Blues win gate-sharing deal over Tigers Jon Pierik
The Age
February 6, 2015 The four points may still be up for grabs but Carlton has had an early win over Richmond, revealing they will pocket the entire gate receipts from the season-opening blockbuster at the MCG.
Blues chief executive Steven Trigg confirmed on Thursday night the gate-sharing agreement between the clubs was over.
"Carlton people would want the best outcome for Carlton and I think it is the right outcome for Carlton," Trigg said.
"By that I mean, I am aware of co-promoting and supporting and gate sharing. While that is not part of the landscape where I have been previously, I am very supportive of that and continue to be in the principle of that.
"But given that last year there was one fixture ... and the gate wasn't shared then, and the entirety of the gate went to Richmond, it seemed appropriate that it would transpire that Carlton takes the gate in round one this year.
"That doesn't mean we won't help to pump up the return game later in the season."
Richmond chief Brendon Gale said he was disappointed with the decision but the Tigers would continue to promote the game. He said the Tigers had worked hard to turn the clash into an annual blockbuster.
Gale said he doubted the gate-sharing arrangement would return.
"We reap what we sow now," he said.
A crowd of more than 80,000 is expected for the opener on April 2. The Tigers and Blues were unable to launch the season last year because of the unavailability of the MCG, meaning they met – for the only time last year – in round two.
The agreement between the clubs since 2008 was that the gate receipts for round one – sometimes as much as $700,000 – would be shared, provided the teams met twice in the season. However, the Tigers' decision not to share last year's gate set in motion the call for change.
"There is no formal agreement in place," Trigg said.
The Blues are more than happy for the Tigers to take the spoils in the 2016 opener.
"I have expressed to Brendon we are very happy to co-promote the return bout this year and, regardless of whether it's one or two fixtures each year, beyond this year," Trigg said.
"Some of the fixturing with the 'six-six-six' now means it is hard to be guaranteed two games a year."
The recent change in fixturing philosophy has teams that finish in the top six, middle six and bottom six playing more of the clubs in their bracket the following year. Should the Tigers and Blues finish in different brackets, it would increase the chances of only one match against each other the following season.
The Blues, having posted a $1.6 million loss last season and with a debt of about $6 million, believe they need an immediate financial injection.
With blockbuster home matches also against Essendon in round three at the MCG – provided the Bombers do not lose key players through anti-doping suspensions – and Collingwood in round five, when coach Mick Malthouse steps out for his milestone match, the Blues are expected to generate a major boost to their bottom line.
The Tigers host the return clash against the Blues in a Friday night clash on July 10.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/blues-win-gatesharing-deal-over-tigers-20150205-137b00.html
