ground advantage

[Seagoon]

I am rather sure that a second Sydney team will struggle. First, who are their fans gonna be? Not me. I think most Sydney sider Swans fans are very unlikely to change their loyalties. So, its gonna take them ages to build a fan base.

I dunno why the football establishments make this same mistake over and over. Its happened in Brisbane and the GC a number of times in different codes. Perth failed for league. Would a second league team work in Melbourne? No way!

More than half its attraction i guess is that its representing Melbourne. Aside from that its a boring game these days IMHO. I'd say a 2nd Sydney team has the best chance, but, it will be a big money pitt for some time id suggest.

[TheMase]

It should be a pipe dream because it's never going to work.The Sydney market wont support 1 team let a lone 2.

2 teams in Sydney is a joke.

I disagree. I think the second team will be the best thing that has happened to the Swans (and AFL).

League as a code is built on pitting mates against mates. People select a team to go for, so they have bragging rights on a Monday morning. It will be only a matter of time before Sydney divides itself between the two clubs, and then we'll be away.

There will be an AFL match in Sydney EVERY weekend!

Remember. The kids who watched the Swans lose the 1996 flag are in their teens. Those who watched us win the 2005 flag are still very young. It takes a long time to turn the numbers around, but we will see the benefits in 10 or so years.

Western Sydney will help speed up that process.

[Seagoon]

You make a good point TheMase, that once we do have two estabilished teams, it will be more self sustaining. But, i really don't know that we are ready. Id say a second reserves side would be a better way to go initially.

BTW, AFL is mate on mate too - i dont think that league have that concept to themselves, though that have used it as a marketting tool with the origin stuff...

[TheMase]

BTW, AFL is mate on mate too - i dont think that league have that concept to themselves, though that have used it as a marketting tool with the origin stuff...

Oh absolutely. However, most of the teams are in Sydney (League). Likewise in Melbourne (AFL). Two teams in WA and SA allow this also (AFL).

League has had Sydney to themselves for a long long time. The only way to really continue to grow the code, is to have a second team to allow the 'mate-to-mate' to take place.

I am looking forward to it.

[Kanga]

This is a little off the track of the topic, but:
The AFL is financially strong enough to prop up a Western Sydney team. You can be damn sure that the team will get the opportunity to have blockbuster games (eventually) such as Westies v Swans etc.

As has already been mentioned:
1. TV rights with a game in NSW every week = big increase in $$
2. Growing the game in the 'neglected' geographic centre of Sydney
3. Getting to see more quality teams playing in Sydney, whether it is Blacktown or Homebush
4. Additional media focus on the AFL generally in this market.
etc etc....

[NMWBloods]

I thought that this was going to have something to do with chocolates in December, or those crazies that go to church on Satudays

Haha!

[Seagoon]

Hey lets come up with a name for the new 2nd Sydney team!!!

I suspect that they are gonna have to be named after a suburb/city, rather than western sydney etc - i think that will lead to a never ending comparison, eg "Western Sydney Bogans" vs Sydney Swans...

[ScottH]

Hey lets come up with a name for the new 2nd Sydney team!!!

I suspect that they are gonna have to be named after a suburb/city, rather than western sydney etc - i think that will lead to a never ending comparison, eg "Western Sydney Bogans" vs Sydney Swans...

There is a thread already somewhere with that stuff in it, mate. Have a search, see if you can find it.

[SassySwan]

Oh I cant wait for this western Sydney team to start. It will mean I wont have to haul ass out to "woop woop" 4 times a year!!
Just wish the SCG was bigger to support OUR growing crowds!

There are so many arguments here I dont know where to start. Swans school development programs, Sydney's inability to forgive a loser, lack of real support and disposable income in the west.

Just look at how many league fans actually attend games. You cant realistically think that these same people are going to suddenly change codes and fill ANZ stadium!!

[connolly]

This is a little off the track of the topic, but:
The AFL is financially strong enough to prop up a Western Sydney team. You can be damn sure that the team will get the opportunity to have blockbuster games (eventually) such as Westies v Swans etc.

As has already been mentioned:
1. TV rights with a game in NSW every week = big increase in $$
2. Growing the game in the 'neglected' geographic centre of Sydney
3. Getting to see more quality teams playing in Sydney, whether it is Blacktown or Homebush
4. Additional media focus on the AFL generally in this market.
etc etc....

A relocated Melbourne team would be just the shot. The AFL cannot prop up a financial disaster in the cash strapped Western Sydney (the mortgage and bankruptcy capital of Australia) as well as the financial basket case that you support. For charity give the Salvos a bell.

[goswannie14]

A relocated Melbourne team would be just the shot. The AFL cannot prop up a financial disaster in the cash strapped Western Sydney (the mortgage and bankruptcy capital of Australia) as well as the financial basket case that you support. For charity give the Salvos a bell.

I'm waiting.

[desredandwhite]

This debate again? And it's not even September yet

There's lots to like about either ground:

SCG:
The shorter length means that our relative lack of runners doesn't hurt as much
The atmosphere is excellent with a smaller crowd than ANZ Stadium
Usually a better surface than ANZ

ANZ Stadium:
Personally for me it is a lot easier to get to. Parking and traffic are streets ahead (haha) of the awful Moore Park spaghetti
Facilities are much better
The shape of the ground encourages us to straighten up and go through the middle
Higher capacity

I think the mix is about right at the moment : 7-8 at the SCG and 3-4 bigger games at Homebush. Just in hindsight, games against West Coast and Essendon not such a great idea, not to mention playing Geelong when we were in awful form

[Kanga]

A relocated Melbourne team would be just the shot. The AFL cannot prop up a financial disaster in the cash strapped Western Sydney (the mortgage and bankruptcy capital of Australia) as well as the financial basket case that you support. For charity give the Salvos a bell.

Nice try, perhaps a smidgen of the handouts the Swans have recieved over the 25 odd years since their relocation + the ongoing 'Sydney top up to the salary cap' to cover increased living costs could be shared around. I understand Perth's house prices have outstripped Sydney's over the last few years.....

[Lohengrin]

Nice try, perhaps a smidgen of the handouts the Swans have recieved over the 25 odd years since their relocation + the ongoing 'Sydney top up to the salary cap' to cover increased living costs could be shared around. I understand Perth's house prices have outstripped Sydney's over the last few years.....

If you are going to complain then at least get it right.

These 'handouts' to the Swans were actually loans and have all been repaid with interest.

The living costs reflect the real extra cost of Sydney, plus the worst grassroots football infrastructure of any state.

As for housing prices, Sydney still has the highest median house price, still 9% higher than Perth's and 20% higher than Melbourne's.

[AnnieH]

Hey lets come up with a name for the new 2nd Sydney team!!!

I suspect that they are gonna have to be named after a suburb/city, rather than western sydney etc - i think that will lead to a never ending comparison, eg "Western Sydney Bogans" vs Sydney Swans...

They're the Blacktown Bogans.