Some really interesting links there Johnny, which I'd previously failed to know about. Thanks for posting them.Johnny Member wrote:http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/f ... zs08k.html
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-0 ... ht/7571982
http://m.afl.com.au/news/2015-08-05/whe ... n-tasmania
My understanding is, and I'm happy to be corrected, is that its not that lucrative at all. The AFL dont see it that way and I wouldn't be surprised if Hawthorn pull out after this contract ends.
I also dont believe the AFL wanted us there.
From my reading, the deal is lucrative, at least for the Dawks - went a long way to saving them from insolvency when they first went there as paupers. Though you're right, Tassie government funding could be a problem if withdrawn.
I hear you repta. Selling one's soul and prostituting oneself are to be avoided at all costs. I'd add risking being relocated to that list also.repta wrote:NO NO NO NO NO.
I can't work out what the benefit of selling our home games actually provides the club.
Positives
- More cash
- more 3/4 game members
- bigger basis for sponsorship
Cons
- 9 interstate games a year... eg almost every second week.
- takes out ability for a 16 game membership
- close to zero publicity in Melbourne for the game (eg SEN and foxtel only)
- less publicity /air time takes away from attractiveness to sponsors
- cant win interstate/overseas
Therefore i see it as you sell your soul for some quick cash. With hopefully improving stadium deals we won't have to resort to prostituting ourselves to the highest bidder.
But since we're doing pros (of all kinds
- and I'd add access to 'our' own Tassie academy players as a huge pro that's not on your list above) and cons, I'd like to propose the following. If we could swing it, and this should avoid your (our) fears, I'd be very happy for us to look at...- Playing an annual six home games. Three in both of Lonny, and beautiful Hobart.
- (As a fallback if really pushed, we could consider extending this agreement (as follows) to seven games annually.)
- For temperature and general comfort of the punters reasons, I'd be pushing for early and late in the season games, and during daylight hours. (Though I wouldn't turn down a Friday night opportunity.)
- And we should be guaranteed one Friday night free-to-air game a season - on top of whatever we're allocated based on form.
- Correspondingly less 'other' interstate away games, though happy to play Victorian clubs in promotional-type games, like the Dreamons in Alice. (Our beloved desertsaint has been waiting far too long).
- Each of the Tassie games to be made up for, with our members getting admission to the equivalent number of Saint's away games. (Victorian or interstate away games.) Plus two an extra Saint's away games, as compensation for the loss of 'home member's rights' at such games.
- And, those Saint's members attendance numbers at said 'compensation' games to be credited to our coffers, just as they would be if our members rocked up to a 'normal' saint's home game. We could even end up 'hijacking the crowd numbers' at some away games.
- Our Tassie games to be televised on free-to-air TV. (It makes perfect sense, if the AFL is fair dinkum about promoting Tassie footy.
)- The academy idea, with exclusive access to players is a must. We get elite young talent, and, we also maintain the strong and proud history of Tasmanians who have played for our great club.
The non-negotiable imperative to all this though, is to maintain our presence in Victoria! Home, purpose and meaning for our great club, are centred in St Kilda. Any Tassie deal would not and should not ever be part of some precursor to an eventual relocation!!!
I can't speak for others, but personally, I'd be backing Matt and Ameet to deliver on getting us such a deal.
Thoughts?
