Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

[SlimPickens]

JEFF Kennett's call for the AFL to look to New Zealand may be realised inside two years as the Western Bulldogs plan to take a home game there as soon as next season.

Bulldogs chief executive Simon Garlick told The Australian plans were in place for the first match ever played for premiership points outside Australia to be held in the New Zealand capital of Wellington.

"The most likely prospect at this point is 2013," Garlick said.

Link Here:http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/ne...-1226035051479

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

Awesome!

Good opportunity to plan a trip around it.

Much nicer to visit NZ than Canberra or Darwin.

[Desipura]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

Didn't Smorgo say we will not be selling any games passed 2012? They have gone full circle on this one.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

Didn't Smorgo say we will not be selling any games passed 2012? They have gone full circle on this one.

He's been saying that for a while now. A complete backflip that I don't think is going to be overly popular with members.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

He's been saying that for a while now. A complete backflip that I don't think is going to be overly popular with members.

Yeah, if we're going to sell home games, how about Hobart? (Purely selfish on my part, much cheaper to get to and I love it there!!)

[Ozza]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

I don't really like the idea of going and playing in unfamilar conditions.

If we were to play - say - Port Adelaide , over there - a team where we would clearly have an advantage over in Melbourne (and in Darwin in recent years where we've become fairly accustomed) - I'd hate to give up that advantage and level the playing field by playing somewhere very neutral.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

If we are going to get only 20K to our first home game I can understand why they may need to go this way.

[Bornadog]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

If there are big dollars involved, I am all for it, especially if we are there before any other team.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

Very interesting. All for it if the sums are right.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

I like it (as my Wife's family is from NZ).

[LostDoggy]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

I think the club has to do whatever it takes to become financially secure. I'm happy to travel across the ditch and combine the footy with a holiday (if I can afford it!)

[soupman]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

Could be a good excuse to go for a brief snowboarding holiday if the timing fits.

[Happy Days]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

Would much prefer NZ to Darwin.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

The club's in a no-win situation.
Unfortunately to be sustainable we have to do this plus 8,000 fickle fans give the club little option.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Western Bulldogs plan to play home match in New Zealand within two years

If we are going to get only 20K to our first home game I can understand why they may need to go this way.

If there are big dollars involved, I am all for it, especially if we are there before any other team.

The club's in a no-win situation.
Unfortunately to be sustainable we have to do this plus 8,000 fickle fans give the club little option.

Absolutely. North Melbourne have the same problem — their supporters are incredibly vocal about what they won't put up with — selling games, moving to QLD/Tas, etc. — but don't turn up to the games and don't buy memberships.

When we eventually slide back down the ladder in the next few years, and the casual members evaporate, we're going to need to shore up our position financially.

I'm all for it!