AFL
FFA confident of finals deal, just not this year
Micheal Lynch writes that while there might be no final deal yet for this years Grand Final, the AFL and FFA have apparently reached an agreement on the next ten years of finals. “I have spoken to Gillon McLachlan and AFL is broadly supportive of coming to an agreement with FFA to avoid any repeat…
Moorabbin is ‘logical place’ for St Kilda to be based
News Limited confirms that the Saints will not be sharing the new Junction Oval facility with Cricket Victoria, and cites the premier as saying that the Government will work with the AFL to see what can be done about moving the club back to Moorabin. “I’ve got to be clear with you, Junction Oval is…
Burswood Stadium could get lonely as WA footy fans go missing
Fairfax reports that there are about 8,000 empty seats at Subiaco each weekend and as many as 14,000, having only reached capacity once since 2010.
AFL expecting between 12,000 and 13,000 in Wellington
Fairfax reports that the AFL is expecting a crowd of around 12-13,000 for its ANZAC Day clash in Wellington between St Kilda and Carlton. The league is expecting about 2,000 Australians to make the journey over, and a thousand more to make the journey from around New Zealand. Harmon confirmed that the late-purchasing event culture…
Big Bash whets cash-strapped Ten’s appetite for AFL
Fairfax Media reports that the Ten network is considering making a bid for Saturday and Sunday afternoon AFL matches, after rediscovering a taste for sport with the success of its summer BBL coverage. “Ten has declared an interest [in securing AFL rights] and has participated in the process,” Mr McLennan told Fairfax Media. His comments…
A-League can trump AFL with a mid-week grand final
Francis Leach writes on the ABC website that the Aleague has the opportunity to stage a unique midweek Grand Final to get around the AFL, citing the success of Origin as a template for the event.
Sydney swoop to stage Victory grand final
Reports in Fairfax media suggest that ANZ Stadium is about to table an offer to hold the Aleague Grand Final in the event that it cant be held in Melbourne. The stadiums offer is believe to be contingent on Sydney FC making the final, and would be expected to draw about 70,000 to the ground.
A-League grand final will be played at AAMI Park should Melbourne Victory qualify
News Limited reports that a deal is expected soon to keep the Aleague Grand Final in Melbourne this year should Victory qualify. The FFA is expected to back down on its threat to move the game interstate only if the AFL is prepared to guarantee it can use etihad for the Grand Final for the…
Hawthorn to spend up to $50 million on new training facility
News Limited reports that the Hawks are planning to build a $50 million state of the art facility at a greenfields site in eastern Melbourne. The facility will be open for community use which will enable the club to seek state and federal funding assistance.
Bulldogs stand firm on A-League decider
Numerous outlets are reporting that the Western Bulldogs will not be moving their home game from Etihad Stadium to accommodate the Aleague Grand Final, as the FFA finds that time is growing short to find a venue. “We’re not moving aside for soccer,” Gordon told Melbourne radio station SEN. “It’s a home game for us…
Essendon sees membership avalanche
The Herald-Sun reports that Essendon has had a massive tide of membership signups since the AFLs Anti-doping Tribunal found the club not guilty of violating the Anti Doping Code. The Club is now anticapting a new membership record with a target of 65,000. “I think many of them wanted a resolution or at least to…
Penrith Panthers and Port Adelaide Power form groundbreaking alliance
Fairfax reports that an AFl team and an NRL team will partner up to look at the way each other does business – Penrith from a football perspective, Port particularly from a business perpective. “It will give us a look into how an AFL team structures their football program,” Panthers football club chief executive Justin…
Western Bulldogs appoint Nike executive David Stevenson as new chief executive
Fairfax reports, and the Bulldogs website confirms, that the Western Bulldogs have formally appointed David Stevenson to be their new CEO after a process lasting three months. Stevenson has been part of Nike management for the past 17 years, ascending to the role of vice president of sales for the sporting goods manufacturer’s emerging markets….
Stuart calls for NRL support in battle with AFL and ACT government
Fairfax media reports that Raiders coach Ricky Stuart wants better NRL support in what he refers to as a football battleground of Canberra. “What interested me on the weekend was witnessing the relationship the ACT Government has with the AFL hierarchy in pulling together and promoting the recent GWS fixture here in Canberra,” Stuart wrote….
Footy News – AFL fan initatives, Leichardt Oval, Aleague Grand Final and more
AFL Fairfax media says that AFL fans have had mixed reactions to club initiatives designed to make the game more entertaining to the crowds, with the Fans Assocation saying that food prices and lighting were winners, but there were still issues with ticketing at Hawthorn v Geelong. The Age reports that Hawthorn have broken its…
Time for AFL to ban alcohol sponsorship
Fairfax media reports that Michael Carr-Clegg, psychologist, wants alchohol sponsorships in the AFL to end. “I upset everybody at that forum by suggesting the greatest hypocrisy is with the AFL who continue to accept alcohol advertising, which does far more damage than all of these drugs put together. If they really want to get serious…