Sheedy: Let there be rock
13 August 2006
Sunday Herald Sun
Jon Ralph
ESSENDON coach Kevin Sheedy has proposed a radical, rock 'n' rock-style clash with Richmond in Round 21 dubbed "Hot August Nights".
Under a concept aimed at enlivening what promises to be a dead rubber, music would be played after each goal Twenty20 cricket-style and Sheedy would promise to play an exciting brand of attacking football.
Sheedy said this week clubs must do more to attract fans, and with his side hosting this year's Dreamtime at the 'G in Round 6, wanted to pump up Richmond's return home game.
The proposal has drawn the support of Richmond and the MCG, which said it had the capacity to play music clips on its scoreboard should it be given AFL approval.
The master of promotion said he would continue to drum up themed games to find ways to boost attendances.
"Essendon and Richmond on a hot August night is a great idea," he said.
"I think most Richmond and Essendon fans of the '60s and '70s loved the time they grew up in -- they loved rock 'n' roll. I did when I played and I know the players love hot music."
Sheedy said if the concept got off the ground he would promise fans they would be in for a spectacle.
"I am big on themed rounds," he said. "If you want to go to watch a Round 21 full of nothing, there are always four points, but excitment is a bonus, particularly as every team is flooding.
"Why would you want to flood when you are in not in the finals? The only reason you would flood is if you are trying to keep your percentage up. Any team in the bottom eight should be shot for flooding."
Richmond yesterday backed the idea, saying it would support endeavors that would boost interest and attendances.
"I don't know that we could agree on a style of football, but in terms of music and promotion and those sort of things, they are all a chance," Tiger football director Greg Miller said. "My immediate reaction is that it could work. My second reaction is that being Round 21, could he please announce it's James Hird's last game?"
MCC chief executive Stephen Gough said there were several options for clubs to pursue promotional avenues on game day.
"Most of the time, the clubs know they have certain spots they can use on the vision board (scoreboard), and certain elements they can put into pre-game promotions and during the games," Gough said.
"They have to run it past the AFL first, but we don't have any great problem (with it)."
AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson said the league was always open to marketing suggestions.
"It would need a lot of work and effort, but he's had some great ideas in the past and we would certainly be happy to talk to him about his ideas," Anderson said.
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