Public relations??

[Rafters]

Why wasn't the local AFL grand final promoted in the papers?? Surely it was a newsworthy item in the SMH or DT - if only a few paragraphs ... local club lawns bowls get a dedicated column each week - so why can't we get a 100 words promoting the biggest game in the local footy calendar - especially when it wasn't in conflict with a Swans final (either in time or location)??

When I first started playing footy guys like Harry Beitzel & Peter Kogoy would write a small section each week on the local footy scene & we even had coverage in Inside Footy like all of the over regional leagues. Phelan medal nights would even be reported on as I remember my old man reading about Podbury winning another as Rod has played a bit of gaelic football with him.

Channels 7 & 9 would show a few highlights of the GF in its news bulletin in the early 90s.

What is the relationship like with the Swans & NSWAFL? I know they had a bigger fish to fry over in Subiaco, but disappointing that the Swans weekly email newsletter doesn't pump up local footy either.

A dedicated PR person needs to be employed by the league up here - as a good one will make the work of the development officers a hell of alot easier. That PR person could assist with relations with local clubs & the local newspapers as well as development in other areas of copy.

Alot of good news stories this week in Sydney footy alone - grand final, Phelan medal & Sydney uni promotion - but unfortunately only a handful were aware of it all.

The Sydney AFL website is pretty good - but you need to get more traffic into the website ... and a good PR person will help drive that.

[Steiger]

A few Sydney fans would have enjoyed seeing the East Coast cousins of their arch rivals lose (and cry) and would have added to the mood before the big game on Saturday night.

I just looked on the smh and this is how easy it is for the SAFL to promote the game.

Q - Can I send a press release via email?

A - You may send press releases about general news issues and upcoming events to [email protected]. You may also fax general news press releases to 02 9282 3253. On all press releases make sure to do the following:

Keep all releases short
Write clearly, addressing who, what, where, why or when in the first two paragraphs.
Identify the organisation or individual sending the release and include the name and daytime phone number (with area code) of someone we can contact if we have questions

Whether it's getting a few more people to the GF or having a small paragraph in the Swans spread, it can only benefit the local game.

The old addage any publicity is good publicity comes to mind...

[Rafters]

also all of the journalists at SMH generally provide their email address these days as well.

I am sure one phone call to the Swans PR person would give them a helping hand/intro to a few journos/reporters.

You can also purchase a book with all media contacts across Australia which gives emails/phone numbers for all papers, radio stations & TV stations.