Draw out - 9 games at SCG

[R-1]

If we're good enough we'll handle the draw just fine. Also the rating of easiness is based on this year's form. Remember last year we thought St Kilda would be a very tough match, then by mid year it was looking relatively soft, and then by the end it was looking difficult again. Similarly, we thought West Coast in the West wouldn't be too difficult given they were the wooden spooners, but in hindsight we were the only team to beat them over there and they ended up top four.

We won't know how difficult some of these matches are until we see how some of the younger teams (North, Demons, Richmond) step up, whether St Kilda and the Dogs keep sliding, and so forth.

[liz]

If we're good enough we'll handle the draw just fine.

Exactly. If we want to finish top 4, we have to be able to beat other teams around that mark. There is no point looking for a soft draw to squeeze you into 4th spot.

[Xie Shan]

Wow what a mish-mash of different timeslots. I don't mind the 4:40 pm starts so much on a Saturday, because, well, it is a Saturday, so a 7:30 pm finish is reasonable, but 3:15 is too late for Sunday games in Sydney. It works for the NRL because the game wraps up around 5, but given that a reasonable number of Swans members do have to travel to get to the SCG, contrary to popular belief, 6pm is a rather late finishing time especially for those with kids, and the Swans have always been supported well by families looking to take their kids for a day out. Me, I prefer the 'traditional' 2pm timeslot with a few night games thrown in, but given the broadcast arrangements the way they are, that's not gonna happen sadly.

I notice that the 'night' games have gone back to the later time of 7:40 now -- I much preferred the 7:10pm starts!

[Donners]

Hm, at least a relatively decent number of games on free to air. We don't get many Friday night games, so it's nice to have one next year.

[goswannie14]

Looks like we still get our 5 games + Geelong in Vic!!

I'm happy with that.

[stellation]

This article speaks to the victory of TV start times over people actually attending the games. I wonder what sort of impact the draw may have on family memberships (for all clubs, not just the Swans). On a quick scan through our home schedule I count 4 of the 12 games in Sydney that will be difficult for those with little kids to get along to (and that's not including the late Saturday night games). I wonder if clubs will get on the front foot and offer different structured "kid friendly" memberships that allows folks to go through and select the games they can get along to and get a reduced rate based on the number. I'm an idiot, so I generally drag Stella junior along to whatever time/weather- but I perfectly understand the parents who will think twice about it and can see where people on face value might think twice about buying something they're only going to use 75% of (less if it's 4/11 and the GWS home game isn't bundled in).

[dimelb]

This article speaks to the victory of TV start times over people actually attending the games. I wonder what sort of impact the draw may have on family memberships (for all clubs, not just the Swans). On a quick scan through our home schedule I count 4 of the 12 games in Sydney that will be difficult for those with little kids to get along to (and that's not including the late Saturday night games). I wonder if clubs will get on the front foot and offer different structured "kid friendly" memberships that allows folks to go through and select the games they can get along to and get a reduced rate based on the number. I'm an idiot, so I generally drag Stella junior along to whatever time/weather- but I perfectly understand the parents who will think twice about it and can see where people on face value might think twice about buying something they're only going to use 75% of (less if it's 4/11 and the GWS home game isn't bundled in).

Sounds like this article: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-new...029-1mpmm.html

[stellation]

Yep- I think it's a legitimate concern for crowds. Hopefully it isn't too big an impact financially, and like I said I'll be irresponsible to take my kid along to them and I'm sure there are many like me- but it's a fair gamble. I think getting in early by and working out some kind of flexible membership (so beyond superpasses or buying a whole season membership then hoping to onsell seats if you can't make a game etc.) is important for the club, and if they do they should make sure that for family tickets can then be a blend of "every match" and "kid friendly matches" for the families where 1 (or both) parents will still get along to those games that they might not take their kids to.

I should say- I'm not really being too alarmist/won't someone think of the children, just trying to think of ways the club can address it to remain as financially sound as possible.

[R-1]

I don't see how there can be that much difference between 7.40 and 7.10 for kids, and surely the Saturday twilight games are family friendly?

[stellation]

I don't see how there can be that much difference between 7.40 and 7.10 for kids, and surely the Saturday twilight games are family friendly?

I'm going to guess you don't have kids then? An extra 30 minutes is a big deal when 7:10 already leads to a pretty late finish anyway. I actually didn't count the games with a 7:40 start, and only meant 3 games (not 4)- my thoughts were the Sunday twilight games and the Friday night game. If you include those late Saturday games it could make it 5/11 (or 5/12) home games that may not be attractive for those with little ones.

I agree with the Saturday twilight games for families, I like that window (I think!).

[ernie koala]

An extra game at the SCG.
Only 1 meaningful game at the white elephant of Homebush.
Lots of Saturday games.
A Friday night game....
I'm happy with all this.
From my perspective, it's an improvement on the last few years.

[Wardy]

the fixture is what it is - not everyone is going to be happy with it 100% of the time. Agree re the little kids (and why just little kids, what about old spinny's like me who like to be tucked up in bed at a reasonable hour?) it will all work out and it will be a good season for us. I'm going to hopefully do Launceston, and will definatly do Melbourne & Gold coast next year. Bring it on!

[wolftone57]

Only 2 home games at ANZ? Brilliant.

And both completely missable;

The yearly loss to the Pies, and the gimme 4 points against the scum.

Don't give that game against the Pies up yet we nearly did them in last season and I think next season we will do much better. One big thing to remember is Mick won't be at the Pies next year and even though I think we would beat them at ANZ even with Mick without him we are even better set.