Liam Anthony of North Melbourne is tackled by Andrew Embley of the Eagles during the AFL Round 03 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos v West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.
North Melbourne once upon a time sold three games a year to Canberra, Sydney and then the Gold Coast. They have also had feeder team arrangements variously with Port Melbourne, Tassie and a stand alone Murray Kangaroos.
Presently, North Melbourne plays 11 home games a year in Melbourne. However, the AFL in their wisdom has scheduled six of those versus ‘interstate’ sides which greatly reduces the financial viability of North at Etihad stadium.
This raises a question around further ‘selling’ of games even if just for a modest profit as being preferred to a loss.
In the last couple of days there’s been movement on two fronts. Firstly, reports of a deal to upgrade facilities in Ballarat where North Melbourne currently partners North Ballarat as one of two VFL feeder teams. The second venue has now been reported to be a done deal for Hobart for four games a year beginning in 2012.
Sadly, as a North Melbourne supporter and member for over 20 years, I do wonder that the Hobart deal is not a prostitution of the club.
After all, the Tassie VFL partnership is now but a memory, whereas Ballarat is the current and very successful partnership; combined with the Werribee affiliation.
My preference would be to sink long term roots – and the Ballarat partnership is something I’d like to see take more AFL action to regional Victoria. I’d love to be able to trek a couple of times a year to Ballarat to watch the Rooboys take on a GWS or Freo.
Four games in Hobart appears too many, and this story is yet to be confirmed.
It remains to be seen what eventuates.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Jack Petruccelle gave up a 50m penalty and a goal to young Sun Will Graham, after spoiling the ball away after it had gone…
Dimma was not happy with this kick out of bounds on the full from Touk Miller!
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Damien Hardwick has predicted Toby Greene's one-match suspension will be upheld by the AFL tribunal, but the triple-premiership coach says he wouldn't ban the…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
