Rnd 1, Mar 24, 2012 - GWS v Sydney Swans

[Cheer Squad]

You seem incapable of separating "buying a membership" and "being a supporter".

You seem incapable of understanding that GWS might use your membership fees to hurt the Swans in some way.

[Cheer Squad]

AHA! Round 1 and already those opting for dual memberships are going to be found out through Cheer Squad's hypothetical of both teams playing in Sydney on the same day! So, I wonder which game they'll all go to!

I'm glad someone has a sense of humour.

If you have a look at the GWS website, they've sold almost 11,000 foundation memberships (must be all those loyal Swans members having a bet each way).

From the discussion on these pages, I think we can say there won't be 11,000 orange-clad supporters in attendance when we play them next year. Exactly how many there are will be of great interest to both clubs and the AFL.

[Bas]

You seem incapable of understanding that GWS might use your membership fees to hurt the Swans in some way.

How would they do that??

This gets more silly by the thread.

If I want to have memberships to each Club then there is nothing you or anyone else can say or do to change that. Fortunately we still have freedom of choice in this country and I
will exercise that freedom of choice till my last breath.

If a Swans player gets offered lots of money to go to GWS then it is his choice to look after his own future as suits him best. He won't be listening to supporters. Tradition and loyalty counts for little these days. If Sam Reid has one or two bad years, the Swans won't waste any time to rid themselves of him. Should someone go through the list of young promising Swans hopefuls that were shafted for one reason or another.

They don't play for a pack of smokes and case of beer any more.

Who knows, I might even ditch the Swans one day and follow GWS full time. It's freedom of choice to do things that make you feel good.

Life isn't about what you do or own its about how you feel - 24 hours a day. There endeth the lesson on the secret of life. You can choose to think about it.

Please leave the money on the fridge on your way out.

[Big Al]

What about, because it's cricket season for half of the year?

Put on a Double header... or better still play at the same time.

Sammy Reid pulls down a great mark and Ponting is out for a duck.

[Jewels]

I love the Sydney Swans. I have a passion for them that over rides 99% of most other things in my life including my husband of nearly 30 years (who is not a fan) and my three beautiful daughters (all members). When I first heard of a new team starting up in Sydney I decided immediately that I would take up membership, for the sole reason that I LOVE AFL FOOTY and would go to every game I possibly could.
My membership of GWS would not now or EVER detract from my love and devotion to the Swans, it would simply be a more convenient, cheaper way for me to go to footy every weekend.
As it turns out I have not brought a GWS membership for the simple reason that my husband has dragged me (kicking and screaming) to the Central Coast to live and attending the footy has been a little bit more involved this season to past years so I have decided to wait and see how many GWS games I end up attending to see if membership is worthwhile for me now.

[aardvark]

How many pairs of lucky knickers will they wear on the day??

Orange and grey knickers don't sound all that hygienic really..........

[Bas]

I love the Sydney Swans. I have a passion for them that over rides 99% of most other things in my life including my husband of nearly 30 years (who is not a fan) and my three beautiful daughters (all members). When I first heard of a new team starting up in Sydney I decided immediately that I would take up membership, for the sole reason that I LOVE AFL FOOTY and would go to every game I possibly could.
My membership of GWS would not now or EVER detract from my love and devotion to the Swans, it would simply be a more convenient, cheaper way for me to go to footy every weekend.
As it turns out I have not brought a GWS membership for the simple reason that my husband has dragged me (kicking and screaming) to the Central Coast to live and attending the footy has been a little bit more involved this season to past years so I have decided to wait and see how many GWS games I end up attending to see if membership is worthwhile for me now.

I'm guessing you're joking about loving the Swans more than your family - daughters at least, husband I can understand. For me, there is nothing in this world that comes close to the love for my children.

Central Coast has so many benefits over the Hills now that the weather is warming up. People pay money to come here for holidays and we live here and enjoy it all year round.

If trouble getting to games is a problem next year just let me know. I will probably go to all Swans and GWS games that I can. The only problem is that the NSW AFL has changed our Saturday footy to Sundays next year. So I'm hoping for few AFL Sunday games or rain locally on the days games are played on Sunday.

[Triple B]

Perhaps Sgt Schultz from Hogans Heroes may have provided you with a better quote.

I thought that was gold

Such as?

..and that was even funnier


But then again, I know nothing....

[Cheer Squad]

Who knows, I might even ditch the Swans one day and follow GWS full time.

Ah, it's all coming out now...

[Cheer Squad]

---

But then again, I know nothing....

For once, I agree with you.

[AnnieH]

Cheer Squad?
Why are you taking it so personally that swans members are buying GWS bogan memberships?
You seem genuinely upset.
If they want to spend their hard earned that way, well, I say good luck to them.
Seriously. It's only footy.

[annew]

Good thinking. Eventually you will become a full member and will be able to go to all Grand Finals and not be limited to Swans GF's.

Take the Country Membership option and it is cheaper.

As part of my membership renewal I also get the AFL Record Season Guide and you can also pre-purchase your game day Footy Records at a much cheaper rate than buying it on the day. They send you 11 vouchers to use. These can be used anywhere in Australia and are not limited to one voucher per game.

Thanks for the extra info - very helpful. Yes I'm hoping for eventual Full Membership status to attend GFs.

[Cheer Squad]

Cheer Squad?
Why are you taking it so personally that swans members are buying GWS bogan memberships?
You seem genuinely upset.
If they want to spend their hard earned that way, well, I say good luck to them.
Seriously. It's only footy.

I'm interested in understanding how people reconcile supporting both clubs.

[Big Al]

I'm interested in understanding how people reconcile supporting both clubs.

Hopefully the difference between support and membership in this context has been explained to your satisfaction.

I support and love the Swans and I'm also a member. (that won't change)

I support more footy and AFL in this state and am a member of GWS to assist that.

[Matt79]

I'm interested in understanding how people reconcile supporting both clubs.

Cheer Squad,

I have been patiently sitting on the sidelines trying to understand any of your arguements. To explain my position...ever since the Swans came to Sydney in which I was 3 at the time, I have only ever missed 4 Swans home games in the 29 years. I spend a lot of my money willingly on my memberships, merchandise and travelling interstate 3-5 times per year to support my club. Ask any of my family, friends and work mates, I am as loyal to the Sydney Swans and as passionate as anyone...

BUT I also love AFL. I am glad GWS is entering the competition to promote our game even further. I am a Primary School teacher in NW Sydney and have watched AFL gradually grow and grow and grow. There are now more AFL footies being kicked around than league ones!

Because I am an AFL supporter too I am becoming a GWS member as well purely and simply so I can see more live AFL in Sydney. I will NEVER EVER support them at any expense of the Swans. When the Swans play GWS, I hope the Swannies wipe them off the park!! However, I want to see AFL grow, succeed and become entrenched in the Sydney culture. I look forward to attending more AFL games live in Sydney in 2012.

That is why I am purchasing a GWS membership as well as my Swannies in 2012.