , that probably sums-up why the Club had to move in the first place.

Things changed irrevocably at the end of 1981: thats history, accept it and move on. This Club belongs to ALL supporters Australia-wide; it is based in Sydney where the vast majority of supporters are, and if its advantageous for FOOTBALL reasons to play in Sydney, so be it. I think most supporters would like wins and hopefully ultimate success as opposed to demanding we play more games in Melbourne to keep you happy.

The Club makes NOTHING from the Melbourne membership. Its efforts in acknowledging their importance to the Club is based on the respect that history and tradition demands.

Please stop being boringly selfish and be constructive.