Summary
* Brought to Gale's attention last night about Essendon trying to poach round 1 season opener. Hasn't had a chance to speak to Robson. Be very disappointed if that was the case. Opening season has had average 70k over 5 years,. Important to us and Calrton. With some young stars who'll become box office attractions so it'll only get better.
* Robson doing what is best for his club but they have enough. We'll happily swap round 1 for ANZAC Day. We had 92k in our last ANZAC game in 1977. However we wouldn't actively seek that game as we respect the work Essendon and Collingwood have done. Seems Robson doesn't respect the work we've done with the season opener.
* AFL runs the fixture so out of our hands. Based on tv ratings and crowds we tick the boxes. Carlton have stars like Judd; we have up and coming young stars. It's a star attraction. We've lost the last couple badly but we lead at 3/4 time by 16 points in round 1 and it was disappointing to lose but we tick all the boxes.
* Selling games is a difficult position but as we've told members it's an important plank in building up our resources, revenue base and financial strength. Round 1 season opener is also important on that front. We share the gate with the Blues in both games per year.
* Criticism comes with the territory. Our supporters are extremely passionate and you want them to care and be that passionate. To lose in those circumstances was disappointing. Our past 4-5 weeks have been poor. Exposes our lack of depth. Building to be in contention for finals will take time and won't be built overnight.
* Playing Gold Coast in Melbourne is a low value game and would have been played at Etihad. Our supporters don't like Etihad either and don't go. We can either lose money or go to Cairns. We lost the game so that's disappointing.
* We'll be active in trade week. Turned over 22 players already in past two years - enormous amount. As the players become more and more familiar with the gameplan (training and playing more games) they will improve but no doubt we'll need to add more players. Smart recruiting and planning, free agency - we'll leave no stone unturned.
* Nahas is apparently good at 'FIFA' (the soccer Playstation/Xbox game) and a couple of years ago made the world top 10. Friends call him 'FIFA'. Dropped away a bit now days. Spending more time at the club training and he's game has improved markedly this year.
* Putting a call to Swann at Carlton about the season opener. Robson obviously trying to do what's best for his club but we'd be very disappointed to lose that season opener.
