NRL shows guile in its “war” with the AFL
Columnist By Adrian Musolino, 9 Apr 2010 Adrian Musolino is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- AFL, anzac day, Channel 9, Collingwood, David Gallop, Essendon, NRL, St George Illawarra, Sydney Roosters
202 Have your say
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Jarryd Hayne on the way to the tryline during the Week 1 Playoff NRL match between the Dragons and the Eels at Win Jubilee Stadium in Sydney, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. The Eels beat the Dragons 25-12. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
First they played in Melbourne on Good Friday when the AFL was having the day off, now the NRL is targeting Anzac Day with its plans to telecast the traditional Sydney Roosters-St George Illawarra Anzac clash on free-to-air across Australia.
The move is a significant one, particularly with its national reach, as the Channel 9 NRL telecast will inevitably overlap with Channel 7’s coverage of the Essendon-Collingwood traditional AFL clash at the MCG.
With the NRL continuing to exploit any potential openings left by the AFL, its little wonder the tabloids are screaming “code wars”!
As I wrote on Sunday, the NRL’s decision to play at Etihad on Good Friday was an intelligent move, with the code rewarded with a record home and away crowd of 25,404 for the Melbourne Storm, and the free-to-air Anzac Day move is just as intelligent; giving the NRL a much wider audience, and profile, for its own Anzac clash.
The current free-to-air deal with Channel 9 may be increasingly frustrating fans and the league itself in relation to the network having such a large say in scheduling, but free-to-air coverage is essential for a code’s sustainability and the Anzac decision highlights the NRL’s growing profile.
Despite the endless scandals, the product itself is pretty damn good, and networks can no longer ignore the code’s popularity.
When you consider its limited footprint compared to the AFL, the fact that the media are able to build a case for their even being a code war between the two is a credit to the NRL (however, I’m increasingly becoming convinced the code war fascination is a Sydney thing, with Western Sydney as its justification).
It’s been a popular pastime in Australian sporting discourse to kick the NRL while it’s been down.
David Gallop has been, unfairly in my opinion, the favoured target for those looking to apportion blame for the code’s problems, and with every moronic player indiscretion, Gallop’s position was inevitably called into question (what could he do? He isn’t their father!).
Even ARU chief executive John O’Neill didn’t miss an opportunity to rile the NRL by claiming stars such as Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston could be tempted to switch codes by the prospect of playing Rugby Sevens at the Olympics.
Few codes could have survived the public bashing they received.
But Gallop and his team deserve credit for not only surviving the tide of controversies and scandals, but also in visibly growing the sport and building the framework for further expansion, be it on the Central Coast, Perth or elsewhere.
It’ll be fascinating to see how the NRL’s Anzac Day clash rates on free-to-air, particularly outside of the its heartland in places like Victoria, SA and WA.
It won’t come anywhere near to the numbers tuning in to the Essendon and Collingwood clash in those areas, but it’s a lot better than any other code could have mustered, and at least they are in a position to offer fans an alternative viewing option.
The fact that the NRL is chipping away and taking such opportunities is why they are in a position where they are seen to be rivaling the AFL in the media, even if we know it’s not really a contest.
After all the criticisms of the code, let’s pay credit where it is due.
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April 9th 2010 @ 6:45am
Rugby1 said | April 9th 2010 @ 6:45am | Report comment
It’s like picking apples from a tree, once all the apples are gone what do you next. And don’t bring up going off shore we all know league is just a fart overseas.
April 9th 2010 @ 10:28am
John Ryan said | April 9th 2010 @ 10:28am | Report comment
Just a word of advice Rugby 1 more people will watch the match on FTA than watch the entire super 14 in Australia,which is where we live nice try
April 9th 2010 @ 1:40pm
Norm said | April 9th 2010 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
Got anything good to say about your game Rugby 0?
April 9th 2010 @ 2:41pm
Realist said | April 9th 2010 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
Papua New Guinea is a rugby league nation. It doesn’t give a stuff about rugby union.
April 9th 2010 @ 6:26pm
Pete said | April 9th 2010 @ 6:26pm | Report comment
And we all know what a world sporting powerhouse PNG is…
April 9th 2010 @ 7:24am
Crosscoder said | April 9th 2010 @ 7:24am | Report comment
Ignoring the childish attempt to start a code war by Rugby1(can’t help themselves at times),the decision to have the Anzac Day match between the Roosters v Dragons,was confirmed as being live on ch9 at 4pm ATM in NSW and Qld.There are ongoing negotiations to get the match shown in the other states.At last we will have a sporting choice .
Adrian agree with the point about Gallop.he has indeed received more than his share of criticism IMO in teh main unfairly warranted.Why? Basically serving two masters(news and the ARL partnership).
My point on another thread about the game getting bashed by journos of other codes at times(sometimes warranted BTW),was called deluded.
That the game has been able to rise above the chaos of last year,has to be in some small way not only to the game itself as a spectacle, but also the leadership of Gallop played some part.Gallop received a standing ovation on one occasion when he attended a women’s function,because of his stance on women’s issues.
Gallop is more impressive this year than last.Maybe the off field issues took its toll in 09.
The only way to spread the game(and the AFL in Oz has done it reasonably well) is to have national TV covergage of the code .
This latest news on the Anzac day NRL match,whilst great news,is something that should have been done years ago.
The match may well get ordinary ratings outside its homeland,butfor the long suffering fans in those states,they finally get something.It hasn’t prevented the AFL from telecasting into non AFL states.That is how you spread the word,and now the NRL has finally got the message.Hallelujah!
April 9th 2010 @ 7:35am
Paul J said | April 9th 2010 @ 7:35am | Report comment
As far as i’m aware, the AFL has forced the networks to play Swans and Lions games prime time in Sydney and Brisbane due to their current TV deal, regardless of the ratings. The NRL didn’t do this when they signed their current TV deal a year earlier (surely they have learnt from this).
Channel 9 are not contracted to play NRL games on prime time outside of NSW, Qld & ACT so they won’t do it until at least 2013 when the NRL sign a bigger and better TV deal and force them to do it.
So 9 will not show any NRL prime time in the southern states until then.
April 9th 2010 @ 8:04am
Baz35 said | April 9th 2010 @ 8:04am | Report comment
The problem is the ownership structure of the NRL though isn’t it? The AFL can set “northern exposure” as a component of the rights package but the NRL is essentially negotiating with itself due tot he part ownership of 9/News ltd and these media giants will set the structure of rights…
Good move by the NRL though. There should never be an issue with showing afternoon games anyway
April 10th 2010 @ 1:37pm
Matt said | April 10th 2010 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
Independent Commission. All the conflict of interest evaporates when this happens, probably to take effect from next year. Telstra, 9 and News Corp will no longer have the game by the balls. thats why most commentators expect a sharp increase in the value of media rights.
I’d expect Channel 7 will chase State of Origin (thats 3 weeks guarenteed winning the ratings), the finals and maybe rep footy very hard.
Channel 9 may end up with the regular season rounds, but I can see 10 and 7 being interested in securing 1 game a week, maybe Monday night footy.
April 12th 2010 @ 3:31pm
Michael C said | April 12th 2010 @ 3:31pm | Report comment
Paul J -
signing a bigger and better deal whilst forcing live FTA coverage outside of NSW and QLD may not work that well together,
it’s been suggested by one Eddie McGuire (who might know a thing or two about both the TV network and the sports sides of this topic) that the AFL actually devalue their cash value by inserting that contractual obligation to broadcast into the Northern states…….and then the AFL go and run Foxtel into those markets against the local live coverage and do that not just for away games but for home games too……….
……if the AFL were about maximising ratings on a single platform (and therefore broadcaster value) in Syd and Bris then they wouldn’t run it as they do.
April 9th 2010 @ 7:39am
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 7:39am | Report comment
As good as live coverage would be nationally. It won’t happen as all this talk is pure spin.
The media (Channel Nine and News Limited particularly in Melbourne ) have too much vested interest in the AFL and will not willingly allow any rugby league against the AFL (or so called code war).
Last weeks debacle where both News Limited and Channel Nine conspired to delay the Good Friday game which would have rated well in Melbourne is an excellent and recent example of the lengths the media will go to prevent any competition of the AFL. Tonight the Storm game will be shown at 11.45pm Melbourne on FTA and subscription TV at 11.30pm.
Like you allude to, the code war is a Sydney thing. Decent Rugby League coverage outside of NSW/QLD is non existent and is like living in the great firewall of Victoria. Beyond the Barrassi line, people are generally unaware of rugby leagues rising popularity and will feel justifiably threatened if their beloved local code suffers.
Come finals time, the league will disappear off our screens as it does every year with Channel Nine trotting out the usual excuses (it doesn’t rate well, we can’t afford a ratings hit etc). The only difference now is the impending changes to the anti siphoning legislation, with Senator Conroy weilding a stick at the moment by threatening to introduce “Use it or Lose it” clauses. Channel Nine and the local media will then present, at the time of the change that all is rosy and no changes are necessary (ie pure spin).
April 9th 2010 @ 9:25am
DB said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:25am | Report comment
Ian, you can’t get more of a vested interest than owning the club and half the organisation as well as being the only FTA holder of the sport. Why would News ltd and Ch9 want RL to fail? it makes absolutely no sense.
Put the tin foil hats away and admit it’s purley bussiness based decision. no-ones out to get you
April 9th 2010 @ 9:39am
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:39am | Report comment
DB
The only business based decision is maintaining the regionalism that exists in Australian sport.
News Limited and Channel Nine don’t want Rugby League to fail, they are just infatuated with ratings and subscriptions to the detriment of consumer choice. Channel Nine in particular still hold the view that they’ll re secure the NRL and get back the AFL so the game continues. NRL for NSW/QLD and AFL for the rest with the thin veneer of competition.
To throw your question around, what would Channel Nine and News Limited do if they don’t want RL to fail and maybe grow the game? I doubt the answer would be to maintain the status quo!
April 9th 2010 @ 10:02am
Ken said | April 9th 2010 @ 10:02am | Report comment
You’re mostly right, it is a business decision. RL is a cashcow for News which they effectively control, they are happy with the way things are and feel no need to take hits to try to grow it, especially since their involvement was only ever medium term and they will be exiting shortly. The point is though that RL media contracts (the largest income stream) have effectively been News negotiating with itself – which means they have been in a weak position.
The difference in the AFL vs NRL TV coverage in their weak states is a prime example. Ch7 generally runs dead last (not just the commercial channels either) in Sydney running AFL in primetime, if they could get out of it I’m sure they would but it was part of their negotiation. It’s a great thing for AFL, anyone in their non-core states with half an interest can check it out. Anyone in a non-core RL state that has half an interest needs to stay up to midnight to catch a glimpse.
On the original topic though – where’s the big battle here? The NRL have a big fixture on and are pushing their broadcaster to put it nationwide, they would love to have every game nationwide I’m sure but a big game here or there is the best they can hope for in the current circumstances. It doesn’t really have anything to do with the AFL as I see it.
April 10th 2010 @ 1:45pm
Matt said | April 10th 2010 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
Yep. this has nothing to do with AFL and more to do with the NRL struggling to break out of its media shackles.
The NRL may be pressuring 9 to show it, the implication being “if you don’t start treating the game better with the independent commission, anti siphoning changes and a new media deal, we will go elsewhere”
This is about RL’s war with itself. AFL may feel threatened by it, but thats not the core of the issue.
April 12th 2010 @ 3:35pm
Redb said | April 12th 2010 @ 3:35pm | Report comment
“This is about RL’s war with itself. AFL may feel threatened by it, but thats not the core of the issue”
Funniest thing I’ve read on the Roar.
Take a good look at the Daily Telegraph and see who is threatened.
April 9th 2010 @ 7:50am
Crosscoder said | April 9th 2010 @ 7:50am | Report comment
The fact it was stated last night on ch9(the station involved) that negotiations continue for showing the game in other states,I will bid my time,one way or the other.
it is true as stated ch 9 particularly in Melbourne treats agreements with contempt for NRL9 ,eg showing the NRL before midnight in Melbourne).The Eddie effect is indeed prevalent.
it should be on a use it or lose it basis.
April 9th 2010 @ 9:27am
DB said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:27am | Report comment
FFS, it’s in the AFL contract to show lswans/lions games in the north. It has nothing to do with eddie mcguire, for the reverse not happening
April 9th 2010 @ 8:07am
Kurt said | April 9th 2010 @ 8:07am | Report comment
If it’s an afternoon game they should just telecast it – who cares if it rates brilliantly or not. What else is 9 going to show at that time – another rehashed old war movie? I suspect plenty of people watching the footy will flick over during breaks to see how the league is going.
April 9th 2010 @ 8:15am
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 8:15am | Report comment
Code war and ANZAC Day all class by the Daily Telegraph.
I’ll be at the MCG again on ANZAC day wouldn’t miss out, but you have to be quick last years game sold out 4 weeks before.
The minutes silence is indeed humbling with 90,000. New generations learn more and more about the sacrifice of the ANZACs and all Aussie and Kiwi troops.
You couldn’t drag me away from the MCG for anything else.
April 9th 2010 @ 1:38pm
Norm said | April 9th 2010 @ 1:38pm | Report comment
-”New generations learn more and more about the sacrifice of the ANZACs and all Aussie and Kiwi troops.”…are you suggesting that all this learning is courtesy of AFL?
April 9th 2010 @ 1:47pm
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 1:47pm | Report comment
Absolutely. You have to experience it. This footy game brings more and more people to learn about the ANZACS.
The footy is secondary on this day.
April 9th 2010 @ 2:38pm
Norm said | April 9th 2010 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
-”This footy game brings more and more people to learn about the ANZACS.”…if this is true, and I don’t believe it, then the NRL Roosters v Dragons clash contributes equally to the ANZAC knowledge.
April 9th 2010 @ 2:41pm
Rod said | April 9th 2010 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
agree norn, patronising isn’t it.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:34pm
Gazza said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:34pm | Report comment
I don’t believe that anyone said that the RL clash did not contribute.
April 9th 2010 @ 11:11pm
Corey said | April 9th 2010 @ 11:11pm | Report comment
Uhh.. I will say it then Gazza and I’m a RL supporter through and through. I go to the Dawn Service every year, that’s where the contribution mate. Sport is not equal to war in the sacrifice stakes and they should always remember that. I will watch the League, but I will not be humbled by it, I’m humbled at Anzac square when the only light in the whole place is the eternal flame and the only thing that is heard is the eery flame and your heart beating.
Other than that, Adrian thank you for recognising RL does make a dent in the Australian sporting landscape, great article.
April 9th 2010 @ 2:43pm
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 2:43pm | Report comment
Excerpt from the Age 19th April 2009;
The commodification of “the Anzac spirit” as an AFL marketing device appears to have begun with the 1995 Essendon-Collingwood clash, after which a commemorative poster of the game was produced, bearing the words “Lest we forget”. A solemn pledge was reborn as an advertising slogan.
Redb, I’d suggest you’ve been sucked in by the media hype.
Enjoy the Game by all means, but if you want to show real respect for those who fought for us, get up a bit earlier and go to the Dawn Service.
April 9th 2010 @ 2:52pm
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 2:52pm | Report comment
Ian,
I suggest you come and see for yourself.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:04pm
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
Moreso that is an opinion piece in the AGE.
It’s not the first time the AFL has been accused of commercialisation. But if your going to sling that arrow then perhaps the NRL and News Ltd should rethink their stance on ANZAC Day to use the NRL game as a ‘weapon’ in their ‘war’ against the AFL.
Regardless, by far the majority of people who attend the game are the richer for it and have a deeper appreciation of the ANZACS .
Many people me included have attended the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Rembrance, followed the ANZAC parade on St Kilda Rd and then went onto the MCG. In Melbourne this is all within walking distance.
you don’t get it that’s your loss.
April 9th 2010 @ 5:37pm
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 5:37pm | Report comment
What “weapon”, what “war” against the AFL. The Rugby League has never been scheduled into Victoria against the AFL. As I mention elsewhere, the only “war” created is by the papers.
You talk of “War” as being a winner takes all and this is the shit the media would have us believe. Choice and a fair go is all we ask for. Hardly unAustralian is it.
If I don’t “get it” and can see through the “commercial rubbish” for what its worth, then how’s that a loss?
Take your AFL goggles off, smell the roses and thank those who made the sacrifice that we can have this debate in the first place.
April 10th 2010 @ 1:10pm
Anthony said | April 10th 2010 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
I don’t understand why Redb’s comments were deemed “poor”……what he said seemed okay to me. I have a wonderful memory of the ANZAC day game 2 years ago, when I had been overseas for awhile. It made me very proud to be an Aussie & I appreciated anew our heritage/history. As Redb said – you have to experience it to understand.
April 11th 2010 @ 8:55pm
JamesP said | April 11th 2010 @ 8:55pm | Report comment
Redb comments are voted “poor” simply becuase at that particular time, there were more pro NRL fans on this thread that the otherway around. Basically what he is saying is that the game brings about an appreciation of ANZAC Day more so for people who would have otherwise not given a stuff about it.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:04pm
cuzybros cuz said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
Redb, you are brainwashed my friend. To even try to compare sport to the sacrifices these ANZACS made is an unsult. By all means, enjoy the AFL but do not insult Aussie and Kiwi ex/current/servicemen/woman. Tip, go to a dawn service mate, make a piligrimige to a commonwealth war graves site, but please, do not offend us with this brainwashed garbage you are spilling out about 80, 000 AFL fans standing up for 1 minute teaching new generations about sacrifice. How is that doing that my friend. As an ex navy member, I find it an insult that you would even try to justify it as teaching a new generation about sacrifice.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:10pm
cuzybros cuz said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
BTW, my definition of sacrifice on ANZAC day is for example a nurse working a shift in the burns unit while everyone else is having a good time at the footy
April 9th 2010 @ 3:34pm
Richard said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:34pm | Report comment
The sense of Remembrance is all the more poignant if it happens during the every day events of our lives. People who have not experienced war, invasion, life threatening situations and the incredible sacrifice it takes to meet those threats, do not always appreciate it sufficiently to go along to a Dawn Service. How many of us really feel the incredible sense of loss and disillusionment that followed the First World War. How many of us really give a hoot for the Boar War, yet those who experienced it suffered incredible privation. To them it was far and away the most significant thing in their lives. The ANZAC Day remembrance ritual, celebrated with great dignity at the home of Australian sport, the MCG, performed with great respect, helps to bring home the magnitude of the occasion, to all of us who didn’t experience it, during the course of our every day lives. That’s what makes it so poignant. It brings home the Truth to those who otherwise might have missed it, and in that sense is very powerful. I agree with Redb. It’s an incredible experience.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:44pm
captain nemo said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:44pm | Report comment
How does standing for 1 minute prior to a football game bring home the magnitude of war. Please don’t patronise us. Yes, you are showing some type of respect, but don’t go under the banner of people learning about sacrifice etc by going to a game of football.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:55pm
katzilla said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:55pm | Report comment
Rubbish.
You’ve exploited the memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives in the ANZAC history just to tie some kind of historical context to your game.
I’m sure the players all think they’re playing hard for all those who served too?
You want powerful remembrance, make your way to Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair and look down the hill as the sun rises.
Education at the G?
April 9th 2010 @ 4:01pm
Gazza said | April 9th 2010 @ 4:01pm | Report comment
For plenty of kids and some adults, their first and major impressions of ANZAC day are 80k of people respecting the minutes silence, bowing their heads and giving thanks to the veterans..
Many people are showing their respect, it cannot be denied
April 9th 2010 @ 4:06pm
Richard said | April 9th 2010 @ 4:06pm | Report comment
Hey Katzilla. What a cynic you are. So paying respect to servicemen at our MCG is exploiting them? No mate. The true exploitation of them was back in 1915. In their innocence they were marched off to fight an unwinnable battle in a questionable war for the benefit of two dying empires, the British and The Ottoman. They were horribly exploited then. What I’m taking about is the solemn remembrance of their terrible fate. Its done every year, at the MCG, just before a great football contest, and it moves me beyond belief. By the way, I have been to Gallipoli, twice. It is a foreign shore.
April 9th 2010 @ 4:15pm
Gazza said | April 9th 2010 @ 4:15pm | Report comment
Katzilla, i am sure that lone pine is a more powerful remembrance, but so is the war memorial in the ACT, fantastic place.
But the ANZC day game is also way for people to show their respect
April 9th 2010 @ 4:22pm
Dogz R Barkn said | April 9th 2010 @ 4:22pm | Report comment
I’ve never been to an ANZAC day AFL game, so I can’t really comment, but I’m not sure why people are getting stuck into those who have been and who are giving us their thoughts on it.
It’s worth recalling that someone wrote a book on the MCG a few years ago, refering to it as Melbourne’s true Cathedral.
Only our Melbourne friends can tell us whether that is true or not.
For me, there is a kind of attraction to having a Cathedral that can seat 100,000 people.
April 9th 2010 @ 4:29pm
Black Diamonds said | April 9th 2010 @ 4:29pm | Report comment
Its the Boer War by the way.
And to Dogz. It is a cathedral. 95,000+ standing in solemn silence in remembrance of those that gave us this great country. Its very moving.
April 9th 2010 @ 4:57pm
katzilla said | April 9th 2010 @ 4:57pm | Report comment
Fair enough the AFL honour the ANZACS and at the same time make some Moolah.
There is probably a middle ground to this conversation.
I don’t mean to offend those that go and pay their respects, good for them. And i agree there is some good come of it if another young generation get started asking questions about the legacy.
But this is a 2 way street and the AFL squeeze it for all its worth.
The NRL try less successfully to do the same.
April 12th 2010 @ 3:56pm
Michael C said | April 12th 2010 @ 3:56pm | Report comment
Katzilla -
THe AFL will make their money via the Anzac game being part of the ‘season proper’ re broadcast value and MCG contractual obligation.
Each year, either COllingwood or Essendon is the home team, and they make some good coin,
but, re the dollars – the MCC who manage the MCG make the real killing on the day along with the ticketing agencies and the caterers.
- – - –
btw – like it or not – the AFL (as an extension of the old VFL) has every right to remember the loss of a large number of it’s players (let alone the expansion into the broader Australian Football community – i.e. metro/regional leagues) to the wars and including players lost in the Boer War. That the AFL does it is to me – better than if they didn’t!!!! And how they do it seems pretty respectful and appreciated (in the main). However – sometimes the host broadcaster goes a tad over the top………that, the AFL doesn’t really have much control over.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:42pm
Gazza said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:42pm | Report comment
As a ex-service man myself i think that you are blinkered /brainwashed yourself cuzy cuzy.
Many people do both, quite a lot go to the dawn service or a march somewhere and then to the footy, if a whole heap of kids go to the footy and stand through a minutes silence and then ask questions about Australians who have served in wars, it can only be a good thing.
I think you are taking redb’s post out of context, i dont think you have to go to the footy on ANZAC day to show respect for our veterans, and i dont think his post championed this, but its a way for some people to do it.
Your dislike for AFL is really the isuue here.
April 9th 2010 @ 11:13pm
cuzybros cuz said | April 9th 2010 @ 11:13pm | Report comment
gazza, weather I like AFL, rugby or tiddley winks is irrelevent my friend. What annoys me here was Reds (esp) and others that a generation is learning about sacrifice from watching a footy game. I couldn’t care less what code does what, but I get the impression that the AFL and NRL (to a lesser extent) are exploiting the memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives in the ANZAC history just to tie some kind of historical context to your game.
Out of order mate!!!!
April 10th 2010 @ 2:05pm
crazy horse said | April 10th 2010 @ 2:05pm | Report comment
Don’t agree, IMO your issue is your irrational hatred of anything AFL, as a ex-RAN member who served on 3 of the old DE’s, i can testify that sport is a very central part of Australian life, and a central part of many members of the forces.
Should we hide in our houses on ANZAC day, or should we pay our respects and then enjoy the day as our fallen servicemen would have, if they had the chance.
The AFL is a commercial operation and like any business it is out to make money but at the same time it also has a game of footy for the diggers to enjoy, a game of footy that also in its own way pays respect as well.
April 10th 2010 @ 1:54pm
Matt said | April 10th 2010 @ 1:54pm | Report comment
Yep. Go check out Tyne Cott Commonwealth wargrave in Pascendale, Ypres Belgium, then tell me that a sporting game means anything at all. Or attend the dawn service at the Menin gate held every day since.
Having served, had a lot of family and friends serve, you don’t know what you are talking about RedB. Take your agenda somewhere else and leave ANZAC day alone. The sporting games are mild entertainment to cap the day, not central to commemorations.
April 11th 2010 @ 9:34am
cuzybros cuz said | April 11th 2010 @ 9:34am | Report comment
crazy horse, so you served on 3 of our old River class. As a steward, you probably brought me my brew.
April 11th 2010 @ 9:48am
crazy horse said | April 11th 2010 @ 9:48am | Report comment
No, i was no steward, i was probably the guy that ran you in all time.
April 11th 2010 @ 11:17am
cuzybros cuz said | April 11th 2010 @ 11:17am | Report comment
never got run in mate, if you were a coxswain, i would of been telling you to come port or Starboard when specials were closed up mate.
April 11th 2010 @ 11:33am
crazy horse said | April 11th 2010 @ 11:33am | Report comment
Doubt it cuzy, reckon you would be up the heads all day skulking ; )
April 9th 2010 @ 3:31pm
JP said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:31pm | Report comment
Typical AFL dribble, It wouldnt surprise me if you lot believed your game is a bigger event than the war itself.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:39pm
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:39pm | Report comment
What a ridiculous statement.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:47pm
captain nemo said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:47pm | Report comment
Red, thats the pot calling the kettle black. The absolute garbage that you have just printed today goes way beyond that. Yeh mate, we are going to learn about sacrifice at the G on ANZAC day!!!! Disgraceful my friend
April 9th 2010 @ 1:49pm
Richard said | April 9th 2010 @ 1:49pm | Report comment
Good comment Redb. I know what you mean when over 80,000 people stand in complete silence at the MCG in respect for the fallen. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up every year and is one reason why the ANZAC Day game is one of the highlights of the year for me. Always a great game, Kevin Sheedy is to be heartily congratulated for establishing this tradition. There, I’ve said it. I’ve congratulated an Essendon person twice in one day. That’s enough for today. Go ‘Pies!
April 9th 2010 @ 2:23pm
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
cheers Richard
Go Dons!
for the last word….. Zaharakis!
April 9th 2010 @ 8:16am
waterboy said | April 9th 2010 @ 8:16am | Report comment
Adrian,
All NRL fans thank you for your belated and it appears begrudging praise.
Your description of ‘moronic player indescretions’ are just as prevalent in the AFL and the other football codes, as has been discussed ad nauseam, is an example of this ingrain bias.
However, I cant help but think that the proposed Anzac Day coverage by Channel 9 may have ulterior motives
1. Like a boyfriend who takes his girlfriend for granted his catalyst for change is only when another suitor shows interest in his girl and he suddenly realises what he has got. Channel 9 has mistreated League for well over a decade now, but with its ever soaring ratings other suitors such as Seen and Ten are showing real interest. The oafish boyfriend has turned up at home with a bunch of flowers
2. The Roosters are one of the teams involved in the proposed national coverage. The Roosters are David Gyngell’s team and David Gyngell just happens to be head of Channel 9. Additionally Gyngell supposedly brokered a deal for Steggles to be the Roosters major sponsor this year. First, last years wooden spooners the Chooks get the 1st 5 weeks on free to air Channel 9. Now they are supposedly getting free to air national coverage. Could any of that been mentioned in the proposal put to Steggles, or am I just way to cynical?
April 9th 2010 @ 9:55am
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:55am | Report comment
Brilliant!
April 9th 2010 @ 5:02pm
katzilla said | April 9th 2010 @ 5:02pm | Report comment
I thought Mini organised that sponsorship?
Didn’t he meet the owner of Steggles at some Sydney high society luncheon?
April 9th 2010 @ 9:06am
M1tch said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:06am | Report comment
This is the biggest war since GWS
April 9th 2010 @ 9:06am
M1tch said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:06am | Report comment
All the NRL is doing is offering something else for the nation to watch on anzac day afternoon, whats possibly wrong with that
April 9th 2010 @ 9:14am
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:14am | Report comment
M1tch
Nothing wrong with that as you say, but it just won’t happen. The trenches are deep and well prepared in Melbourne for Channel Nine Programming Executives to simply say No!
The NRL showed no grunge or took the fight to the Media when the telecast was pulled at the last minute last week into Melbourne. As much as I’d like to see the game live (in fact I’m off to see the Storm vs Warriors in Melbourne), I can’t see it happening. The NRL has never been up against the AFL outside of NSW/QLD and there is too much vested interest in keeping it that way.
April 9th 2010 @ 9:31am
DB said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:31am | Report comment
Grrrr, The decision not to show the Good Friday game into melbourne was made at least a week before the telecast.
And how often does the AFL go up against the NRL in the Northern Markets on FTA, their is a reason why most swans and Lions games are Saturday night.
April 9th 2010 @ 9:47am
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:47am | Report comment
DB
The Good Friday game into Melbourne was still scheduled as late as three days prior as being shown although I’d suggest the decision was made weeks before as you say (did you have some inside knowledge here?)
In answer to your second question, it is quite possible to watch a live AFL game on a Friday night in northern markets but you may need to fork out for subscription TV. Spare a thought for those outside NSW/QLD who despite paying for Foxtel/Austar cannot legally watch a live friday night game of the NRL, effectively giving the AFL a clear run.
April 9th 2010 @ 9:45am
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 9:45am | Report comment
Nice conspiracy theory. You don’t think the AFL has anything going for it in Melbourne once the RL gets televised do you?
You are in for a shock – the AFL’s ANZAC Day is huge.
April 9th 2010 @ 10:02am
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 10:02am | Report comment
The reason the AFL ANZAC day is huge is simple. Because there’s no competition!
Living in Victoria, you’d think there is only one religion and that the rest of the world are heathens for not embracing AFL.
April 9th 2010 @ 10:27am
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 10:27am | Report comment
totally irrelevent to the argument.
These clubs have always drawn big crowds at the MCG, ANZAC Day just made it even more special.
Get yourself to the MCG it’s an amazing experience.
April 9th 2010 @ 11:03am
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 11:03am | Report comment
“Totally irrelevant to the argument” – What Argument?
The discussion topic here is getting a rugby league game onto national TV, without the usual artificial barriers put up. As Mitch said at the start of this thread “All the NRL is doing is offering something else for the nation to watch on anzac day afternoon, whats possibly wrong with that”
Your comment “Get yourself to the MCG its an amazing experience” suggests to me you’re caught up with the Victorian media hype of the day and not the game itself. In fact for some real ANZAC spirit and atmosphere why don’t you head to the Warriors – Storm match and sit with our cuzi bros from across the ditch.
April 9th 2010 @ 11:11am
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 11:11am | Report comment
Oh yes, “give peace a chance”
Sorry Ian, but when your newspaper/code terms this choice ‘war’ it talks about a winner and a loser not about choice or variety.
I’ve been following Essendon for 30+ years and have been lucky enough to attend several ANZAC Day games nothing to do with the media – that is an outsiders view.
April 9th 2010 @ 3:52pm
Richard said | April 9th 2010 @ 3:52pm | Report comment
Hey Ian I think you miss the general trend of this discussion. It’s not the AFL supporters telling the world that NRL is no good, even though Rugby League do want to telecast into the AFL heartland. Quite the contrary, its those fearful NRL supporters who think that giving the people in NSW/QLD a choice of code is some sort of evil conspiracy by the forces of darkness. Lighten up. There’s much to experience and enjoy if you can do it. As regards “no competition” in Victoria. They get good crowds for some reason at Melbourne Victory games. They get crowds of 20-30 thousand at Storm games. We have a new soccer club starting up in Melbourne soon, with a special purpose built stadium. We have a new Rugby Union franchise starting up soon. And I’ve always had a thing for watching netball, though I’ve never played it. Can’t quite put my finger on why. And we all love cricket, right? So lighten up and enjoy the choice you have as a resident of Australia’s greatest city.
April 9th 2010 @ 5:49pm
Ian said | April 9th 2010 @ 5:49pm | Report comment
Don’t think so. The main discussion topic is getting live rugby league across the nation. Its all these AFL types who are in here mocking the opportunity that league fans can finally choose.
With respect to your last sentence, I think you miss the point – There is no choice! We have AFL rammed down our throats here with no alternative. Channel Nine effectively hoard the game by not showing it or on-selling those live rights.
Come ANZAC day the rugby league TV coverage will not be a viable choice in Melbourne because Channel Nine will not show it against the AFL despite all the spin. Time for the ACCC to investigate collusion and a lack of market down here.
April 10th 2010 @ 2:44pm
Richard said | April 10th 2010 @ 2:44pm | Report comment
Ian, the difficulty NRL has in getting TV in prime time in Melbourne is exactly the same as the difficulty the AFL has in getting prime time TV in Sydney. Great Friday night contests are relegated to late night TV. Interestingly though, when the NRL established the Storm in Melbourne, there was no outcry about invasion, or having Rugby League rammed down our throats. In Sydney, however, the vocal League supporter’s response to the AFL’s legitimate expansion of the code up north has been hysterical. Seems to me that the difference is that AFL is secure in its home territory, and so the addition of an additional sporting code is welcomed as an extension of choice. In NRL territory, however, the supporters feel threatened, and hence the hysteria. Amazing that someone has gone through to make sure that Redb’s sensible comments, and others obviously supporting Australian Football, have been blocked out. Amazing.
April 10th 2010 @ 4:29pm
Ian said | April 10th 2010 @ 4:29pm | Report comment
Richard
The only “War” cry is by the media hoping to sell a few more papers in different markets. Who is threatened is irrelevant.
I’ll say it again, whilst it is possible to watch every AFL game nationally live or near live, your comment that great friday night contests are relegated to late night TV only applies to the NRL outside of NSW / Queensland.
Last night for example the Melbourne Storm match was shown after midnight. Channel Nine also refuse to on sell the live rights, despite paying for the production costs etc. Why?
Last night the AFL got into the northern states through Foxtel / Austar’s “Main Event Channel” There is no similar alternative for NRL fans outside of NSW / QLD.
The only reason the AFL is secure in its home territory is because there is no effective competition! The media in Victoria has a policy of employing ex AFL players and hence the media (and hence general populous) fails to see the growing popularity of Rugby League here.
This article shows an attempt to get the NRL nationally which is a good thing.
At the moment, there is no “Choice” in Melbourne the so called “Capital of Sport”.
April 9th 2010 @ 10:30am
Rod said | April 9th 2010 @ 10:30am | Report comment
Red, we don’t care what the AFL is doing.
All we want is to be able to watch the NRL on FTA TV instead of Pay TV, I got rid of PTV last year but I’d still like to watch our anual ANZAC day fixture.
I’m sure not everyone in Vic, WA and SA will want to watch AFL, just as not everyone in NSW and QLD wants to watch RL, give us a choice for gods sake.
April 9th 2010 @ 10:55am
Redb said | April 9th 2010 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Rod, clearly the Daily Telegraph part owners of the NRL do care, very much. Too much perhaps
Good promo for AFL’s ANZAC Day in NSW.
April 9th 2010 @ 11:35am
Iron Chef said | April 9th 2010 @ 11:35am | Report comment
‘great’ promo. So a tv audience to the tune if 5,328 is expected in sydney then?
April 9th 2010 @ 5:50pm
Country Victoria said | April 9th 2010 @ 5:50pm | Report comment
Thats right Rod,
We here in Victoria only get force feed with only AFL here, In country Victoria papers you can say 99.5% all Aussie Rules or more.
Just love the state of origin games, I would be lucky to hear what happened on our local ABC radio Goulburn Murray (Albury/Wodonga) they call their sports report the ‘SPORTS REPORT’ Monday and Friday’s its only on AFL they are truly hillbillies in sports reporting.
Where I live in country Victoria I have seen a couple with Melbourne Storm jumpers and, just Wednesday wearing my parra jumper, walked into the pub and this guy Melbourne Storm fan and one other guy we were going on about league – Yes in country Victoria there is interest in league and in football too.
So you can understand Australian Rules is doing all it can to stay on top and stepping on their fingers to stay on top – I hope a get a smile from Redb too.
April 9th 2010 @ 11:07am
Rod said | April 9th 2010 @ 11:07am | Report comment
Well said Ian, NZ are as big a part of ANZAC day as Australia, pity most don’t seem to give them the respect they deserve.
Good on the Melbourne Storm fighting to get this game up and running.
Respect.
April 10th 2010 @ 3:10pm
Rod said | April 10th 2010 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
Richard, the reason no one made a noise about Melbourne coming in was simple.
No one knew who was coming or going, Melbourne were set up more or less overnight and they have not been shoved down anyones throat, they’ve been hidden away for gods sake.
You have no idea what it’s like to see every ad break on TV in NSW filled with AFL, it used to be only the Swans, now we get ads for all the bloody teams, yet we don’t see hardly any ads for our own flipping sport, that’s the difference.
9 has the rights to RL ok, they don’t have the rights to AFL, so why does 9 continually put AFL ads on during the NRL?
Play AFL, ring tones for AFL, Auskick blah blah blah, we are sick to death of it.
Then we have all these Melbournians moving up to Sydney and being put on all these different shows instead of local people, and you know what these people always bring up?
AFL.
April 10th 2010 @ 3:40pm
Richard said | April 10th 2010 @ 3:40pm | Report comment
Hey Rod. We get lots of Storm news in the paper down here too you know. We get lots on radio too. Last night on the way home from the game I was listening to SEN radio station, and almost their entire program was about The Storm. When I’m sitting in the stand at the MCG listening to the broadcast of my game, the commentators will often refer to the Storm during the broadcast, especially when a match is on at the same time, when we get score updates. Last week as I travelled back from the game, three women dressed in Storm supporters gear sat next to me and struck up a lively, friendly banter with the Collingwood supporters on the train (who I grant you did outnumber them). We get Storm ads on TV too. So Rod, I still don’t understand it. But AFL is here to stay, and it will grow in Sydney, not just because Victorians are infiltrating your great city, but because it is a great game. And yes I will be going to the occasional Storm game, because I actually do enjoy top Rugby League competition too. Freedom of choice. Can’t beat it!
April 9th 2010 @ 10:58am
M1tch said | April 9th 2010 @ 10:58am | Report comment
All the NRL wants to do is give the folkes in VIC, SA, WA and TAS a choice
April 13th 2010 @ 5:46pm
Dirk said | April 13th 2010 @ 5:46pm | Report comment
I find what you say “AFL’s ANZAC day” very offensive. Implying AFL has ownership to ANZAC