AFL to launch 2nd team in Sydney

[hammo]

The record of the AFL in tipping clubs into hostile territory under resourced and under prepared is notorious. Swans and Bears are their two previous efforts. Suppose we will have to wait for the business plan.

Fair point but the AFL now has more money than the old VFL could ever have dreamed of. There simply is no comparison between the semi-professional era and the modern day competition.

Part of me wants Sydney to be kept solely for the Swans. But a city the size of Sydney deserves an AFL game every weekend which is what a second side will provide.

[Wardy]

Be rest assured that the AFL (despite what we really all think of them) have done their homework. The AFL are trying to expand a market that is already established as the Swans have been here for 25 years now - the fan base is getting bigger by the year. Sure its taken time and there were terribly tough times along the way, but they rode it out. Awareness is growing and Auskick numbers are going through the roof. Considering Sydney is the nations largest city, and was rugby league dominated, you cant deny that AFL has given the NRL one hell of a wake up call over the last 10 years. Its like anything, times and peoples tastes change.

The mistakes of 25 years ago when the Swans came here wont be repeated - the AFL will be going all out to make it a success and will chuck loads of money at it, and also you have a totally different group of people running the show now to those back then - they actually do have a clue about business. (its debatable about Andy D though )

This isnt like what News Ltd and the disasterous Super League did. News went into WA & SA (remember the Western Reds and the Adelaide I dunno's ?) where there was absoultely no market (despite the powers that be at News who thought rugby League was the game people in those states wanted - delusional!) AFL dominated those states 100% -it was doomed to failure and it did it wasnt a well thought out plan at all. Where as AFL is established here now.

AFL is now part of Sydney just as the A-League soccer,& Rugby Super 14 competitions are. Of course NRL has been here forever (although their numbers have dwindled a bit over the years, yet AFL, soccer have increased)

Also consider that the A-League has 3 teams in NSW and they all pull good crowds - the Super 14 holds it own but if the Waratahs are down, the crowds seem to go off a bit.

Super 14 finishes last weekend in May, A-league starts after the NRL & AFL seasons so that leaves you for winter - the AFL & NRL. There are 9 NRL sides in Sydney and one AFL side - there really is room for a second AFL team for the winter comp.

Have a look at the bigger picture - its not like the AFL are going to put the team in place right this minute - this is a 4 year plan that will be very well thought out and implemented.

I reckon a local derby, similar to that between Cronulla & St George, would be fantastic.

anyway - just my 10 cents worth.

[floppinab]

The record of the AFL in tipping clubs into hostile territory under resourced and under prepared is notorious. Swans and Bears are their two previous efforts. Suppose we will have to wait for the business plan. An interesting issue is where will their reserves play. Canberra? There is a huge structural problem with Australian football in NSW. 25 years after the Swans transplant we still don't have a viable second tier competition.

I share your comments here to a certain extent connolly. The AFL have next to zero interest in the local senior comps. In fact they dead set see them as competitors to their own comp, competing for sponsors and so forth. They will be the ones that will suffer with a second team just like what was a far better resourced local comp's demise was triggered with the Swans arrival in the 80's.

Juniors however are the future supporter base of the new club, and to a lesser extent potentially a few players for the club here and there. As others have said it should be a boon for the junior comps of the NorthWest and West particularly.

[floppinab]

But a city the size of Sydney deserves an AFL game every weekend which is what a second side will provide.

Still can't see how they are going to resolve what will be a lot of scheduling conflicts at the Olympic Stadium. We've seen issues already with rugby internationals and the Swans. The new club might have to play a few games at the SCG

[AnnieH]

Well.
There's no bloody way on earth that I'll pay money to go and see the Blacktown Bogans. My money will not prop them up (e.g. ticket sales).
I like to put my money where my mouth (and heart) is.

As an aside ... good luck getting the young kids "out west" to swap their allegiences now. There's no way my N&N's would follow a team other than Sydney.

[Wardy]

So the AFL wants to implement a second team into the Sydney Market. The AFL is a business pure and simple, the clubs are their divisions and the players, coaching and admin staff their employees. All multi million dollar business's attempt to expand at one time or another - its the risk they take - some expansions work, some dont.
So lets wait and see what actually eventuates first before some get carried away what might and might not happen. Anyone would think that its the end of the world with the reaction - well its not.

[Lucky Knickers]

Anyone would think that its the end of the world with the reaction - well its not.

couldn't agree more. there are so many AFL converts who have really embraced not just the Swans but the whole code. Being able to watch the top grade AFL every weekend is what our Vic/WA/SA cohorts take for granted.
A new team in Sydney won't take away my love for the Swans but it will allow me to enjoy the game LIVE that I have grown very passionate about since I first saw Cappers big blonde do run out on the SCG.

[swantastic]

couldn't agree more. there are so many AFL converts who have really embraced not just the Swans not but the whole code. Being able to watch the top grade AFL every weekend is what our Vic/WA/SA cohorts take for granted.
A new team in Sydney won't take away my love for the Swans but it will allow me to enjoy the game LIVE that I have grown very passionate about since I first saw Cappers big blonde do run out on the SCG.

You've got a big woody for Capper haven't you LN


IMO it will be a big mistake for the AFL to start another team to the west of Sydney.
The other night at the socceroos game i was sitting amongst some Sydney people who referred to AFL as gay AFL now if their still calling it that theres no hope for a team in the west.

Where are they going to draw their players from,over my dead body if they think the Swans.The AFL is proposing that all players out of contract will be fair game for the 2 new teams,with their own clubs coming a distant 3rd.

The talent pool just isnt big enough ATM to support 18 teams.

[TheGrimReaper]

Has the AFL ever considered bringing a team from Tasmania into the competition? Or have they got their blinkers on as usual?

[swantastic]

Has the AFL ever considered bringing a team from Tasmania into the competition? Or have they got their blinkers on as usual?

I dont think theres enough corporate dollars in Tassie,but it does seem the logical idea given their a mad AFL state but then again we are talking about the AFL here.

[Wardy]

You've got a big woody for Capper haven't you LN


IMO it will be a big mistake for the AFL to start another team to the west of Sydney.
The other night at the socceroos game i was sitting amongst some Sydney people who referred to AFL as gay AFL now if their still calling it that theres no hope for a team in the west.

Where are they going to draw their players from,over my dead body if they think the Swans.The AFL is proposing that all players out of contract will be fair game for the 2 new teams,with their own clubs coming a distant 3rd.

The talent pool just isnt big enough ATM to support 18 teams.

So you think that because about 3 people said it was "GayFL" that represents the thoughts of the entire population of western sydney?

And it may not be 18 teams in the end - I still think that there will 2 Melbourne clubs who are hanging precariously by a thread and that they go by the way side. If North Melb dont have success in the next 2 years - they will be Gold Coast bound, and it wouldnt surprise me if Footscray end up at Western Sydney.

Honestly get the blinkers off - its going to happen - its not going to hurt as much as you all seem to think - its called progress - ever heard of it? true diehard AFL fans would relish the opportunity to see live footy here every week rather than every 2-3. and True Swans fans will stick with the swans no matter what. Its 4 years away - alot can happen in that time.

[AnnieH]

Has the AFL ever considered bringing a team from Tasmania into the competition? Or have they got their blinkers on as usual?

... they don't make gurnseys with two-head openings.

[stellation]

... they don't make gurnseys with two-head openings.

They sure do, but only for guys with one arm.

BooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM-TISH!

YES! DAD JOKE BEFORE SCOTT GOT TO IT!

[swantastic]

So you think that because about 3 people said it was "GayFL" that represents the thoughts of the entire population of western sydney?

And it may not be 18 teams in the end - I still think that there will 2 Melbourne clubs who are hanging precariously by a thread and that they go by the way side. If North Melb dont have success in the next 2 years - they will be Gold Coast bound, and it wouldnt surprise me if Footscray end up at Western Sydney.

Honestly get the blinkers off - its going to happen - its not going to hurt as much as you all seem to think - its called progress - ever heard of it? true diehard AFL fans would relish the opportunity to see live footy here every week rather than every 2-3. and True Swans fans will stick with the swans no matter what. Its 4 years away - alot can happen in that time.

Dimetriou has said it will be 18 teams,and Wardy you are kidding your self if you think enough people in western sydney can support an AFL club.

Well if there is so much intrest in AFL in western sydney then why do the Swans have a lousy 25000 members in Sydney,and its the biggest city in the country.

If you think that only 3 people in sydney call it gayFL your kidding your self again.Its a thugby league town through and through,AFL will never equal NRL.

Heres a little question?

Q..How many people in your work place actully follow AFL/or are a member of a club?

A...Not even 3 i reckon

[AnnieH]

They sure do, but only for guys with one arm.

BooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM-TISH!

YES! DAD JOKE BEFORE SCOTT GOT TO IT!

Thanks Dad.
You can go back to the shed now.