TV ratings for 2009

[Cheer Squad]

Dunno if it's been said before, because I generally don't bother with GWS threads as they bore me, but GWS will be the underdog of the AFL when they come on board.

People love an underdog.
Swans will lose some fans, some members and some media coverage.
In the short term that is....

That's what the club is afraid of - Team GWS will cannibalise our membership base in Sydney to some extent, rather than grow the overall market. But it's hard to predict how many fans and members we would lose.

[laughingnome]

That's what the club is afraid of - Team GWS will cannibalise our membership base in Sydney to some extent, rather than grow the overall market. But it's hard to predict how many fans and members we would lose.

I have no doubt we would lose some, not many but some, but I also have no doubt we would grow our membership in the "Swans" territory (ie, Eastern Subs, North Shore, Northern Beaches, Inner West) for reasons stated by others about rivalries.

A lot of Swans fans jumped on the bandwagon in 2005, not because we were winning a lot of games (until later in the year) but because Andy's comments after round 9 made it an "us vs them" mindset, and people just love that. GWS means that we will have that at least twice every year, provided they can be a credible club.

[Wardy]

That's what the club is afraid of - Team GWS will cannibalise our membership base in Sydney to some extent, rather than grow the overall market. But it's hard to predict how many fans and members we would lose.

But at the same time - when GWS was first mentioned - all the club did was whinge about it, didnt put anything to combat it into place. Foolishly they didnt think it would happen. I then went to a presidents luncheon in 2008 and Colless was still whinging about it, but they still had nothing about lifting their profile. Then as we know the 2009 membership fees debacle came along and on it went. It seems that now they are getting proactive, getting their act into gear and improving their profile.

Yes we will lose some supporters, however, I dont think it will be the massive numbers that some are predicting. I do know however, that the Swans have to lift their game - If they have a terrific 2010 then it will improve the image of AFL up here no end - and there is always the very high possibility that rugby league will have another shocker of a year, and it seems that Newcastle seem to have got the ball rolling there already, and lets not forget, my Sharkies & Manly are sure to provide some spectacular falls from grace.

But its not all Doom & Gloom - lets just wait and see what transpires before getting our knickers in a twist. I for one would be very keen to attend non Swans games in Sydney, just to support the actual game of senior level Australian Rules Football, it certainly doesnt mean that my support of the Swans will have diminished.

Yes its certainly a massive risk that the AFL are taking, but they would have done their homework for a very long time, and they would have exptrapilated info that we wouldnt even have thought of to determine whether its worth going with it or not. Despite what we think of Andy D and his merry band of Minstrels - they must have done something right to be in the incredible financial position they are in - they wont let go of those funds without having looked thoroughly into it first - so lets all just relax and see how it all unfolds.

[Cheer Squad]

Yes its certainly a massive risk that the AFL are taking, but they would have done their homework for a very long time, and they would have exptrapilated info that we wouldnt even have thought of to determine whether its worth going with it or not. Despite what we think of Andy D and his merry band of Minstrels - they must have done something right to be in the incredible financial position they are in - they wont let go of those funds without having looked thoroughly into it first - so lets all just relax and see how it all unfolds.

I would not be surprised if the cost of keeping Team GWS alive includes a couple of the weaker clubs in Melbourne.

[Wardy]

I would not be surprised if the cost of keeping Team GWS alive includes a couple of the weaker clubs in Melbourne.

You could well be right, and to be honest, it may not be such a bad idea - alternatively it may make a few clubs relocate to say Tassy or the NT - that way they will still exist (to a point) but the competition would then be truly national taking in all states. For all we know that may be part of their grand plan. anyway - one year ends and a new decade is beginning - lets try and look at the positives for now (the negatives will come along soon enough! )

[laughingnome]

You could well be right, and to be honest, it may not be such a bad idea ...

I'm torn on this. I still don't think it was right of the AFL to let Fitzroy die to suit it's plans for expansion. If a Melbourne club wants to move interstate then let them, but I don't like the idea of the AFL pushing them out the door.

[cos789]

I would not be surprised if the cost of keeping Team GWS alive includes a couple of the weaker clubs in Melbourne.

Actually it works the opposite way .
The greater the number of clubs in the league the less power at the top .
Basically the bar has been lowered , throwing some clubs a life line .
Put it another way - Melbourne will be able to beat someone for a change .

.