As a vocal opponent on this move I've come to accept it. But there are a couple of interesting things mentioned in earlier posts:
1. They claim there is a huge number of Storm fans in Perth. Surely this is 'spin' of the highest order. Why would anyone support Melbourne who doesn't live in Victoria?
2. It says Manly initiated the idea. I would have thought that an email to all members from the club outlining the idea and explaining the financial reasons, why it had to be the Melb clash and asking for our feedback BEFORE we read it was a done deal in a newspaper, would have been appreciated. Please club management, don't keep us in the dark. We are sensible enough to understand logical reasons and, ultimately, come down on the side of long-term financial stability. We are financial and emotional stakeholders in the club. Managers come and go, but most fans stay for a lifetime. We deserve to be considered in such major decisions, especially those that break with tradition.