Crows in the SANFL - Q & A with the AFC

[adelaidefc]

David here is the most important question.

Are your two youngsters free Eagles One members (I assume they are u13)?

And will they support the Eagles or the Crows in the SANFL when push comes to shove?

If they are with me, they will hopefully be supporting the Eags. But I work at AFC, so I will l also be very interested in the Crows.
David

[adelaidefc]

Hi David,

Just wondering. Do you still think it was a good idea to come on here and field questions?

I've had some doubts. But yes, I've tried.

Remember, I run a website with 60,000 unique visitors each week, a Facebook page with 107,000 fans, a Twitter account with 34,000 followers and a stack of trolls, and we have a membership of 47,000. So you get used to different views.

[Apachebulldog]

Hi David as you are on line now

Can you answwer the questions i have asked

Thanks

[Jim05]

Hi David,

Just wondering. Do you still think it was a good idea to come on here and field questions?

I've had some doubts. But yes, I've tried.

Remember, I run a website with 60,000 unique visitors each week, a Facebook page with 107,000 fans, a Twitter account with 34,000 followers and a stack of trolls, and we have a membership of 47,000. So you get used to different views.

Collingwood has 60,000+ members
Essendon has 58,000 members
Yet when they play each other in Reserves they cant attract 2000 people
Why is this?

[adelaidefc]

What are the attendances when Essendon and Collingwood play each other in the Reserves? Is that a potential indicator in interest in a match between the AFC and an SANFL club?

No, I don't believe so. They are different markets, those two teams rarely leave Victoria to play AFL games, and they don't have a tradition of competition that the SANFL has in its favour. I understand that if we play at South in the middle of July and its wet and cold, its going to be a hard sell. But it would be the same for other visiting SANFL clubs. My view is that there is also opportunity for some very big crowds (relatively for SANFL). What was the biggest home-and-away crowd last season - 6500?

[adelaidefc]

Do you believe that people who will follow the AFC reserves and attend their games will do so with the same passion that fans who currently support other SANFL clubs? Do you think there would be the same level of euphoria at the Crows Reserves winning a SANFL premiership that there would be if Glenelg won?

So even if there is a net increase in attendances due to the AFC reserves team's inclusion, how will this affect the soul of the SANFL? Or is this not important to you?

Glenelg winning a premiership? Now you are in fantasy land!!

I think there will be a percentage of fans who follow the AFC reserves more as observers than one-eyed supporters. But we also believe there will be a core audience who will be very passionate about the Crows side. The accessibility (playing every week) against strong league sides will be key driving factors. David

[Jim05]

David, hadnt even thought of this before but my son asked me if the Crows get in will he still be allowed to have a kick on the oval at the break or will there be increased security with no oval access like the AFL?

[adelaidefc]

Will the Adelaide Crows be requesting that all their reserves games (if possible) be played at or near the same time as the AFL side?

With respect David, this question has not been answered.

Not at the same time, no.

[adelaidefc]

David, hadnt even thought of this before but my son asked me if the Crows get in will he still be allowed to have a kick on the oval at the break or will there be increased security with no oval access like the AFL?

Same rules would apply

[Dogmatic]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

[Ecky]

Glenelg winning a premiership? Now you are in fantasy land!!

I did say "if", not "when".

[CUTTERMAN]

As it hasn't been answered, I'll ask again. If the AFC is so confident of their supposed 4000-6000 supporters to reserves games why did they refuse to cover the gate for host clubs. As has been mentioned each SANFL club has different setup costs and break even costs. Surely if you've done your research thoroughly and are assured of your supporter turnout this would be a non issue and give host clubs certainty.

David, I can't find where you reckon this has been answered. I've asked it numerous times now, it's a simple question and as a Sturt supporter one which is VERY revelent. Please answer.

So, I'll try again.
David, can you please answer the above question. Fifth time lucky maybe?
If not, is there a reason why you can't answer this question, if so why can't you?
Thankyou.

[adelaidefc]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

Not in the SANFL, no, it;s not an option. The Club did look at perhaps creating a four team comp with West Coast, freo and Port, or playing Port every week. But being a part of the league competition became the Club's preferred option. David

[sjt]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

Not bad dogmatic. Seems pretty sensible on first reading. The sanfl team, even if some players were rested, would still be better than the saafl. Good one.

[Dogmatic]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

Not in the SANFL, no, it;s not an option. The Club did look at perhaps creating a four team comp with West Coast, freo and Port, or playing Port every week. But being a part of the league competition became the Club's preferred option. David

Preferred but not reality.

[adelaidefc]

As it hasn't been answered, I'll ask again. If the AFC is so confident of their supposed 4000-6000 supporters to reserves games why did they refuse to cover the gate for host clubs. As has been mentioned each SANFL club has different setup costs and break even costs. Surely if you've done your research thoroughly and are assured of your supporter turnout this would be a non issue and give host clubs certainty.

David, I can't find where you reckon this has been answered. I've asked it numerous times now, it's a simple question and as a Sturt supporter one which is VERY revelent. Please answer.

We expect crowds of between 2000 and 6000. The SANFL clubs will be no more at risk of covering match costs than they would playing most other SANFL club. Clubs make most of their match day revenue from catering etc. But the overall financial package put together for this proposal will be a positive result for the SANFL Clubs, even if absolutely no-one turned up to our games. And that's not going to happen.
David

[adelaidefc]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

Not in the SANFL, no, it;s not an option. The Club did look at perhaps creating a four team comp with West Coast, freo and Port, or playing Port every week. But being a part of the league competition became the Club's preferred option. David

Preferred but not reality.

We will see.

[Dogmatic]

Has it been considered for the "Crow's reserves" to not play in a competition as such but to play the teams having the byes? The team having the byes could consist of league, reserves or u/18 players. This would benefit the SANFL clubs as there will be some league players who need a run, and others who require development against decent opposition without being compromised against a team with the need to win at all costs. The SANFL season wouldn't need to be shortened, as the "Crows" could play all teams twice and still be able to have byes if necessary.
The other benefit could be if you play at the SANFL teams ground it may be a revenue raiser for the club.
This would not then compromise the SANFL.

Not in the SANFL, no, it;s not an option. The Club did look at perhaps creating a four team comp with West Coast, freo and Port, or playing Port every week. But being a part of the league competition became the Club's preferred option. David

Preferred but not reality.

We will see.

So a premiership in the SANFL is of interest to the Crows?

[sjt]

As it hasn't been answered, I'll ask again. If the AFC is so confident of their supposed 4000-6000 supporters to reserves games why did they refuse to cover the gate for host clubs. As has been mentioned each SANFL club has different setup costs and break even costs. Surely if you've done your research thoroughly and are assured of your supporter turnout this would be a non issue and give host clubs certainty.

David, I can't find where you reckon this has been answered. I've asked it numerous times now, it's a simple question and as a Sturt supporter one which is VERY revelent. Please answer.

We expect crowds of between 2000 and 6000. The SANFL clubs will be no more at risk of covering match costs than they would playing most other SANFL club. Clubs make most of their match day revenue from catering etc. But the overall financial package put together for this proposal will be a positive result for the SANFL Clubs, even if absolutely no-one turned up to our games. And that's not going to happen.
David

I think you'd have more credibility if you dropped this number and admitted it was a mistake. As rob chapman said when he made the claim, he'd done no research. When figures are unsubstantiated it looks pretty unprofessional for a commercial entity like the Afc.

[rod_rooster]

As it hasn't been answered, I'll ask again. If the AFC is so confident of their supposed 4000-6000 supporters to reserves games why did they refuse to cover the gate for host clubs. As has been mentioned each SANFL club has different setup costs and break even costs. Surely if you've done your research thoroughly and are assured of your supporter turnout this would be a non issue and give host clubs certainty.

David, I can't find where you reckon this has been answered. I've asked it numerous times now, it's a simple question and as a Sturt supporter one which is VERY revelent. Please answer.

We expect crowds of between 2000 and 6000.

FFS David, again you say this but give no actual reasons why. What do you base this expectation on exactly. This has been asked over and over and over again of yourself on here and the Crows in general everywhere but it just keeps being avoided. Have you got an answer or not? I'd suggest that the continual avoidance of the question is a glaring admission that you have no research or indicators that your crowd estimates are based on anything but pure speculation (and pure fantasy for that matter).