Membership options 2012

[jono2707]

It will be interesting to see if any changes are made to the PC next year - it would be worthwhile to reward those who buy in upfront so as to encourage people to take them up at the start of the year. Throw in some freebies or access to special events or something that those who opt in through the year don't get. People like Annie should be given some sort of incentive to join at the start of the year if the option to join mid-year is also available...

[DamY]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/swan-boss-richard-colless-fears-there-will-be-a-massive-divide-between-clubs/story-e6frexyi-1226447121645

Although I already knew this, it is scary to think that the Swans may not be able to field a competitive side in the future

[Jenny]

Hi All,

Firstly, let me say there is nothing wrong with a good debate. It's interesting to read what you all think about the process for Premiership Club upgrades, and we'll definitely consider if we need to alter this upgrade option in the future to ensure it is a fair process moving forward.

To my knowledge, this is the first time we've sold out. Although it's late in the season, it's a great result and it's wonderful to have such support. It's not just a financial boost to the Club, but it let's the team know everyone believes they can do it too.

Annie, I'm sorry you're disappointed. Hopefully, you'll forgive me if we're all together on that final day in September!

Jenny

[Cheer Squad]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1226447121645

Although I already knew this, it is scary to think that the Swans may not be able to field a competitive side in the future

Colless knows what he's talking about. His observations put into perspective the problems caused by supporters who boycott certain venues and damage the club financially in the process.

[BillyRayCypress]

Colless knows what he's talking about. His observations put into perspective the problems caused by supporters who boycott certain venues and damage the club financially in the process.

It has nothing to do with Homebush.

The article states: "Colless believes the road to financial wealth is much harder in Sydney where fan loyalty is much harder to win"

It is when you treat your supporter base poorly. Someone should give Richard a book on management so he can stop blaming other things for their own short falls.

Two years ago, the Swans Marketing Dept had no idea how to get new people and it seems very little has changed.

Perhaps its time for Richard to move on and let someone else take over. Considering he has the luxury of not getting booted out by the fan base like President's do. He could take the Marketing Dept (who dress like Secret Service agents on game day) with him.

[DamY]

I'm not really sure what you mean by treating the fans poorly. Our GA membership fees are about $25 more than Victorian clubs, so I don't really think we're getting hard done by there. Richmond kinda go above and beyond and you can request a player turn up for functions or whatever but that seems to be the exception and not the rule amongst Vic clubs. Someone posted a while ago about what it's like being involved over at GWS at the moment during it's foundational years, and they mentioned that some of the coaches or support staff mingle freely with the Cheer Squad while they prepare the banner for players to run through. The clubs are at very different stages though and I think that the GWS situation is very much to do with the whole establishing the culture while it is still new and, as nice as it is, I'm not sure if the coaches will still be doing that once GWS gets its membership numbers higher.

[Big Al]

Colless knows what he's talking about. His observations put into perspective the problems caused by supporters who boycott certain venues and damage the club financially in the process.

Were you aware that the teams who play at Homebush are guaranteed a certain return regardless of who shows up. It's why it's attractive for the NRL clubs and the Swans to play there. None of the clubs or there supporters want to play there but the financial incentive is just too great to ignore.

The Swans issues have a to do with the market in Sydney and zero to do with Homebush.

[Big Al]

While I hate the place with a passion I understand from a financial view point why we play at Homebush. I'm forever hopeful though once the SCG is upgraded that the stadium deal we get will allow us to play all our home games there. I won't be holding my breath though.

My NRL tigers are in the same boat. Financially we are forced to play 4 games away from our traditional home grounds. It's a sad fact of modern footy in a really tough environment that is the Sydney market.

[Cheer Squad]

Were you aware that the teams who play at Homebush are guaranteed a certain return regardless of who shows up. It's why it's attractive for the NRL clubs and the Swans to play there. None of the clubs or there supporters want to play there but the financial incentive is just too great to ignore.

The Swans issues have a to do with the market in Sydney and zero to do with Homebush.

Do you seriously believe the interests of the club are damaged if we're able to pulls crowds greater than the capacity of the SCG?

Homebush has about 15,000 members, which is more than every NRL club in Sydney except the Dragons and Souths. It must have something going for it.

[Cheer Squad]

My NRL tigers are in the same boat. Financially we are forced to play 4 games away from our traditional home grounds. It's a sad fact of modern footy in a really tough environment that is the Sydney market.

If you're "forced" to play at Homebush for financial reasons, it can only mean there's not enough demand at your traditional home grounds to sustain the club.

[BillyRayCypress]

If you're "forced" to play at Homebush for financial reasons, it can only mean there's not enough demand at your traditional home grounds to sustain the club.

That's a bit simplistic. There are other factors.

[Beerman]

I agree with your complaint, Annie. I don't have an issue with selling extra Premiership Club memberships later in the season, but I think it should go up in price every round - OMG - Mickey O's on Marngrook! - and rather steeply once we're guaranteed a finals berth. Should definitely be an advantage for having faith and putting your money up before the season even starts.

(That middle bit was just a brain snap.)

How about this - a club's likelihood of playing the GF depends on both the ladder position and the round. So rather than having premiership price simply go up each round, it should be indexed by ladder position *and* round. Why not? One-day cricket has the Duckworth-Lewis method, Swans membership could have the Kirkari-Beerman method.

[Big Al]

If you're "forced" to play at Homebush for financial reasons, it can only mean there's not enough demand at your traditional home grounds to sustain the club.

Incorrect. The Tigers regularly sell out Leichhardt Oval and draw good crowds at Campbeltown. The fact is because of the overheads involved in putting on games at these grounds means they make very little money even with the large crowds attending. In 2005 Homebush offered the Tigers 100k to play games there no matter how many turned up. We play games at the SFS now but I'm assuming a similar financial incentive is involved.

[Cheer Squad]

How about this - a club's likelihood of playing the GF depends on both the ladder position and the round. So rather than having premiership price simply go up each round, it should be indexed by ladder position *and* round. Why not? One-day cricket has the Duckworth-Lewis method, Swans membership could have the Kirkari-Beerman method.

It's not a bad suggestion, but ultimately, if the club prices the Premiership Club option too high, it decreases the likelihood they'll sell their allocation.

They've sold out using the current system, so it obviously works.

[Big Al]

Do you seriously believe the interests of the club are damaged if we're able to pulls crowds greater than the capacity of the SCG?

Homebush has about 15,000 members, which is more than every NRL club in Sydney except the Dragons and Souths. It must have something going for it.

When Homebush has 20 year waiting periods to get membership like the SCG and and the MCG then you may have a point. I'm sure at one point the Stadium Aust management drastically reduced their membership fees to attract punters.