Swans' 2006 fixture request

[hammo]

Unless I've missed it, I (surprisingly) haven't seen any discussion on RWO about the club's fixture requests to the AFL for 2006.

The request was in the Swans magazine.

They include six games in metro Melbourne, more night games at the SCG including one on a Friday night.

3 games at Telstra - Essendon, Collingwood and one of (I think)Richmond, Geelong or Brisbane.

Balance of games on the public holiday weekends and mothers day etc.

I am fairly pleased with the request - I like a 50/50 balance in our home night and day games. There weren't a lot of night games at the SCG this year.

I would also like to see a day game at Telstra remain as I thought the Lions game was a great success with terrific atmosphere (the result helped). It's also easier to get home at a decent time.

[cruiser]

Probably because we're all focussed still on 2005 and the forthcoming finals. Its too early for me to be discussing the 2006 fixture and end of season trades. That said, I'm not keen on Friday night football.

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by cruiser
Probably because we're all focussed still on 2005 and the forthcoming finals. Its too early for me to be discussing the 2006 fixture and end of season trades. That said, I'm not keen on Friday night football.

R1 2006 Friday night at the SCG - unfurling the Premiership flag as the players run onto the field. Oh, I've thought of that!

[Norris Lurker]

There's no chance of the Swans playing in a Friday night game next year, because there'd be no TV coverage until way too late. Maybe in 2007 with the new TV rights arrangements it may be possible - but even then I'm not keen on the idea because the traffic on a weeknight with commuters leaving and the Swans crowd arriving would be horrendous.

With 12 games in Sydney, 6 Saturday night and 6 Sunday afternoon would be the best balance. There were only 4 night games this year, which isn't enough.

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by Norris Lurker
There's no chance of the Swans playing in a Friday night game next year, because there'd be no TV coverage until way too late.

If that's the only part of the scenario I've got wrong, I'll be happy.

[hammo]

Originally posted by cruiser
Probably because we're all focussed still on 2005 and the forthcoming finals. Its too early for me to be discussing the 2006 fixture and end of season trades. That said, I'm not keen on Friday night football.

Such as jinxing the team by talking about who will be the dark horse in the grand final??

A slight diversion every now and then is not a bad thing.

Have to agree with you on trade talk though, cruiser. It always degenerates into the same misinformed speculaton and wishlists of players we will never sign. I only hope players like Fozzie and Saddo don't read what's said on here at this time of year.

[sharpie]

For crowd numbers and for many eastern suburbs and north shore supporters, they should request less saturday night games, particularly in the early part of the season and around July-August, when they too often clash with major Rugby matches.

(Can't wait to see some of the responses to this one!)

[floppinab]

Disappointed to see again so many night matches being requested (read it this morning but I think they are asking for 7 night games which I think is too many).

Someone may post something to back this up but I'm pretty sure the last few years have seen little difference between attendances day to night. Thus the only reason I can think they are pushing for more night games would be the almighty$$$$ in order to increase sponsorship exposure on higher rating night matches. Disappointing if thats the case.

[Ryan Bomford]

Originally posted by floppinab
Disappointed to see again so many night matches being requested (read it this morning but I think they are asking for 7 night games which I think is too many).

Someone may post something to back this up but I'm pretty sure the last few years have seen little difference between attendances day to night. Thus the only reason I can think they are pushing for more night games would be the almighty$$$$ in order to increase sponsorship exposure on higher rating night matches. Disappointing if thats the case.

Good point Flop, plus what have been the best games for atmosphere over the last 3 years, excluding the blockbusters at the Stadium? - WC this year, Sainters last year, and Lions the year before - all upsets on beautiful Sunday SCG afternoons.

[Thunder Shaker]

I like the day games at the SCG because I can see them live on TV. Saturday night games are less desirable because I have to give up a Saturday night to see them live on TV, or tape the games.

Another reason why the day games are good is that it's possible to fly to Sydney from Melbourne in the morning, go to the game, and fly back to Melbourne in the evening. With the night games one must book accommodation or fly back on a night flight.

The day games are also more friendly to families. Young fans are important.

On the other hand, the night games create something to do on a Saturday night in Sydney.

I feel that there should be a mix of both. Maybe 6 day games and 5 night games.

[cruiser]

I'd like to see the number of games at Telstra Stadium increased to four - two at night at two on Sunday arvo.

[Ryan Bomford]

Originally posted by Thunder Shaker

On the other hand, the night games create something to do on a Saturday night in Sydney.

Yeah, not too many night entertainment options in Sydney town. Better than going roo-shooting or starting a bon-fire in George Street , I guess.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by Ryan Bomford
Yeah, not too many night entertainment options in Sydney town. Better than going roo-shooting or starting a bon-fire in George Street , I guess.

Yeah, I'm forever dodging Kangaroos and bonfires on George Street ...

[Wil]

I would like to see no more games at Telstra and all home finals to be played at the SCG. Chance of that happening gets closer and closer to zero the more I want it to happen.

No Friday night games pretty please with sugar on top.

[thedoc]

Originally posted by Wil
I would like to see no more games at Telstra and all home finals to be played at the SCG. Chance of that happening gets closer and closer to zero the more I want it to happen.

No Friday night games pretty please with sugar on top.

I reckon Friday nights are a goer. Walk up to the SCG from the city after work? Brilliant!