Southport Roos/ Western (Sydney) Bulldogs

[mightytiges]

I would hate it if the Tiges considered relocation (which some RFC board members did in the mid 80s IIRC) or even if we decided to play a few home games interstate.

Caro and some NSW polly wants the Roos and Dogs to head north:

"The ideal club to relocate to Sydney, or to play its home games here, would be the Western Bulldogs," veteran MP Charlie Lynn said, speaking in the NSW Legislative Council. "The Western Bulldogs share the same ethos as western Sydney and would be readily accepted into the fold.

"Blind Freddie knows that Melbourne cannot continue to support 10 AFL clubs and Freddie also knows that western Sydney is the economic engine room of NSW and the most culturally diverse region in Australia. To deny this region a home team would deny the code the opportunity to fulfil its potential as the greatest game in Australia."

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/03/11/1141701733760.html

Having deemed they cannot bite the bullet in an onfield sense, the Kangaroos must take the off-field plunge and relocate their interstate home fixtures to the Gold Coast. In the words of one of their famous past players: "You know it makes sense."

The AFL has not spent millions of dollars revamping Carrara for nothing and CEO Andrew Demetriou has openly stated his long-term plan to schedule a game each week in Queensland in the not-too-distant future.

Lying around the corner from Carrara is one of the wealthiest football clubs in the country, Southport, which boasts facilities the Kangaroos would leap at, along with a multimillion-dollar poker machine enterprise and ambitious investments elsewhere.

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/03/11/1141701729812.html

[WilliamPowell]

I think the reality is that sometime within the next 3-5 years a team will relocate and it is most liklely to be a Club that is receiving "assistance" from the AFL. Now despite what you think of the Blues - I reckon you'll find that's why Collo is so against asking for CBF (or whatever they all it these days) monies - tkae the money and you lose your independence.

If I was going to pick a club I'd say it's going to be North. The Bulldogs for the time being are pretty safe IMO because of what's going on at the Whitten Construction site, compliments of the Federal Govt. North on the other hand have Arden Street - what more can you say 

[mightytiges]

I agree WP it's only a matter of time. The TV rights deal will keep these poorer clubs with small supporter bases going in the short term but after that if a market opens up that the AFL wants to exploit (Gold Coast or Western Sydney) then the AFL will "persuade" these clubs to relocate or face Fitzroy's fate. I think you're on the money about the CBF assisted clubs being the chosen ones WP. I can't see Carlton going. I think their large membership/supporter base as well as a number of wealthy high-profile supporters will see them eventually through their current financial crisis.

North would be my tip to go first too. The Doggies at least lay claim to representing a region of Melbourne which got them the extra $$$ to redevelop the Western Oval. North don't have that. On top of that they need to continually top up their list to remain competitive so as to keep financially afloat even with the CBF money. It must be nigh for them.

[one-eyed]

From the Australian
Greg Denham
March 15, 2006

Elsewhere, the AFL yesterday reiterated its strong pursuit of more games in NSW and Queensland, and did not discount increasing the competition to 17 or 18 teams to achieve its target within 10 years.

Demetriou said the league was determined to strengthen its presence in the northern states, particularly in southeast Queensland and Sydney's western suburbs.

"There is no plan to relocate any clubs," Demetriou said. "I don't know in 10 years whether it'll be a new club, 17th or 18th teams. All I do know is, there will be more football being played because there has to be."

With two more premiership games in Queensland than in 2005, the AFL is determined to play on a more regular basis in the northern states.

This year a record 14 premiership games will be played in Queensland - 12 at the Gabba and two at Carrara - and a total of 12 in Sydney at the SCG and Telstra Stadium.

He said an option was for Melbourne clubs to play more home games interstate.

While not ruling out additional clubs being added to the competition, Demetriou stressed the need for the current 16 clubs to become financially secure and viable.

Clubs improved their cumulative profit last year by $14 million on 2004 figures, but four clubs posted losses and Demetriou warned that some of them were still "fragile".

AFL revenue exceeded $200m for the first time last year, which produced a record operating surplus of $130.4m.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18468867%255E36035,00.html

[one-eyed]

Gold Coast urges Kangaroos to head north
The Age - Breaking News
March 21, 2006 - 8:27PM

The Gold Coast wants to welcome the Kangaroos as its adopted AFL side if the club's current deal to play home games in Canberra cannot be renewed beyond 2006.

Olympian Ron Clarke - the man who lit the Olympic flame at the Melbourne 1956 Games - has put out the welcome mat for the Kangaroos for 2007 in his role as Gold Coast mayor, and believes the Shinboners would get good crowds at Carrara Oval.

"I reckon we could fill our stadium," Clarke said.

"The city itself has 490,000 residents, and between 100,000 to 200,000 visitors at any one time, so the numbers are there.

"I believe we would be as strong as Adelaide."

The Kangaroos have played a share of their home games at Canberra's Manuka Oval since 1998, but the current contract the club has with the ACT government and the AFL will expire at the end of this season.

That leaves the Roos with the option of renewing another contract to play at the 14,000-capacity Manuka ground, or consider playing three home games a season elsewhere.

Kangaroos chief executive Geoff Walsh said the club was not committed to playing home games at any venue, and had to consider other venues, such as Carrara.

"We'd always have to look at new markets," he said.

"There's a lot of areas which are calling out for AFL games at the moment and we are always mindful of the commercial and competitive elements so we would have to consider all of those venues."

Carrara hosted the then Brisbane Bears' initial foray into the AFL from 1987-92, and although the venue failed to capture the public's imagination, the Gold Coast's reputation as a growing population base might have its attractions.

The 15,500-capacity venue attracted encouraging crowds of over 10,000 for two pre-season games this year, and will host two premiership games later this year.

Clarke said the area was desperate for a bigger slice of AFL action.

"We don't care who plays here, we need AFL football in the Gold Coast and as we test the crowds, and see if the interest is there, we will have more and more games," he said.

"This is very much a five-year plan."

The Gold Coast's active push for more games will encourage the AFL, whose chief executive Andrew Demetriou last week spoke of the need for Victorian-based clubs to "migrate" home games north so the code could seize the developing markets of Queensland and New South Wales.

But the ACT opposition said the Kangaroos' possible departure from the capital would be devastating for the territory which produced VFL/AFL champions such as Alex Jesaulenko and James Hird.

"There are rumours in some quarters that the Government is considering ending the agreement," opposition sports spokesman Bill Stefaniak said.

"There is a junior roo program that will disappear if the Kangaroos agreement is not renewed, and this will be detrimental in terms of junior AFL development in the ACT."

A spokeswoman for the ACT government was confident of retaining the Kangaroos next year.

The Kangaroos reportedly receive $210,000 per home game at Manuka - most of it from the ACT government - but Walsh said money was only one aspect, as crowd and corporate support, potential membership and marketing were other factors which needed consideration.

© 2006 AAP

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Gold-Coast-urges-Kangaroos-to-head-north/2006/03/21/1142703353669.html

[PuntRdRoar]

Southport Sharks should come into the competition. For mine, of course its best if the Roos went up...but in the end you cant keep a club that has so much money out of the national comp. Id almost expand it to 17 teams if there are no takers, but theres an old adage- you cant beat city hall. and in this instance if city hall has decided a club has to go and theyve decided which club that is...then i reckon its over and just a matter of time.

[mightytiges]

It's just a feeling but it seems there's a change in attitude from the Victorian clubs compared to the one solidarity of say 5-10 years ago. If the Roos find it impossible to survive in Melbourne I don't think the other clubs will shed a tear if the Roos had to head North. 

[Tiger Spirit]

Andrew Demetriou was on FoxFooty last night and, even though he didn't sound definite about it, he said not to discount the possibility that the number of AFL teams could expand.

Once the ideal number of teams was believed to be 12, now it's 16, so who knows what can happen in the future.

[mightytiges]

Thanks for that TS .

The only two problems I have with a expanded league is (i) It doesn't solve the problem of too many clubs in Melbourne. The interstate clubs are growing stronger and wealthier by the year compared to most Vic clubs. And (ii) do we have the talent pool and depth of Aussie Rules footballers to find another say 76-88 AFL standard players. It could severely dilute the quality of footy even more.

[one-eyed]

17th side for AFL?
By JON RALPH
Herald-Sun
02apr06

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has raised the prospect of a 17 or 18-team competition as Australian football grows into southeast Queensland and western Sydney.

Demetriou has floated the possibility of granting more licences to emerging clubs or areas, a move that would have massive ramifications on broadcast rights.
While the plan to open expanding markets has no time frame, it would be the first major change in the make-up of the league since Port Adelaide took Fitzroy's licence in 1997.

Demetriou has all but guaranteed the future of the 10 Victorian clubs, but financial battlers among them have long feared forced relocation interstate.

The AFL boss exclusively told Sunday Herald Sun columnists Kevin Sheedy and Nathan Buckley this week that the league may choose to expand the competition instead of relocate clubs.

"We have to explore the possibilities," Demetriou told the Essendon coach and Collingwood captain. "We have made no secret of that. We are not saying it is a Victorian team (that will be moved). It could be a new licence.

"In 10 years, the AFL has to have a presence in Sydney's western suburbs and in southeast Queensland -- we wouldn't be doing our job properly if we didn't."

The AFL's broadcast rights deal means it can continue to prop up ailing clubs. Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and the Kangaroos receive league handouts.

The league could award a new licence to a club such as the Gold Coast's Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast. It has a burgeoning junior program, excellent facilities and a bank balance of $21 million.

The AFL has invested a small fortune in the Queensland and NSW markets.

In the interview, Demetriou ruled out a prime-time night Grand Final in the next six years.

"I am a Saturday afternoon Grand Final fan," he said.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18677118%255E11088,00.html

[PuntRdRoar]

Southport should come in, i said that earlier, The AFL should ask for $6 or 7 million upfront licence fee and it would help clubs like ours pay off some debt.

[one-eyed]

Stadium revamp on offer if Roos commit to move
By Caroline Wilson
The Age
April 5, 2006

THE Kangaroos' pivotal role in an AFL-inspired push into southern Queensland yesterday gained momentum with Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke pledging to expand the crowd capacity at Carrara next season to 25,000 should the club commit to playing games there.

With the Southport Sharks offering the Kangaroos at least $400,000 a game to play at Carrara and the ACT Government yet to put a new offer to the Roos board, Clarke echoed the words of AFL executive Ben Buckley when he said the Gold Coast was looking to host six to eight AFL games next year.

"My official view is that we would accept a mix of clubs," said Clarke, "whether it be Footscray, Hawthorn or North Melbourne or a combination. But in reality the Kangaroos are the ones most in need of better facilities and support. They don't get the support they deserve in Melbourne in my view and they would get it here."

While the AFL continues to push its case for 22 games a year in Queensland, it has not yet broached the subject of transferred Kangaroos' games — let alone permanent relocation — to the Roos board. And while the Kangaroos have not officially canvassed the issue at board level, there is no doubt in the minds of the club's directors and shareholders that the AFL has the club earmarked for relocation.

The powers behind the AFL's only privately owned club — the Kangaroos members would have no official say in a relocation — are led by director Peter deRauch, who controls 35 per cent of the club's shares, having contributed more than $1 million over his time at the club.

Other major shareholders include former president Andrew Carter, director John Magowan, Robert Smith, Dennis Morgan, Peter Johnstone and former player Kerry Goode, who refused to comment to The Age yesterday.

While the Kangaroos shareholders have denied reports Southport attempted a takeover of the club last year, they remain convinced that AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou is sending a message to the club that its survival depends on a proactive move up north — at first on a part-time basis but eventually moving there permanently. None took the CEO's talk of a 17th AFL licence seriously.

In a separate development the Queensland Government reminded Demetriou that the AFL was contracted to fixture all its matches at the Gabba should a second side relocate to Queensland.

The alert came from the government's Major Sports Facility Authority which has ploughed $50 million into the final stage of that stadium's redevelopment. Demetriou, in Brisbane for talks with the Lions, assured the authority that any relocation remained some time away.

And Brisbane Lions skipper Michael Voss said of the growing momentum surrounding a second club: "We can all dodge around the question of whether it is a Melbourne club or not (but) you would think the most likely thing is that someone takes over an existing licence and a Melbourne club relocates to the Gold Coast permanently.

"I'm sure they (AFL) are hoping that in the next 10 years that something like that will happen … But I'm sure there's not too many clubs putting their hands up to do it."

Nor is the AFL prepared to put any defined relocation plans on the table. Last year the Roos requested the AFL Commission communicate whether it believed the Gold Coast would provide a better return for the club than Canberra but has so far received no response.

The league remains mindful of the damage any hint of a forced merger or relocation could wreak upon the competition. However, within days it plans to hold talks with Southport chief Paul Wyatt — whose club has been attempting to purchase an AFL licence for years and continues to push its Gold Coast plans at every opportunity.

"Perhaps we need three to four years to make it gradually happen," said Clarke. "Not that we wouldn't be able to cope with it if it were offered to us straight away …"

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/04/04/1143916526123.html

[one-eyed]

Kekka backs Roo move
06 April 2006   
Herald Sun
Mark Robinson

KANGAROOS Team of the Century member Sam Kekovich is adamant the club must relocate to the Gold Coast and claims the concept has the support of prominent members and even board directors.

The outspoken club identity yesterday refused to reveal names, but expected recent "unofficial" talks about a move north to intensify throughout the season.

They will reach fever pitch by the end of the month if Canberra rejects a $400,000 a game asking price from the Kangaroos for next year.

A no answer would mean the Roos would almost certainly play three matches on the Gold Coast in 2007.

"I would support any push to go north," Kekovich said yesterday.

"I know the mood of a couple of prominent members and they believe that is the way to go. I really don't know what the mood of the board is in total, but I know there are some individual directors in favour of it.

"I know there's been some speculation, some dialogue and a lot of people are doing some feasibility studies, quiet feasibility studies, without really stoking the fire.

"I think it's gently, gently at the moment, but it would be derelict of our duty to our members if we weren't to explore it in its entirety.

"It's a gold mine and we owe it to our club's existence."

In a move certain to create division at the club, Kekovich says the club must begin talks with the AFL as a matter of urgency.

In recent days, the AFL has strongly floated the concept of a second club in Queensland.

Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke has also pledged to expand Carrara to 25,000 capacity if the Kangaroos agree to play games there in 2007.

The Roos maintain they want to stay in Melbourne and commit to playing games in the ACT next season.

They expect an answer from Canberra by the end of the month. If they are rejected, they will entertain the idea of the Gold Coast in conjunction with the Southport Sharks, who are desperate to embrace an AFL club.

The AFL Queensland club has not yet approached the Kangaroos.

Kekovich yesterday maintained the Gold Coast was a godsend for his embattled club.

"I'm all for it," he said.

"All this talk about where the spiritual home is, that's all irrelevant in the current climate.

"We could still retain our base here, play our games north . . . it's a wonderful opportunity.

"And if we procrastinate and then become a bit-part player and miss the boat, then I reckon we've given up a golden opportunity.

"I don't want to see them just survive, I think there's an opportunity to be a prominent mover and shaker in the competition, like the interstate clubs, like the Collingwoods and Essendons.

"I think the club that goes up there will become a significant powerhouse . . . instead of fighting for our very existence every single day of our lives."

Asked if he would try to join the board or support a ticket that advocated relocation, Kekovich said "Yes".

"I'm committed on a number of fronts that precludes me from committing totally to the cause, but if the opportunity presented itself, I would like to," he said.

And the presidency? "You never say never, but who knows what's going on down the track. But at the moment, no, I think (president) Graham Duff has done an excellent job," he said.

"But if they went north I'd be more than happy to play a role, whatever role they saw fit.

"I don't know whether it's the presidency . . . but everything I've ever achieved I owe to the North Melbourne Football Club, so I've got a vested interest and probably a moral obligation to see them do well.

"Whatever role I can play I would be happy to do so."

Kangaroos chief executive Geoff Walsh yesterday tried to play down the hysteria generated in the past week of a second club in Queensland.

He said the club had played a package of matches in Canberra for the best part of a decade, but that market monopoly was now over.

"They now have competitors in as far as venues," Walsh said.

"And whether we end up continuing our relationships in the ACT or whether we explore opportunities elsewhere will, firstly, be the club's decision rather than anyone else's, and, secondly, will be determined by what is best for the long-term future of this club."

He said relocation was not a topic of discussion.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,18723925%255E19742,00.html

[one-eyed]

King concedes Roos will have to move
By Reko Rennie and Martin Boulton
The Age
April 9, 2006

DUAL Kangaroos premiership player David King says his former team will inevitably move to Queensland's Carrara Stadium, but Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon has rejected any suggestion his club would relocate to western Sydney or the Gold Coast.

"I think it's inevitable — every year we lose more ground," said King on 3AW yesterday.

"We have to go. I don't think there's a choice. Our marketing department makes no money — not a cracker."

King estimates the move will happen within five years "for the betterment of the club".

"I hate saying that, but I'd rather go up there and hang on to something like the Fitzroy people are still hanging on to the Brisbane Lions than have the club go down the gurgler," said King, who played in the 1996 and 1999 premiership sides during his 11-season, 241-game career.

"The North Melbourne supporters down here must realise that they will have no club if they fight this."

The Kangaroos' contract to play three games in Canberra expires at the end of year and Carrara Stadium is looking like a preferred option for the Roos.

Smorgon said the Bulldogs had no intention of moving anywhere. He said the club enjoyed greater support than any time in the past 10 years.

"For the second year in a row the Bulldogs have broken our club membership tally, club membership is now just over 22,500," said.

"I can vividly recall 10 years ago when we were hovering around 9000 and we wondered if we could ever reach 20,000.

"We've been in the Western region of Melbourne since the 1880s and if this board has anything to do with it, together with our growing number of members, we're going to be there forever."

Smorgon predicted the club's membership would reach 30,000 within the next few years.

"Let me state on behalf of the board of directors of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, on behalf of those 22,500 members, the only place we'll be relocating to is about 30 metre west of where we are today at the Whitten Oval and we'll be moving into a brand new modern facility, the miracle of the west, and that will become our permanent base for the next century or beyond.

"We have no interest, no interest whatsoever in merging with anybody or relocating anywhere, north, east or south."

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/04/08/1143916766954.html

[mightytiges]

"I think it's inevitable — every year we lose more ground," said King on 3AW yesterday.

"We have to go. I don't think there's a choice. Our marketing department makes no money — not a cracker."

Hey Kingy you're one of us now  .