Official 2009 draw discussion

[one-eyed]

Richmond CEO Steven Wright:

"Overall we are quite comfortable with the 2009 AFL fixture.

"We believe the draw gives our fans the best opportunity to watch blockbuster matches at the MCG against the likes of Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and Hawthorn.

"The club is looking forward to maintaining its involvement in marquee games in 2009, including the season opener against Carlton, the Dreamtime at the 'G match against Essendon, Easter Monday against the Western Bulldogs and on ANZAC day against North Melbourne.

"We are also delighted to have the opportunity to expand the Richmond brand by playing a home game on the Gold Coast, while not sacrificing a home game at the MCG for our members.

"Tiger fans will be able to watch more games on free to air television in 2009, with 16 games on channel 10 or seven, and six on Foxtel."

http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=69239

[Infamy]

Would be nice if he mentioned how ridiculous is it that we play a home game against the Dogs at Etihad
I would rather it was against Melbourne, at least that's not their home ground, I thought playing a home game at the Gold Coast was supposed to get us a few benefits in the draw

[Francois Jackson]

Goodbye Terry

[one-eyed]

The Media rating our draw .......

Foxsports

The good: Eleven games at the MCG, just four trips interstate, home game on the Gold Coast; no real excuses for Terry and the Tigers in 2009.

The bad: Only one 'gimme' in the first six weeks as Wallace tries to win himself a contract extension. If Richmond are 1-5 or 2-4 after six weeks the drums will be beating.

Don't miss: The Tigers and Blues battle in the opening game of the season.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24545946-23211,00.html

ABC

Positives: Only play the 2008 grand finalists once, with the sole clash against Hawthorn not coming until round 21.

Seven of their last eight games are at the MCG and the Tigers will be pleased to avoid a trip to AAMI Stadium to play bogey side Adelaide.

Negatives: Season-opener against Carlton is huge - both for the club and coach Terry Wallace - as it's followed by two very tough encounters against Geelong at Skilled Stadium and the Western Bulldogs at Docklands. Travel to Subiaco in final round to take on West Coast.

Verdict: Wallace has admitted he doesn't expect to get an extension on his coaching contract unless the Tigers see September action in 2009. This draw gives him every chance of a new deal.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/24/2400778.htm

[WilliamPowell]

Disgusting we have to play at Skilled Stadium 

So many of the faithful will miss out again

[mightytiges]

Disgusting we have to play at Skilled Stadium 

So many of the faithful will miss out again

The word is Geelong asked the AFL to play "small attendance clubs" at home where they get big $$$ anyway thanks to their deal at Skilled Stadium. Since when does a club with top 4 crowds a small attendance club  .

The only good thing about it is we play Geelong early in the season (hopefully they haven't hit their straps early on) and our last win against them in 2006 was down the highway (although we got flogged by 70 points down there in 2007 ). Wallace teams overall have had a fairly decent record at Kardinia Park.

[Chuck17]

The only good thing about it is we play Geelong early in the season (hopefully they haven't hit their straps early on) and our last win against them in 2006 was down the highway (although we got flogged by 70 points down there in 2007 ). Wallace teams overall have had a fairly decent record at Kardinia Park.

It's going to be interesting to see how Geelong come out playing at the start of next season, apart from their last match they are in stellar form and could easily be seeking to set things right early next season with some defining wins.

The good thing is with the GF rematch in round 1 and the build up for that we may be able to get under their guard in R2 with a serious underdog label.

[Beren]

When will we see the 2009 VFL Draw?

[torch]

Disgusting we have to play at Skilled Stadium 

So many of the faithful will miss out again

agree!

should be at ES!

that tells me that the AFL and everyone else has no respect for us!

[mightytiges]

When will we see the 2009 VFL Draw?

IIRC it comes out around a month after the AFL draw is released.

[one-eyed]

Let's hope there's no risk to Tiger players given we are forced to play first down at Geelong's dung heap...

Geelong officials are privately fuming over the 6000 tonnes of dirt dumped on Skilled Stadium for last weekend's motorcycle extravaganza.

A 610m track, which included 26 jumps, was put on the lush surface for the Super X series. The club is powerless to stop such events at the ground as the City of Greater Geelong controls the venue.

Geelong is concerned there is a risk of long-term damage to the playing surface, although the council has organised a drop-in wicket to be installed for a Twenty20 cricket match on January 4.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24573580-19742,00.html

[one-eyed]

peejay on BF has some FREE flight info from Tiger Airways for those wanting to travel interstate to our Port and Freo games.

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=13063573&postcount=1