LA next stop for game

[Diego]

Originally posted by mocaholic


He would be able to showcase his skills to all his US rellos, too.

Yeah Roosy can put on his boots again and run around deep in the back pocket eh.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by barry
This is the attitude that killed AFL state of origin.

I dont care about State of Origin either. I think that club football is of primary importance.

[OldE]

When I lived in the states, I was forever answering questions about Aussie Rules football (I couldn't answer them- this was still in my unenlightened days). Even now, friends from the US complain that ESPN 2 doesn't show it any more. I have a couple of friends from Washington who would seriously consider flying down for the match- especially if it coincides with the Australian festival, because, apparently, it's one of the few times you can get Bega cheese in the states (but that is a long and totally irrelevant story).

Footy was a huge part of the Australian ex-pat community where we lived. If the match had been on whilst we were there, I don't doubt the now-defunct "Vancouver Australian Ladies Group" would have organised a trip down. I'm sure countless groups like it across the US will do the same.

So, I guess I'm in favour....

[cruiser]

Sorry, but I just dont think the Swans should be asked or expected to provide entertainment for Aussies who prefer to live and work in the US. Its just not enough reason to do it. Let them watch baeball or grid iron.

[ScottH]

Its about promoting the game, not entertaining ex pats.

[cruiser]

I was responding to eirinn's post. However, does anyone really think that blinkered Americans are going to take any interest at all, other than maybe some NFL talent scouts, which is a good reason not to play it there.

[ScottH]

Nope, It will be like the NRL State of Origin (?) game they played there in the mid 80's. They interviewed some of the crowd, mostly Aussies, and when asking one person, who said they were huge fans on NRL, who their favourite team was, the answer came - "The Sydney Swans".

[adnar]

What the hell is big deal?

There is no difference in playing a game in darwin or coffs harbour for a preseason or playing it in LA. sure there is a lof of travel but so is ireland and perth and anywhere else the players go. I don't see why people are worried so much about injury..

[footyhead]

Originally posted by cruiser
I was responding to eirinn's post. However, does anyone really think that blinkered Americans are going to take any interest at all, other than maybe some NFL talent scouts, which is a good reason not to play it there.

You would be very very surprised at the level of American interest and knowlege of Aussie Rules and Aussie Rules clubs.
I have met and meet Americans who tell me that they play Aussie Rules in local comps around north america. Canada too.

The AFL needs to get more games on American Cable TV. That is how most Americans learnt about our great game.

Murdoch took it away from US fans and has not done anything with that small but burgeoning market. The man is evil or out of touch (I doubt that though with all his other success), or both.

[SXP]

Originally posted by footyhead

Murdoch took it away from US fans and has not done anything with that small but burgeoning market. The man is evil or out of touch (I doubt that though with all his other success), or both.

I definitely second that! He hates Assuie Rules football and I believe it's disappearing not only in North America but also in othe rparts of the world like Europe and Asia, where they are now shoowing lots of golf, snooker and some other obscure sports.

BTW, I still think it's a good idea to play a game there, because it's a good opportunity to show case our game there.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by adnar
What the hell is big deal?

There is no difference in playing a game in darwin or coffs harbour for a preseason or playing it in LA. sure there is a lof of travel but so is ireland and perth and anywhere else the players go. I don't see why people are worried so much about injury..

Its to be played in January - that's pre pre-season.

Injury is a concern after Crouch's broken collar bone in that farcical international series against Ireland.

[Glenn]

Injury is always going to be a concern be it pre season or during the season, credit to AFL for looking at promoting the game internationally.

[timthefish]

Originally posted by Glenn
Injury is always going to be a concern be it pre season or during the season, credit to AFL for looking at promoting the game internationally.

and i think it will be more a showcase played with the intensity of an intra-club scratch-match.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by timthefish
and i think it will be more a showcase played with the intensity of an intra-club scratch-match.

A 'showcase' between the Swans and Kangaroos - that's a good way to turn people off football for ever!!

[cruiser]

Originally posted by Glenn
..., credit to AFL for looking at promoting the game internationally.

But why?