Following on from my first and only article that was published a couple of years ago, I think it is time to revisit the debate.
NT team
I noted with keen interest the official push for a NT team the other week, which has inspired me to revisit this topic. I am a bit obsessed with it I know.
Since my first article I have done a bit more research and yes my view may still seem like a fantasist one but some of the ideas I put forward last time are coming to fruition.
That is the NT team I mentioned. Now if we really want to get into my wishes I would love a Rioli to coach the NT side if or when it actually becomes a reality. That family is so rich in AFL god -given talent.
Tasmania
God my heart goes out to the wonderful Tasmanian football community. I think it is criminal that they are still waiting for their team. Just get it done AFL, geez.
Wether it means relocating Gold Coast down there or a Melbourne team relocation or indeed my preference a stand alone team. Sort it out.
You could pick all the Tassies out from the current teams and have almost an instant all star team who would challenge anyone. Maybe Nate Buckley or Alastair Clarkson or Sam Mitchell to be coach – or are there any Tassie coaches? Sorry did not do my research there.
Could Buckley coach the Apple Isle? (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Canberra
Now I will still stick by my idea to relocate GWS to Canberra. They will benefit through sponsorships, increased fan-base and ready access to the ACT grassroots talent pool.
They already play a lot of their games there anyway. They could even set a precedent and perhaps partner with one of the rugby sides (yes ok I am just acting crazy now).
Still I think it could work in a similar way Footscray became the Western Bulldogs. Just research the thinking behind that, it is interesting and unique.
New Vic. Western Australia and South Australia teams
So that covers the three remaining states and territories not represented. However I have another proposal. Why not expand the competition to 22 teams where everyone just plays each other once before we get into finals?
You would have to alternate the locations each year of course. To achieve this I propose one Melbourne team merge or relocate to Ballarat the third biggest Victorian town, so that does not increase the number of teams from 20.
Then one new team from SA perhaps Norwood to come in like Port Adelaide did and then one from the Peel area of Western Australia to represent the second city of Bunbury.
I believe SA and Western Australia have enough in the talent pool to not dilute or cannabilise it too much from the current teams. For goodness sake Melbourne has nine teams.
Names
GWS to be Canberra Giants; NT Thunder; Tasmanian Devils; Ballarat Bulls or Bears; Norwood Redlegs (as they are) and The Peel Panthers.
I know there is already a Peel WAFL team so there is ready made reserves. Freo needs to have its own team in WAFL like the Eagles. I am going to get my Maths wrong with some options but you can get what I am proposing.
So if Tasmania had its own team and Gold Coast to remain, one Melbourne team to relocate / merge with Ballarat. That should still make 22. So if Gold Coast relocate to Tasmania then no Melbourne team needs to relocate.
It’s food for thought people. What do you all think? Hey I have a day off work so what better way to spend it.
Gerry
Roar Rookie
Deal
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Do your research then. Currently you haven’t done nearly enough on the Suns. When you say I’m biased, prove it. You can’t. But find where I am wrong and I’ll admit it.
Gerry
Roar Rookie
You have vested and bias interest in the Suns so your comments are very subjective, I understand that. I would not mind the Suns as an expansion club but not at the expense of a foundation state. Tassie have suffered long enough and given plenty to the AFL. As I proposed earlier keep the Suns as is but bring on Tas and NT as the 19th and 20th and I am not sure if it is credible or advantageous to relocate GWS to ACT. More research on my behalf is required in this matter. I am very passionate about full national representation. I have made it my hobby. I know many are sceptical and not on board. That’s fine but I ain’t giving up that easily.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
The Suns have 20K members as the 2nd team in a State of 5 million where AFL is the 4th football code. The best Victorian teams have 100K members, but others are really struggling. Relocation of a team to Tassie is an option that suits everyone.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
I thought you were all for a National Competition? Seems like you aren’t doing yourself many favours. Easy to punch down on the Suns, but maybe come up with some arguments that stack up and I’ll debate you on merit, not cheap recycled hash.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
You’re getting unnecessarily chippy about this. Relocation is clearly the best option for Tasmania, but that’s just a point of view. I’m entitled to argue for it and change my mind. As are you.
Raj
Roar Rookie
I would argue that the AFL need to better support the suns not with draft pics but ALISTAIR CLARKSON. To be able to tell young Gold Coast recruits that they’ll be coached by the best coach of all time could turn the club around. Worked for the Swan in the 90s with Barassi and Melbourne with Paul Roos. QLD has higher participation with the juniors than WA
Gerry
Roar Rookie
You are wrong and they will have a team and it will be much sooner than you think. Watch this space. I’ve met your sort before never admitting they are wrong.
Gerry
Roar Rookie
Freo have at least got to a Grand Final and been minor premiers. What has Gold Coast done? Have they ever been in finals ? They are a joke.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Settle down, Rookie.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Because of Covid, the Suns had $10.6 million slashed from their annual operating budget, far and away more than any other club. AFL revenue topped $800 million in 2019, with clubs getting about $310 million out of that. ALL clubs get a huge chunk of money, but the new ones need more investment and 18 healthy clubs means the AFL's revenue can return to pre-Covid levels. So to answer your question, the Suns and Giants aren't getting anything like the money they need. The equity has been taken right out of the equation as the richest clubs are still taking their $10 odd million and topping up expenses out of their deep pockets, while the new and poor clubs have to face austerity. Are you seriously suggesting that everything which comes out of Eddie McGuire's mouth is gospel truth?! Jesus wept. Imagine that! Could I interest you in buying a bridge?
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
What was your take on that great Essendon fan attendance today? Will AFL fans in Tasmania who have a strong long-term allegiance to Melbourne based clubs like Collingwood, Richmond, Melbourne etc going to jump ship & start supporting a new Tasmanian based team buying memberships? Either if that team is relocated or created as a new club?
Gerry
Roar Rookie
Thin Roker have a read https://amp.abc.net.au/article/100194384
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I hate to "dodge" your point, but the Brooklyn Dodgers also left the big apple about the same time & moved to California. Since then they have won about 20 National League pennants & 5 world series. Reasonable success for a team that doesn't have cuddly mascot. I think you understand the point I was trying to make.
Gerry
Roar Rookie
Some Guru
Gerry
Roar Rookie
Let me see how much is the AFL pumping into GES and Gold Coast? Compared to the rest of the competition? I wonder. You are trying to justify it in broadcasting revenue that’s a joke and you are the one who is delusional. I may not like Mr McGuire usually but on this point I totally agree with him. As the former president of Collingwood I would say he knows just that little more about this sport and it’s mechanisms than you.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
GCS and GWS both secured Government and private sector support in order to be awarded their AFL licences. I think you are operating under a serious delusion if you think Eddie McGuire is the authority on expansion teams. Both of these teams have boosted the community participation in non-AFL areas, particularly in Women's football, not to mention raised the broadcasting rights deal by more than the cost of set up and operation.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Who are these ex-Gold Coast players that have gone to win flags? I can name 3. Each of those players was replaced by high draft picks and the club has moved on. None of what you have said here can be backed up by fact and your opinion is based on flaky claims that simply do not stack up. Fremantle is in its 27th season and hasn't won a flag - have they run out of opportunities? Hawthorn were a total rabble until the 1960s, so by your lights you would have scuppered the most successful club of the past 60 years. Stop reading Caro Wilson.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Mav and Lachie grew up in Tasmania. The Suns recruited Mav and the whole family moved to the Gold Coast. Lachie joined the Suns Academy, played rep footy for Queensland and proceeded to be drafted by Fremantle, which the Suns could do nothing about because of a dumb rule that he hadn't been living on the Gold Coast long enough to qualify. The only reason he was living on the Gold Coast was because his brother was recruited by the Suns.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Interesting choice of franchises. The San Francisco Giants were actually the New York Giants until they relocated in 1958. Same club is today wearing Sea Lions jerseys to honour the first woman to play professional baseball.