Port ask for some cash...

[wycbloods]

Or maybe the amount coaches, players etc get paid has caught up with the clubs and they will now need to look at the amount of coaches and fitness staff that they employ. This is the case across all codes of sport IMHO. Sure while the money is there use it to the best of your ability but if it ain't there then cut back on the things that are really bonuses, i.e having 10 assistant coaches.

[blues2002]

This is a worry for the SANFL.
Port asks AFL for money.
AFL asks SANFL to contribute = less money for SANFL clubs, the shareholders.
ie if SANFL give Port a better stadium deal, they are taking away from the SANFL clubs.
It's not like Port have a history of caring for the SANFL.

IMHO it's better to investigate selling the license or re-allocating it.
Tassie - great idea.
Or maybe a combined Norwood-Centrals-Sturt-North bid? Give the North/Eastern clubs a crack.

[Wedgie]

Regardless of what our generation do as parents, in 15-20 years the Crows-Power split will be a lot closer to 50-50. That's the story I hear from mates with kids at school.

Must depend on the area, Im glad to say there was more Geelong supporting kids than Power supporting kids with a huge majority of kids following the Crows at our Auskick and school.
At one stage there was more SANFL guernseys being worn than Power tops.
Split was probably 60% Crows, 35% other, 5% Port.

[Wedgie]

Depends if what guernseys they wear = what team they support which at AusKick age is not a good indicator!

A lot of kids wear whatever guernsey they think looks cool or what their parents are prepared to buy and let them wear (ie, brainwashing attempts). I remember in high school a mate who bought the 1987 Bears guernsey because he thought it looked good Never barracked for them though.

Anecdotally, as I hear it, the split of who they actually support as they get older is getting closer to 50-50 Crows-Power once the parental influence wears off but I don't have any hard stats to back it up.

Port's share is definitely > 5% ... stirrer

You must have misread what I wrote, I only mentioned guernseys in regard to SANFL clubs as I founf that an interesting aside.
If you re-read what I said I was mentioning which teams the kids supported.
My post also quite clearly stated my observation was for my local area. Im sure it might be diffferent in Ethelton or Davoran Park.
Im not sure what your stirrer comment was in relation to.

[gadj1976]

Sort of on the same topic - but I would know maybe 30 Port supporters, and yet not one of them has a season ticket, nor is interested in going to the footy this year. The general feeling amongst them is that they don't like Williams and they think it's a rip off going to the footy. Either way, Port will get no money from these people.

I know that's a very small cross section of the Port community, but it seems typical to what we hear on a broader scale. Effectively they're lost to the club. How the club gets those people back is anyone's guess. I'm just glad I'm not in marketing at Port!

[oldfella]

IMO, they headed in the right direction when they moved from the Port Power to marketting the Power brand name to widen thier potential supporter base however this has now been apparently reversed back to the original Port Adelaide approach that did not generate a strong supporter base - go figure.

[Hondo]

IMO, they headed in the right direction when they moved from the Port Power to marketting the Power brand name to widen thier potential supporter base however this has now been apparently reversed back to the original Port Adelaide approach that did not generate a strong supporter base - go figure.

Dunno about that. I was at the round 22 game v Brisbane around 2001 (?) where they were fighting for minor premier and the ground was packed!

They just need to get back to playing exciting, competitive footy and the crowds will improve. Every team has their bandwagonners, including PAP.

I think too much is made of this whole 1870 thing - if the distancing from PAM was so successful where were the crowds last season and why did the club feel the need to change their approach? Why? Because it clearly wasn't working. Does it mean the heritage thing will work? We don't know yet.

TBH I don't think either approach will make much difference - or not as much as simply winning games will. However I'm not sure that acting like your past is something to be embarrassed about is a sensible move long term. Everyone knows that Port is Port. A lot of people hate Collingwood too but do you see them trying to hide from their history in an effort to win new fans?

I bet Haysman has made sure Chocko doesn't come out after round 11 and write the season off!

[Booney]

Sort of on the same topic - but I would know maybe 30 Port supporters, and yet not one of them has a season ticket, nor is interested in going to the footy this year. The general feeling amongst them is that they don't like Williams and they think it's a rip off going to the footy. Either way, Port will get no money from these people.

I know that's a very small cross section of the Port community, but it seems typical to what we hear on a broader scale. Effectively they're lost to the club. How the club gets those people back is anyone's guess. I'm just glad I'm not in marketing at Port!

I had debated renewing my season ticket gadj, I have done so and of course have my membership in place but many people I know just dont see the value for money in going to the AFL nowadays. Especially if you have a family or in my case a Junior Boon going with you.

I also had to consider that now above mentioned Junior plays football until 12:30 on Sundays and Port have 5 12:40 Sunday games this year I will miss a few of those.

I inevitably miss a game or two with a party or show on Saturday nights and throw in Magpie games and my leash is only so long.

Port wont be the only side to struggle getting people through the gate this year. Adelaide didnt have a great 2008 attendance wise and I bet with a poor start to 09 ( here's hoping ) the numbers at Footy Park this year will be down all over the board.

[Dutchy]

I'll stand corrected but, for example, I heard that NMFC are back down to only 20,000 members and haven't secured major sponsors beyond this year (?). A couple of other Melbourne based clubs are in the same boat as are several NRL clubs.

Worrying times for sport in Australia ...

Here we go again.....Only the Crows have had a longer association with their major sponsor..

Roos are financially OK these days and reducing our reliance on the AFL, cant be said for Bullies, Melbourne and now Port who are increasing their reliance

[Dirko]

As long as they pay it back who gives a shit, if they take a loan. BUT. If it's a handout, then pi55 them off !

[HH3]

Dunno about that. I was at the round 22 game v Brisbane around 2001 (?) where they were fighting for minor premier and the ground was packed!

I went to the elimination or semi final (cant remember which it was) in 2003 i think against collingwood and there were only 21,000 at AAMI. In the "choking" era.

[Dog_ger]

Come on Mike Rann.

Give this Mighty Club some assistance...

Love them or Hate them...!

[hearts on fire]

Come on Mike Rann.

Give this Mighty Club some assistance...

Love them or Hate them...!

what an exciting post!!

[redden whites]

Come on Mike Rann.

Give this Mighty Club some assistance...

Love them or Hate them...!

The tax payers have only just got rid off our taxpayer funded 36ers in the last few years,no more please.

[Dog_ger]

Your secretley in love with me hof.....

[hearts on fire]

Your secretley in love with me hof.....

that is true, i want to sit on that flag poll in your profile picture.

[Dog_ger]

I knew it.....

[Drop Bear]

Come on Mike Rann.

Give this Mighty Club some assistance...

Love them or Hate them...!

The tax payers have only just got rid off our taxpayer funded 36ers in the last few years,no more please.

Too right. I don't want my money wasted on funding a footy club.

[Drop Bear]

Unless we get a corporate box at least

[Dog_ger]

Na, lets give everyone $900 to play the pokies Drop Bear....