The AFL have it all over us

[simon64]

Although there is no doubt that Aussie rules will never be a better game than rugby league, in terms of administration and tradition, they have it all over us.

Yesterday's grand final was a great event....played during the day (when it should be) at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. Our grand final is played at night because Ch 9 says it's better for them. The AFL basically tells the broadcaster to get stuffed.....its on when its on and if you don't like it, you can shove it. They also don't have Monday night football shoved down their throats....again the brainchild of the broadcaster.

They have the core of Victorian sides as well as 2 sides in Queensland, NSW, SA, and WA........all of which stand on their own two feet financially. Not to mention they get decent crowds to regular season games in these states (even though SA and WA are AFL territories). We have the Melbourne Storm.....propped up and planted in a state where no one gives a toss. They even got a fantastic stadium thrown in.

And while holding fast to their traditions, they still got the billion the NRL managed to get....plus more.

Andrew Demetriou must be one hell of a CEO.

 

[sean1976]

Good post. Totally agree. The day grandfinal is a real event - barbecues etc, kids can watch it, better brand of football under the sun etc. Night time GFs are about one thing only - channel nines bottom line.

 

[eagles2win]

We do lower grades GFs better though.
Seeing that there is a push for qld cup premiers vs NSW cup premiers

 

[eagleE]

The AFL have had several clubs on the brink of collapse for years. Swans have been losing money since day dot. Suns andGiants are also bleed unsung the AFL of funds.
If eel this tv deal just done is about the players. It gives them more money without changing too much for them. The next tv deal will be about the fans. It will give them better inclusion of games I feel with an expansion. We need a head kicker who is not afraid to make the tough without any favour or prejudice to clubs. I don't necessarily think that an old League the right call. It is now a business that needs to be treated like a business without fears of upsetting the old boys.

 

[The Who]

Yes, agree. The NRL assumes the position and lets Channel Nein do as they please.
The AFL controls the game for the good of the fans. It's how it should be.

 

[Brissie Kid]

Yes great. :dodgy: Swans had far bigger salary cap than Hawthorn & AFL fans of Melbourne clubs meekly cop it.

 

[lsz]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-swans-insist-they-are-not-broke-despite-auditor-report/story-e6frexwr-1226059219923

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-shores-up-sa-footy-with-handouts-to-port-crows-20110630-1gsip.html

http://www.pandasports.com.au/2011/08/09/afl-to-support-struggling-clubs/

 

[simon64]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-swans-insist-they-are-not-broke-despite-auditor-report/story-e6frexwr-1226059219923

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-shores-up-sa-footy-with-handouts-to-port-crows-20110630-1gsip.html

http://www.pandasports.com.au/2011/08/09/afl-to-support-struggling-clubs/

Alright so maybe they don't support themselves....but the competition covers the country and the fans seem to get some sort consideration.

 

[Ralphie]

Hmmm, do any of you realise that the AFL are changing to an evening GF (Probably from next year) to satisfy the broadcasters.

 

[Av8r]

Their players can string a sentence together when interviewed. Half of Rugby League's players can't.

 

[Phantar]

Their players can string a sentence together when interviewed. Half of Rugby League's players can't.

AT the Bulldogs, the ratio is closer to 95% (in the negative).

All except Ennis....with his prepared speech, thanking everyone from the marketing department to the Belmore Sports Ground tealady. Must have been written by Todd Preensmirk.

 

[Rex]

The AFL players consistently speak well. And as for the NRL players? Who helps them with their "We luvs yuz all" speeches?

Jeff Fenech?