GWS coach Kevin Sheedy addresses players (L-R) Josh Bruce, Tom Kickett and Adam Flagg before a training session at Blacktown Olympic Park, Rooty Hill, NSW.
Make no mistake, we are currently witnessing one of the most intriguing and wide-reaching expansion phases in the history of Australian sport with codes venturing into uncharted waters like never before.
In the last week alone we’ve seen:
– The AFL’s Gold Coast FC launching their inaugural membership drive.
– An AFL NAB Cup match being held in Blacktown, the future base for the GWS franchise, with the club announcing their chairman and a naming competition for its moniker.
– Melbourne Rebels announcing the signing of one of the most recognisable English internationals.
– Melbourne Heart A-League franchise announcing further signings from home and abroad.
– Sydney Rovers A-League franchise releasing images of their proposed stripe online.
– The V8 Supercars beginning their season in Abu Dhabi followed by a round in Bahrain this weekend.
These are exciting times in Australian sport.
But once this current phase of expansion is completed with the likes of GWS, Gold Coast FC, Sydney Rovers, Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne Heart, etc hitting the park in 2010, ’11 and ‘12, where will the codes look to next?
Let’s take a look around Australian sports for where the next expansion targets could be:
AFL
With Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney joining the AFL ranks over the next two seasons, it’s hard to pinpoint the next target for the league.
Canberra and Tasmania have been lurking as hosts for a while now, but it’s unlikely they have the economic might and population base to create an AFL franchise from scratch. There also seems to be little interest from the AFL itself for new franchises in these areas, perhaps leaving both options open if struggling Victorian clubs seek relocation.
Darwin is an interesting case. The Northern Territory government has committed $7 million over five years for improving the infrastructure of stadiums and for the right to host 10 AFL matches at a cost of $500,000 per game.
Darwin will be a “home away from home” for the Port Power this season, and while some Victorian clubs are on the breadline, the Power are in the most precarious position, hoping the move of AFL matches into the heart of South Australia at Adelaide Oval will help boost their crowds and memberships.
But with the Port Adelaide Magpies SANFL club debilitated by debt, a lot is being asked from the relatively small Port fanbase to help prop up two ailing clubs.
Darwin could well become more than just a “home away from home” for the Power, with relocation, rather than expansion, the likely focal point for the AFL beyond the inclusion of Gold Coast FC and GWS.
Rugby League
There are two standout expansion options for the NRL: the Central Coast and Perth. The impressive crowd of around 9,500 for the NRL pre-season trial between the Roosters and Dragons at Members Equity Stadium has suddenly put the WA capital in the frame for the NRL’s 2013 expansion plans, while the Central Coast has long fought for NRL inclusion, helped by the recent success of the Central Coast Mariners franchise in the A-League.
Expanding into Perth and Central Coast, as opposed to second teams in Brisbane and New Zealand, as has been discussed, will better help the code spread its national influence.
Long-term, Adelaide could be another option, with the South Australian capital having the least cluttered winter sporting market, especially if Port Power cannot turn around their plunging fortunes.
The NRL has been understated in its expansion plans beyond 2013, especially when compared to the recent movements of its rival codes, but they appear to have the most intriguing expansion decision to make.
A-League
If the A-League is to expand beyond the inclusion of the second teams in Melbourne and Sydney, they must avoid adding a second club in any other city. Only Melbourne and Sydney can handle two A-League clubs, and even that remains to be seen.
Wollongong and Canberra are the obvious choices, both with solid cases for inclusion, while Tasmania remains lurking thanks to renewed government support.
If the Wellington Phoenix are granted amnesty by the AFC, and New Zealand football incorporated into the Asian confederation, then a second New Zealand franchise, probably based out of Christchurch, which attracted over 20,000 for the Wellington Phoenix’s recent visit, is a possibility.
Following the debacle surrounding crowds on the Gold Coast, the FFA will be keen on expanding in areas with a rich football heritage and recent involvement in the game, so advantage Canberra (NYL and W-League clubs) and Wollongong (NSL history).
Rugby Union
With the Melbourne Rebels’ entry into the expanded Super 15 league from 2011 causing much controversy regarding franchise dispensations, and the SANZAR political debacle of granting Melbourne the 15th franchise in the first place, you sense Super Rugby has exhausted its expansion options in Australia.
The code must focus on revitalising the domestic level of the game.
Cricket
The KFC Twenty20 Big Bash was the big mover of the Australian summer, and the future of the competition will see a move toward city-based, franchise-owned teams rather than state teams, opening the door for expansion beyond the current one team per state platform.
Watch for seismic changes in domestic cricket.
Basketball
Expansion is a necessity for the NBL if there is to be any chance of revitalising basketball in this country. While the league has had success in regional areas such as Cairns, Wollongong and Townsville, it needs a presence in Brisbane and Sydney to start making more of a dent in the nation’s press and psyche.
Motorsport
With the V8 Supercars currently in Bahrain for the second round of their international start to the 2010 championship, some Aussie fans are understandably miffed, especially with the news V8 Supercar chairman Tony Cochrane wants at least another two overseas rounds by 2015, with Singapore the favoured target.
The V8s not venturing to Perth this season means the series loses one of its trump cards; the fact it was one of the few major Australian codes to compete in each state (only ACT missed out on a V8 round last year).
In its quest for international recognition, the V8s must be careful not to abandon their heartland and risk losing its soul.
These are only speculative options until the current expansion phase and its relative success or failure becomes obvious for the codes. Many of these predictions may not even come to fruition if this current phase exhausts the Australian sporting landscape too severely and it becomes obvious codes are being forced to prop up struggling franchises.
We shall be watching closely.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
the force... just a joke everyone, dont gang up on me
Matthew Perth
Guest
PROMISES PROMISES PROMISES! That,s all Leauge fans in the west get! where is our franchise, Gallop and clods trot out the same crap before every NRL trial match or game played in Perth. The WARL put the the two paragraph piece in our local print media turn out for the game, with the promise of a Perth franchise just around the corner, any day now - any other wa contributors not read the same thing before? First it was 2011, now 2013 - YEAH WHATEVER! Joined the Fremantle Dockers this year, cant stand AFL but with no Leauge team in town and a desire to go to the football ie craving the social aspects of being there as opposed to sitting on the couch - what else can you do.
elbusto
Roar Rookie
Lets get one thing clear here Crosscoder, we sad little NRL supporters can never be right when faced with the mighty and superior arguments provided by the AFL cheer squad here.!!! This is a clash of egos and there are some mighty big ones belonging to our AFL friends as is very obvious in this thread!
elbusto
Roar Rookie
As usual you miss the point RedB. What I was saying was that Sheedy has allowed himself to become a joke. His past achievements are now paling into insignificance as he makes an utter fool of himself. I do not despise him or anybody else in sport. It is after all only sport. As for 'hellish years', I am having the best years of my life following and helping to develop Rugby League. You seem a little too anxious to see misery in others when it isn't there. Whether the GWS succeeds or not does not concern me at all. I do want to see Rugby League grow and I am very keen to assist that in Tassie, where we are having success, and I like what I see happening in Victoria and WA as well. As I stated earlier, and what you conveniently continue to ignore, is that I think all major codes have it wrong with development when they let grand old Clubs like Kermandie, Port Arthur, Premaydena, and Eagle Hawk Neck disappear off the map. So you can throw all the criticism at me you like because I do not care. I do care about small towns losing the lifeblood of their existence and this will often be the local footy team - whatever code that happens to be.
Rod
Roar Guru
The whole NSL was a failure, I'm sure a summer game in Canberra would work. AFL will never get it's own team in Canberra. And as I said before, we are going to see how strong RU is in Canberra in the next few years when they have a full season going through Winter and going head to head with the Raiders. I think a few here and at other sites will have to eat their words in regards to Union being Canberra's #1 code. The Raiders are on the rise again with their young team.
elbusto
Roar Rookie
You sure are cocky aren't you mate! I have witnessed the outcomes of hubris for many years. Its always a joy to see.
Footbal Person
Guest
any love for the moon ? :)
Crosscoder
Guest
I am not going out on a limb and dogmaticlally state, that GWS will or won't work(and people get defensive to suggest it will long term),and yes there is plenty of money to throw around,and sheedy's head being thrust around..I just don't know ,but I do believe Swans will have some fans canabalised by GWS. Conversely when one suggests having an NRL team in Perth,we get the usual responses" it won't work,too much competition,no one is interested'.That is why the NRL have agreed to the Reds using an under 18 side. Again they(both) are or will be in new areas,not popular ATM.It amazes me that one is oK and will work,but the other(in Perth) won't. And bever fever no doubt there would be quite a few people wanting an NRL team in Perth,judging by the steady crowds for trials and NRL matches played there.And as you stated because people say it won't work, it only spurs the rl fans and the consortium to show that it will.
Redb
Roar Guru
He played the game for 10 plus years, coached it for 27 years at Essendon. That is no gimmick. Folk like you despise him becuase he gets media attention and GWS is still 2 years away. Your in for a hellish few years :-)
elbusto
Guest
I suggest we call the GWS the Geriatric Western Sheedys. That pretty much sums them up bever. Now just where is the demand? Where was the 'We want an AFL Team' outcry. Pray tell? By the way I have never shouted down a person who lives in Western Sydney who wants an AFL side. That is your assretion. Some evidence please! As for the ACT - its a football town that follows all codes but Rugby League and Union have the advantage as things stand. Given the AFL has no serious plans to play there its running 4th. If you can prove otherwise - go ahead.
bever fever
Guest
There would be quite a few people in GWS who want a AFL team , just because they are always shouted down by people like you ......................... !!!! After living in Canberra for quite some time i am sure that more people would want a AFL team ahead of a soccer team, from memory they have had at least one in Canberra and it was a bit like GC this year, low crowds, shoddily run and ultimately a failure.
bever fever
Guest
Why in the world would a comment stating a time and place of a footy match receive a thumbs down. Oh i know the anti Australian football lobby on the roar, cant wait to see what this post gets.
elbusto
Roar Rookie
Canberra is the logical spot I agree. Unlike the AFL in West Sydney it has a huge player base. Unlike the AFL in West Sydney people want an A League side in Canberra. I watched some football there last year and its of high quality and well supported. Watch this space!
elbusto
Roar Rookie
In my humble opinion Kevin Sheedy is a gimmick - nothing more nothing less. And not one that really associates with the good people of Western Sydney by the way. I find Sheedy's antics embarrassing and I think he is putting money in front of his reputation. Mind you he has been a walking cartoon show for some time so I am not sure he can get much lower.
elbusto
Roar Rookie
Well it looks like you will just keep sniping away and add nothing to the discussion - so be it. Its a shame you have so much anger RedB. I truly feel for you (!) By the way, could you point to an anti AFL tirade I have started or some cheap shots I have made - this would be appreciated.
Eamonn Flanagan
Guest
Midfielder....Not true. We believe nothing from the FFA until we play our first game:)
Redb
Roar Guru
based on your constant mean spirited anti AFL tirades and cheapshots on the Roar, El busto I think it fits your view of the world nicely. if the shoe fits mate!
Redb
Roar Guru
Next game at Blacktown is Swans v Essendon March 6th. It's a NAB Challenge practice match .
Elbusto
Guest
That is a very mean spirited comment RedB but that is all I would expect from you. The fact is that a town has lost its Footy Team and I think that is sad, whatever code wherever it happens. The Footy Club is often the glue that keeps a town together. Rather than take a pathetic cheap shot at me have a think about what I have actually said. In Southern Tasmania upwards of 12 Clubs have disappeared in the past 3-4 years. That includes the Peninsular Competition Port Arthur used to play in. My point is simple. While the various codes boast about Junior numbers (which in my view are BS) real footy clubs are disappearing. That saddens me and worries me as well. So RedB rather than having a lazy cheap shot try making a constructive response.
Midfielder
Guest
EF I have heard you are the 13th team... it just a matter of when the league can grow to 13... 2013 or 2014. My tip is 2013... with the announcement in 2011 ...