The Roar
The Roar

AFL
Advertisement

There is greatness during AFL finals, no one goes quietly

Roar Guru
2nd September, 2014
Advertisement
The Magpies played the football they're capable of in an emotional win over West Coast. (AFL media/Slattery Images)
Roar Guru
2nd September, 2014
3

I miss Tim Rodgers walking up to the ‘G and giving a rev up. I also miss AC/DC singing It’s a Long Way to the Top.

This AFL season’s finals marketing campaign is awful. During September, when was the last time the MCG was hushed? And has the AFL’s marketing team been to Adelaide Oval or Pattersons Stadium this year?

I doubt they have if they’ve chosen the slogan “Don’t go quietly: for this year’s finals campaign.

Some may suggests that the slogan’s purpose is to encourage newcomers to embrace the atmosphere if they go to a final. However, this would not match with the main advertisement for the finals series. Would newcomers recognise Jonathan Brown’s voice?

They certainly would not be able to relate to Brown’s monologue.

Last year, the AFL’s September slogan was “This is greatness”. The same slogan has been used numerous times before. Considering this, it is understandable that this year’s slogan could be seen to be refreshing.

The iconic AC/DC song made the hairs stand up of the back of your neck while the rusty voice of Tim Rodgers expressed the intensity of finals in the 2013 campaign.

Advertisement

Back in 2011, the same slogan was used and the narrator looked at what greatness is in finals. “Greatness is we earned our spot and deserve to be here.” The advertisement flashed back to some of the historical moments of previous finals series such as Buddy Franklin’s goal against Adelaide or Tony Lockett’s behind to get Sydney into the 1996 grand final.

“This is greatness” also appeals to everyone. It creates curiosity among those who have never showed passionate interest for AFL. For the followers of AFL, it is relatable because we know there is a certain buzz in the air during September. Due to the greatness of finals, no one goes quietly.

Within the four weeks of finals, even elderly women let out yelps of joy or fear. Whoever you follow, there will always be a roar in your voice during some stage of the match. Whether you are in your lounge room or sitting in a pub, it’s guaranteed you will not be quiet.

As much as the AFL’s marketing team has tried to renew the finals advertising campaign, it has not worked. The slogan is different, the visual colouring has changed and new narrators such as three-time premiership player Jonathan Brown and the coaches have come in.

Yet, it’s boring.

If the AFL wants to give the finals a different look, think outside the box. Having “Don’t go quietly” with highlights of the season is generic. The Fox Footy finals advertisement is more exhilarating and that’s just a bunch of commentators sitting around a table.

Let’s see some great footy on the weekend. Hopefully history making moments which can be developed into a better advertising campaign for the 2015 finals series.

Advertisement

It may be something little but the frustration the cringe worthy advertising campaign causes had to be vented. And as a Port Adelaide member, it’s possible to whine and rant about a lot more at the moment.

close