TOPIC:

Theres been some concern early about the poor AFL crowds, they are not getting better, last nights effort at Ethihad was a shocker,, the joint was half empty, and the WCE v GWS failed to even pull 30,000.

Looks like the product of the AFL is on the nose and punters are getting bored with it.

That's because it's still the extended vfl. Throw in the kids running around for gc and gws and no one is going to be interested.

One use to have to prove themselves in ressies before getting a call up. Not all you need is a good beap test.

that game last night was crap.

plus they really need to rethink this monday night idea, its stupid, no one is really in the mood for it.

Bazza wrote: that game last night was crap.

plus they really need to rethink this monday night idea, its stupid, no one is really in the mood for it.

crowds are down for a reason. some of the games are just a rugby and soccer replica's Im afraid. Some games are an exception but predominantly its a real concern.

jardine wrote:

Bazza wrote: that game last night was crap.

plus they really need to rethink this monday night idea, its stupid, no one is really in the mood for it.

crowds are down for a reason. some of the games are just a rugby and soccer replica's Im afraid. Some games are an exception but predominantly its a real concern.

Like previoulsy discussed, very few players that are worth going to watch. Nearly all the teams play "vanilla footy". Of course AFL type football and its RULES differ from the rest of footy played over weekends. Soccer basketball rugby etc, is the same game with the same rules, unlike footy. What about personalities/characters, the game is also now devoid of them as well. Hardest thing will be now, to try and get the crowds back. To me it all started way back when, someone decided that all teams would play at 2 grounds in Melb. Big big problems in the future me thinks.

Spot on Unk...it's a bloody boring product, as you say bugger all personalities.

Also you hit the nail on the head re the grounds. I reckon losing Princess Patk was a blue, it gave charachter to the comp, also clubs lost their clubhouses so members lose out as well. Docklands is a bloody boring venue ,also a redeveloped western oval would of been better for Footscray, they are playing miles from their heartland,

As you say , good luck getting crowds back,, people can't be stuffed anymore , price is a factor as well, the cost in wa is over the top.

UNKA2 wrote: Hardest thing will be now, to try and get the crowds back. To me it all started way back when, someone decided that all teams would play at 2 grounds in Melb. Big big problems in the future me thinks.

spot on.
whilst there isn't much sympathy for vic clubs in WA, the facts are many of them are going backwards fast financially at Etihad Stadium. It has been a disaster. There is talk about St.Kilda moving back to a redeveloped Junction Oval in conjunction with cricket Victoria I think. North wont ever play games at Arden Street, but they must get a better deal at Etihad or god forbid relocate.

I think its a shame only 2 grounds are used in the Melbourne CBD. Some of the suburban grounds whilst rustic, were traditional and had a football feel about them. With people on the terraces and not being pigeon holed into a tiny seat. I think there is a groundswell happening about Princes Park at Carlton. There was rumblings about it being used again as it apparently is ready to go if it was needed.

Don't get me wrong the MCG & Etihad are fabulous stadiums. I love going to Etihad. But I think the way footy is going, people need a bit of old school back in terms of grounds. I think it would be a real winner for football, and could work for games that attract 20,000 or under. And it would create a greater atmosphere for everyone, including TV of course.

Might add Ive watched the Bulldogs train at Whitten Oval quite a bit over the years. Such a great surface now and it would be great to see the terraces back & footy played there. It would be a huge winner out that way. A real footy area. They could easily accommodate half a dozen games there against certain clubs including the eagles & dockers. The big old scoreboard is still there, just needs a coat of paint.

Wow that would great to see Junction up and running for the saints,,,fair bit of work to. Do I reckon ,, would need some more seats.

Look at Adelaide oval what a great ground...

Re north. , I reckon they made a blue not heading to Gold Coast,

Bazza wrote: a redeveloped western oval would of been better for Footscray, they are playing miles from their heartland,

The Bulldogs would have preferred Western Oval from what I read.

Apparently they need to get 30,000 bums on seats at Edihad to break even. They were forced, along with other clubs to play home games there. This effectively pays off, and purchases the stadium at the end of the lease contract for the AFL.

The dogs are on the right path with fielding a stand alone Footscray Bulldogs side in the VFL, based at the Western Oval. The facilities are great from what I have seen.

The dogs have a policy of listing players from their traditional zone, and building them up as they are doing now.

Last weekend Footscray had some recognisable players from their league side playing to regain their spot again. This is how it should be.

I my eyes, they are more a club than some other so called clubs who are happy to poach and pay millions. They are a club that is not owned by a corporate entity.