The ANZ/SCG myth

[Dirtyburt]

We did get the chocolates with 3 seconds to go but I still went home with a shocking headache,

Too much chocolate can do that

[Big Al]

I passed the 'harden up' test that day and was allowed in. I think you need a reality check if you think 19k at an 80k stadium scattered around was a very good atmosphere. It was an embarrassment for both the swans and afl.

It would not suprise me, in the remote chance we draw them again this year, if the game is not moved from homebush.

The afl won't be keen to repeat that debacle again

One reason people remember the atmosphere at that game to be okay was that when you saw the embarrassingly empty stands you expected to hear a pin drop but when the 19k made some noise they were pleasantly surprised. What a shame the AFL didn't give the stadium the arse after that debacle.

[Dirtyburt]

One reason people remember the atmosphere at that game to be okay was that when you saw the embarrassingly empty stands you expected to hear a pin drop but when the 19k made some noise they were pleasantly surprised. What a shame the AFL didn't give the stadium the arse after that debacle.

I think a really telling indication of the long term plans was Vlads recent interview on EMT. He was talking about facilities in the AFL compared to those at the london Olympics. He obvioulsy spoke of the major melbourne grounds. However, he also mentioned Skoda, blacktown and specifically mentioned the upgrade of the scg in Sydney. Nothing at all about homebush!

I think it's AFL days are numbered.

[Cheer Squad]

I think a really telling indication of the long term plans was Vlads recent interview on EMT. He was talking about facilities in the AFL compared to those at the london Olympics. He obvioulsy spoke of the major melbourne grounds. However, he also mentioned Skoda, blacktown and specifically mentioned the upgrade of the scg in Sydney. Nothing at all about homebush!

I think it's AFL days are numbered.

Considering the AFL's investment enabling Homebush to be re-configured as an oval, that is most unlikely.

[Dirtyburt]

Considering the AFL's investment enabling Homebush to be re-configured as an oval, that is most unlikely.

Time will tell I guess.

I think it is interesting that the afl are pumping considerably more money into other competing facilities. One of which is a stones throw away. Also that when comparing afl facilities favorably with Olympic venues. The head of the afl specifically mentioned a half finished venue (blacktown) and two 'world class' venues skoda and the renovated SCG.

No mention of homebush

[jono2707]

Considering the AFL's investment enabling Homebush to be re-configured as an oval, that is most unlikely.

I didn't think the AFL invested in ANZ Stadium directly? They have signed some sort of a contract for games obviously but I didn't think money was invested directly into the stadium reconfiguration, but that was how the stadium was designed post-Olmpics to attract AFL and even cricket. Perhaps you're thinking about Skoda Stadium across the way and the direct investment the AFL have in that?

[Go Swannies]

I didn't think the AFL invested in ANZ Stadium directly? They have signed some sort of a contract for games obviously but I didn't think money was invested directly into the stadium reconfiguration, but that was how the stadium was designed post-Olmpics to attract AFL and even cricket. Perhaps you're thinking about Skoda Stadium across the way and the direct investment the AFL have in that?

My hazy recollection was that the AFL put a lot of money into the reconfiguration of ANZ or it would have been developed in a way that would not have been suitable for AFL at all. But I can't remember the sum. i.e. we bought part of the stadium so we can use it - then there was the annual usage contract on top of that.

[Dirtyburt]

The AFL did put money into homebush as did the swans as part of a deal that we are still stuck with. I don't think the figure was ever publicly published, could be wrong? That deal, if I remember correctly was 10 years, which expires next year.

Fingers crossed that will be end of the soulless dump being used for AFL

[Dirtyburt]

As a sort of aside, I believe we are lucky to have a very well administered game. I think the decision to use homebush (although ultimately misguided) was made with foresight and a well devised long term plan (ie a second Sydney team). Whether you believe sydney can tolerate a second team, or not, the plan was in place a long time ago. I believe the AFL have realized the error In homebush and have stealthy been making plans To rectify the mistake (Blacktown and skoda). This plan will be in place when the homebush contract expires.

My grassy knoll theory

[bodgie]

It seems kind of excessive that we have 3 stadiums for 2 teams in Sydney and Melbourne has 2 stadiums for 9 teams.

Homebush must go.

[Dirtyburt]

Homebush must go.

I have the pitchforks and guillotine. Can you muster up a mob and something to burn?

[Jewels]

I certainly hope not. That would be like Geelong playing home finals at Simonds Stadium.

I would think The Cats would jump through hoops to play their finals at Kardinia.

Or Collingwood playing at Victoria Park, or Carlton playing at Optus Oval, or Essendon playing at Windy Hill, or North Melbourne playing at Arden Street, or the Western Bulldogs playing at Whitten Oval, or Richmond playing at Punt Road, or St. Kilda playing at Moorabbin, or Hawthorn playing at Waverley Park.

What have any of these grounds got to do with this discussion? They are now training grounds and nothing more, Kardinia however, IS the Cats home ground.

[Cheer Squad]

I have the pitchforks and guillotine. Can you muster up a mob and something to burn?

It's starting to resemble a personality disorder...

[Dirtyburt]

It's starting to resemble a personality disorder...

No mate, not joined the cheerssquad yet!

[ShockOfHair]

The fact that AFL and NRL are jostling to use ANZ on the same weekend in the finals tells says it all - there's no other large stadium in Sydney. ANZ will be a Swans ground for a long time yet.