Interesting times....

Bulldogs push for NT deal
The Age
Caroline Wilson | May 26, 2009

THE Western Bulldogs have emerged as key players in a potential multimillion-dollar, Tassie Hawks-style deal with the Northern Territory.

Darwin is the latest battleground for struggling AFL clubs desperate to escape poor stadium arrangements, with the Bulldogs confirming last night they were back in negotiations with the NT Government for a five-year, 10-match deal, despite suggestions that the club had hoped to remain in Victoria for home games beyond 2009.

Despite strong misgivings from coach Rodney Eade, chief executive Campbell Rose confirmed the Bulldogs were looking at a two-game-a-year package, something it had pushed for but was overruled on by the AFL, in its last deal that expires at the end of this season.

Melbourne and Port Adelaide are also in the mix to sell home games and play twice each season at Darwin's TIO Stadium. AFL Northern Territory boss Tony Frawley confirmed the push for a five-year deal had support from the AFL and the NT Government, which had four departments looking to help fund a new agreement.

The Bulldogs are understood to be pushing for up to $1.5 million a year for a two-game deal along with sponsorship, and The Age understands that the NT Government has raised its offer to an estimated $1.2 million annually. Hawthorn receives $3 million a year for its four-game deal and jumper sponsorship with Tasmania, an agreement that had its future thrown into question yesterday by the Tasmanian premier.

Rose said the Bulldogs had not abandoned other options such as Geelong or even striking its own deal with the Tasmanian Government.

"We will need to make a decision in the next four weeks," he said. "It's fair to say we're reviewing all of our options including a significantly improved and more complex involvement in Darwin."

Port Adelaide chief Mark Haysman confirmed his club had held preliminary talks with AFL NT. "Port have significant issues with our stadium arrangement at AAMI and that's something we're hoping to review with the SANFL over the coming months," said Haysman.

Frawley said: "We're looking at a long-term agreement similar to the one the Tasmania Government has with Hawthorn. The Western Bulldogs are back in the mix and we are talking to several clubs who have put their hands up.

"Ideally we would look at two home-and-away games each year, along with one NAB Cup game in Alice Springs, along with the indigenous All-Stars game every two years."

Frawley indicated the new deal could include a jumper sponsorship featuring an iconic Northern Territory landmark.

While Rose was cautious about a jumper sponsorship, pointing out the Bulldogs already had a major sponsorship deal with Mission Foods, Port Adelaide and Melbourne could be looking for new jumper sponsors beyond this season.

The Bulldogs would also push for greater independence in any new agreement, having been quashed in their two-game mid-year proposal last time, which had looked at consecutive home games with the mid-season break allowing the club to undertake community work.

AFL executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed the league would consider doubling its home-and-away commitment in the NT next season.

"We like the idea of a long-term commitment and we wouldn't rule out two games," McLachlan said.

Added game development chief David Matthews: "It's a priority market for us. 'The strong indigenous links in the NT mean it is just critical we have a presence."