New Zealand 2 will deal a massive blow to NZ rugby

[MugaB]

Tasmania enter in 2028. The 20th team will enter in the early 2030s at the earliest. . . Perfect timing for Canberra. I almost guarantee that there're multiple get-out clauses in the ACT's contract with GWS that could get them out early under the right circumstances as well.

Canberrans make up a significant portion of GWS's members, but that doesn't necessarily equate to fans in this case. Most are members because it's a cheaper way to buy tickets and guarantees entry now that their matches regularly sell out.

I know plenty of GWS members, but I honestly can't think of a single person I know that's a GWS fan. Not saying that they don't exist, just that in reality they're very unusual.

At this point GWS playing games in Canberra is effecting their growth in Sydney as well, especially considering how they've been more successful here as a general rule, so it's in both parties interest to bail on the relationship sooner rather than later. Furthermore, whether or not they're viable without a secondary market isn't Canberra's problem, and it's only a matter of time before there's a political change that results in more scepticism about the ACT's relationship with GWS.

Perth, Canberra, or at a stretch Adelaide, are the only realistic options the AFL has on the table, and their decision between them will depend on the direction they intend to take the league in the short-mid term. They'll go with Perth if they want a reliable option that won't require heavy investment, Adelaide if they want to throw another bone to historic clubs and traditions outside of Melbourne, and Canberra if they want to push further growth north of the Barassi line.

The NT would be a shitshow. Political pressure will force them to make a show of considering it, but it won't be in the running unless some crazy funding source is found to bankroll the club, and even then it'd only be a matter of time before that well ran dry.

Even If the 20th team is canberra for the great code of ALF, why would GWS want to break their contract, it's not like they have a huge following in Western Sydney, Sorry I should have said a "Greater" following.. its a moot notion.. they are present, not effective, they'd be better off doubling down on Perth, Adelaide or better yet Brisbane where thet could form a genuine derby

 

[final say]

Even If the 20th team is canberra for the great code of ALF, why would GWS want to break their contract, it's not like they have a huge following in Western Sydney, Sorry I should have said a "Greater" following.. its a moot notion.. they are present, not effective, they'd be better off doubling down on Perth, Adelaide or better yet Brisbane where thet could form a genuine derby

I honestly don't even know why they want to go to 20 teams, seems to be getting very diluted with both talent and fans. The NRL benefits from people like myself that watches multiple games, I doubt even the biggest AFL fan is watching a 10th game especially given AFL games go for longer and even overlap at this point..so I think they'll find a tipping point ratings wise and broadcasters might pay for an extra game but each game might become worth less , after the running costs of those clubs it might even be a loss..

 

[Dark Corner]

Tasmania enter in 2028. The 20th team will enter in the early 2030s at the earliest. . . Perfect timing for Canberra. I almost guarantee that there're multiple get-out clauses in the ACT's contract with GWS that could get them out early under the right circumstances as well.

Canberrans make up a significant portion of GWS's members, but that doesn't necessarily equate to fans in this case. Most are members because it's a cheaper way to buy tickets and guarantees entry now that their matches regularly sell out.

I know plenty of GWS members, but I honestly can't think of a single person I know that's a GWS fan. Not saying that they don't exist, just that in reality they're very unusual.

At this point GWS playing games in Canberra is effecting their growth in Sydney as well, especially considering how they've been more successful here as a general rule, so it's in both parties interest to bail on the relationship sooner rather than later. Furthermore, whether or not they're viable without a secondary market isn't Canberra's problem, and it's only a matter of time before there's a political change that results in more scepticism about the ACT's relationship with GWS.

Perth, Canberra, or at a stretch Adelaide, are the only realistic options the AFL has on the table, and their decision between them will depend on the direction they intend to take the league in the short-mid term. They'll go with Perth if they want a reliable option that won't require heavy investment, Adelaide if they want to throw another bone to historic clubs and traditions outside of Melbourne, and Canberra if they want to push further growth north of the Barassi line.

The NT would be a shitshow. Political pressure will force them to make a show of considering it, but it won't be in the running unless some crazy funding source is found to bankroll the club, and even then it'd only be a matter of time before that well ran dry.

As a Brit I still don't understand being a member of a club and not supporting a club....whats the benefit or i'm I barking up the wrong tree.

 

[Canard]

As a Brit I still don't understand being a member of a club and not supporting a club....whats the benefit or i'm I barking up the wrong tree.

In almost all cases these days replace the word member with ticket holder.

And in most cases being a "member" means you receive discounted tickets.

So, for example, as a Cowboys fan I can buy a ticket to the Dolphins game for $55, but if I become a "1 game member" I can get the same ticket for $35.

 

[Penrith fan]

Membership numbers are just another thing that is "Fake News".

Totally made up.

Some Clubs include members dogs and cats in their numbers.

 

[Get Rid of The Donkeys]

Tasmania enter in 2028. The 20th team will enter in the early 2030s at the earliest. . . Perfect timing for Canberra. I almost guarantee that there're multiple get-out clauses in the ACT's contract with GWS that could get them out early under the right circumstances as well.

Canberrans make up a significant portion of GWS's members, but that doesn't necessarily equate to fans in this case. Most are members because it's a cheaper way to buy tickets and guarantees entry now that their matches regularly sell out.

I know plenty of GWS members, but I honestly can't think of a single person I know that's a GWS fan. Not saying that they don't exist, just that in reality they're very unusual.

At this point GWS playing games in Canberra is effecting their growth in Sydney as well, especially considering how they've been more successful here as a general rule, so it's in both parties interest to bail on the relationship sooner rather than later. Furthermore, whether or not they're viable without a secondary market isn't Canberra's problem, and it's only a matter of time before there's a political change that results in more scepticism about the ACT's relationship with GWS.

Perth, Canberra, or at a stretch Adelaide, are the only realistic options the AFL has on the table, and their decision between them will depend on the direction they intend to take the league in the short-mid term. They'll go with Perth if they want a reliable option that won't require heavy investment, Adelaide if they want to throw another bone to historic clubs and traditions outside of Melbourne, and Canberra if they want to push further growth north of the Barassi line.

The NT would be a shitshow. Political pressure will force them to make a show of considering it, but it won't be in the running unless some crazy funding source is found to bankroll the club, and even then it'd only be a matter of time before that well ran dry.

It would be risky to add a team in Canberra while GWS and Gold Coast are struggling.

I think AwFuL underestimated the difficulty of growing the game in western Sydney. The demography in western Sydney is not favourable to fumbleball.

 

[Get Rid of The Donkeys]

Even If the 20th team is canberra for the great code of ALF, why would GWS want to break their contract, it's not like they have a huge following in Western Sydney, Sorry I should have said a "Greater" following.. its a moot notion.. they are present, not effective, they'd be better off doubling down on Perth, Adelaide or better yet Brisbane where thet could form a genuine derby

Lions have the most debt in AwFuL. A second club would be disastrous.

 

[Perth Red]

Lions have the most debt in AwFuL. A second club would be disastrous.

Always need to fact check your statements lol
Lions have an $8mill bank loan. On a $103mill revenue and a $53mill asset base that isnt an issue.
2022, taking out the grants, they made a $2.4mill profit

Their Fc revenue goes ok: (2022)
Memberships and gate takings $10.3mill
Sponsors and corporates $12.8mill
Merch sales $2.2mill
Thats is $3mill more in FC revenue than the Cowboys in same year.

NT
Canberra
Brisbane2
Perth3

all possible AFL expansion for club 20. Wont happen for another 8 years or so and my money would be on Canberra.

 

[The Great Dane]

Even If the 20th team is canberra for the great code of ALF, why would GWS want to break their contract, it's not like they have a huge following in Western Sydney, Sorry I should have said a "Greater" following.. its a moot notion.. they are present, not effective, they'd be better off doubling down on Perth, Adelaide or better yet Brisbane where thet could form a genuine derby

If GWS refused to break the contract the ACT and/or AFL would do it for them. The AFL will force the issue if it's getting in way of their expansion plans.

GWS are rapidly approaching the point where they'll be forced to abandon the safety blanket that Canberra offers if they want to continue to grow in Sydney anyway. So yeah, it's in both Canberra and GWS's interests to split up at this point.

BTW, a second AFL side in Brisbane would be an unmitigated disaster.

 

[mongoose]

BTW, a second AFL side in Brisbane would be an unmitigated disaster.

they have the hubris to do it though... If the Gabba rebuild or Victoria Park stadium was going ahead I think they would seriously consider it. Not saying it wouldn't be a disaster, Brisbane is RL through and through but I feel it's not as hostile towards AFL as large parts of Sydney and NSW are....

 

[The Great Dane]

As a Brit I still don't understand being a member of a club and not supporting a club....whats the benefit or i'm I barking up the wrong tree.

Put simply, GWS is the only option for people in Canberra who enjoy AFL to attend live matches without traveling.

On top of that, buying a membership is cheaper than purchasing the tickets individually and most of their matches here sell out these days, so buying a membership is the only way to 100% guarantee you'll get a ticket to each match.

 

[The Great Dane]

It would be risky to add a team in Canberra while GWS and Gold Coast are struggling.

I think AwFuL underestimated the difficulty of growing the game in western Sydney. The demography in western Sydney is not favourable to fumbleball.

Canberra wouldn't be particularly risky at all.

Canberra is similar to Tasmania in that it'd almost certainly be more successful than GWS and the Suns from day one. It's potential ceiling is lower than GWS's, but it'd be a safer bet.

There're markets other than Canberra that GWS could pick up as a secondary if they need a new one after splitting with Canberra as well, so it's not like breaking with Canberra would kill GWS.

 

[The Great Dane]

they have the hubris to do it though... If the Gabba rebuild or Victoria Park stadium was going ahead I think they would seriously consider it. Not saying it wouldn't be a disaster, Brisbane is RL through and through but I feel it's not as hostile towards AFL as large parts of Sydney and NSW are....

None of the AFL's major stakeholders are up for another expensive expansion project like that at the moment. They'd revolt if the AFL tried it on.

Wouldn't rule out the Suns relocating to Brisbane if they're still struggling in the next decade or so though.

 

[Perth Red]

Canberra wouldn't be particularly risky at all.

Canberra is similar to Tasmania in that it'd almost certainly be more successful than GWS and the Suns from day one. It's potential ceiling is lower than GWS's, but it'd be a safer bet.

There're markets other than Canberra that GWS could pick up as a secondary if they need a new one after splitting with Canberra as well, so it's not like breaking with Canberra would kill GWS.

Problem is GWS lost $2.7mill last year and that was with a $2.8mill ACT govt payment and game day revenue from Canberra. Thats a big revenue gap to fill. Of course AFL is going to be super rich in 2025 so they'd have no problem just upping their grant I suppose if they wanted them out of Canberra.

 

[T-Boon]

I think the Titans should rebrand to South Queensland and play 6 or so games at Suncorp.

 

[Penrith fan]

The Gold Coast has always been a graveyard for every code.

Too many other things to do, too much partying and "sniff, sniff" too much partying.

 

[Perth Red]

I think the Titans should rebrand to South Queensland and play 6 or so games at Suncorp.

I think they need to get a decent marketing team and budget and start giving themselves a much stronger presence on the GC. I was there for a week and didnt see one single sign the Titans were a team representing the area. No promotion, no one wearing merch, no shop, no advertising nothing. Having the stadium well away from the tourist area doesn't help either.

 

[Penrith fan]

The Gold Coast isn't for football.

The Gold Coast is for partying.

 

[Perth Red]

The Gold Coast isn't for football.

The Gold Coast is for partying.

Its got a huge growing 40+ age group population. Not everyone is 20 lol
Their (and Suns) main problem seems to be everyone is a blow in and supports someone else and isnt willing to switch to the Titans. They need some success badly to get that changed.

 

[T-Boon]

I think they need to get a decent marketing team and budget and start giving themselves a much stronger presence on the GC. I was there for a week and didnt see one single sign the Titans were a team representing the area. No promotion, no one wearing merch, no shop, no advertising nothing. Having the stadium well away from the tourist area doesn't help either.

Yep. Last time I was there (maybe 7 years ago) it was the same. Worse, there was a big Suns Territory (or something) sign as you walk off the plain into the airport. Suns were really pumping money into promotion then and titans had obviously quit.