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How to build more community support in the AFL

Expat1 new author
Roar Rookie
31st July, 2015
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Expat1 new author
Roar Rookie
31st July, 2015
14

It was pleasing to read Western Bulldogs CEO Peter Gordon comment on a possible return to Whitten Oval for use as an AFL ground.

It is about time.

As a follower of the sport in general I am worried about the quality of those in charge of our great game.

Quality administrators really matter, irrespective of how great a sport or product is.

So I would say this to the Western Bulldogs management.

The Western Bulldogs maybe one of the poorer teams in the AFL but have the greatest potential to break away from the pack with cracking game-day offer. How good would going to the footy in Fitzroy be these days, give how trendy the area is now?

The same applies for Footscray or even Carlton. It would be a re-introduction of the club into the area where they were born.

First up, ditch the Western Bulldogs name and revert back to Footscray FC – a name that actually means something.

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Move all but the biggest home games back to an upgraded Whitten Oval with a capacity of 18,000.

Full houses are critical to making the game look vibrant. The actual number of people attending is inconsequential. A full house sends a powerful message of health to TV views and those in the ground. This ingredient was a foundation principle of the EPL back in the 1990s and a basis for the the massive success of that competition.

They could also bring about an improvement in match day catering. Footscray need to embrace the vibrant food culture of the areas around it and open up range of options inside the ground.

Away fans will look forward to the annual game and local businesses with no interest in Aussie Rules or the AFL will be drawn in. As an away fan, the prospect of an afternoon’s footy with super food and a buzzing crowd would be pretty special.

Merchandising would also be something to improve. Footscray FC rebooted with the help of young creative design team could create something that finally makes AFL-related merchandise something people will wear. The AFL is the only big sporting competition in the world where supporters shun apparel.

This is not a new situation, even before the football boom, back past the NBA bubble of the 90s, few children ever wore team jumpers.

Sporting clubs of the size of the Western Bulldogs need a community anchor. Without it they are meaningless.

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All of this will help grow the support base of Footscray and assist with the visual drain of empty stands when interstate clubs play.

It really is that simple. Will it happen? I doubt it. But it doesn’t hurt to dream.

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