Re: Anzac Day game
Originally Posted by
bornadog
I really think these staged blockbusters are what kills off or restricts or makes it hard for the smaller clubs such as the Kangaroos, Doggies etc to grow. For example, the focus on the two teams in the ANZAC day clash as well as the exposure on TV and other media, helps them to get bigger and stronger. The kids all want to get on board and be a part of it. It would be interesting to see since the start of the ANZAC day clash in 1995 how many extra people have switched to these clubs, and believe me the kids all want to be in red and black or black and white.
The arguement presented by the AFL is that these teams attract big crowds, yes thats true but its just going to get bigger and bigger and those clubs will be heading for 50 to 60,000 members in no time. We are struggling to get to 30,000 members and these block busters don't help one bit.
Every year the draw is rigged so that Collingwood, Essendon, Carlton and Richmond play each other twice, which leaves other Victorian clubs to play more interstate teams.
Sorry, ANZAC day clash I loathe it every year, its just another game that promotes 2 clubs nothing more. Ditto Queens birthday and other STAGED blockbusters.
I agree two very ordinary sides get to represent everything that's good about AFL football just because they once were warriors. As a show case all it reveals is how certain clubs can manipulate the media, and if you can do that you can commit any sin, including playing crap football.
If there was any justice in football we would have been on show this ANZAC Day.
I think the AFL should take a punt and put on its best act. Like their response to the Drug/ Eagles misbehaviour issue, they have shown themselves to be reactive rather than procative.
But if you look at the conditions they placed in 1924/5 on our entry to the then VFL, it was always thus. Doesn't mean it's fair or clever but it keeps the chattering classes happy.
Who would you pick to play us in a showcase of what's the best of football?
I believe there's nothing on this earth that we own. All we do is look after it for our children - Terry Wheeler