The North Melbourne Conundrum

[Dutchy]

Seriously Dutchy how can you say that? With crowds in Melbourne below 20 000 and the current stadium deal still in place - face it it wont change until 2011 at teh earliest if it happens. $$$$ are still a problem.

Kangaroos new coach could be lured with big Bucks
Damian Barrett and Jon Ralph | June 16, 2009 10:40pm

NORTH Melbourne will join the AFL's big spenders in its search for a new coach - if it guarantees the luring of Nathan Buckley. The Roos will ramp up their budget to $800,000 a year for their coach if needed, with Collingwood legend Buckley a priority.

With the Arden St redevelopment almost ready and a huge increase in football department spending, the club believes it is an attractive proposition for a new coach

In football terms $$$ are no longer an issue, they have been in the past which has restricted us in -

> Signing Pagan for an extension
> Paying the full Salary Cap
> Having a full arsenal of rookies
> Having facilites that every AFL club deserves

Trust me there are at least 3 clubs in worse financial poo than the Roos...

[Gingernuts]

This is not necessarily a direct reference to the Nth Melbourne situation, but why is it that when mergers are suggested as an option to resolve financial issues it involves so much negative emotion?

As big as Melbourne is, common sense says that at least 2 clubs would have to be on the chopping block within the next 10 - 20 years, particularly with expansion teams soon entering the comp to add pressure to the games finances. Wouldn't people rather see their club co-exist than a) be the subject of a hostile take over a la Brisbane/Fitzroy, or b) cease to exist completely?

Trying to put myself in others shoes, I would by no means be completely happy with the thought of my team merging, but if it meant that we lost the perpetual ? over our heads and returned to the competive mix on and off the field I would definitely give it my support.

Locally Woodville-West Torrens seems to be an example of a merger that has worked out really well (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I wasn't around when it happened!), couldn't this be replicated at AFL level?

[Leaping Lindner]

Seriously Dutchy how can you say that? With crowds in Melbourne below 20 000 and the current stadium deal still in place - face it it wont change until 2011 at teh earliest if it happens. $$$$ are still a problem.

Kangaroos new coach could be lured with big Bucks
Damian Barrett and Jon Ralph | June 16, 2009 10:40pm

NORTH Melbourne will join the AFL's big spenders in its search for a new coach - if it guarantees the luring of Nathan Buckley. The Roos will ramp up their budget to $800,000 a year for their coach if needed, with Collingwood legend Buckley a priority.

With the Arden St redevelopment almost ready and a huge increase in football department spending, the club believes it is an attractive proposition for a new coach

In football terms $$$ are no longer an issue, they have been in the past which has restricted us in -

> Signing Pagan for an extension
> Paying the full Salary Cap
> Having a full arsenal of rookies
> Having facilites that every AFL club deserves

Trust me there are at least 3 clubs in worse financial poo than the Roos...

?? Who??

[Dutchy]

This is not necessarily a direct reference to the Nth Melbourne situation, but why is it that when mergers are suggested as an option to resolve financial issues it involves so much negative emotion?

As big as Melbourne is, common sense says that at least 2 clubs would have to be on the chopping block within the next 10 - 20 years, particularly with expansion teams soon entering the comp to add pressure to the games finances. Wouldn't people rather see their club co-exist than a) be the subject of a hostile take over a la Brisbane/Fitzroy, or b) cease to exist completely?

Trying to put myself in others shoes, I would by no means be completely happy with the thought of my team merging, but if it meant that we lost the perpetual ? over our heads and returned to the competive mix on and off the field I would definitely give it my support.

Locally Woodville-West Torrens seems to be an example of a merger that has worked out really well (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I wasn't around when it happened!), couldn't this be replicated at AFL level?

So if the Crows were in financial poo you would be happy to merge with Port to still exist in a mutated form?

[Gingernuts]

This is not necessarily a direct reference to the Nth Melbourne situation, but why is it that when mergers are suggested as an option to resolve financial issues it involves so much negative emotion?

As big as Melbourne is, common sense says that at least 2 clubs would have to be on the chopping block within the next 10 - 20 years, particularly with expansion teams soon entering the comp to add pressure to the games finances. Wouldn't people rather see their club co-exist than a) be the subject of a hostile take over a la Brisbane/Fitzroy, or b) cease to exist completely?

Trying to put myself in others shoes, I would by no means be completely happy with the thought of my team merging, but if it meant that we lost the perpetual ? over our heads and returned to the competive mix on and off the field I would definitely give it my support.

Locally Woodville-West Torrens seems to be an example of a merger that has worked out really well (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I wasn't around when it happened!), couldn't this be replicated at AFL level?

So if the Crows were in financial poo you would be happy to merge with Port to still exist in a mutated form?

I knew someone would say that, and yes Dutchy, I would support the decision if it was necessary. I wouldn't be 'happy' about it, but the smart decisions in life aren't always the easiest or happiest. That doesn't make me a sell out or a fair-weather supporter either. If you truly love your club, why would you let it die?

[dedja]

So who's you tip to coach the Shinboners next year Dutchy? ...

[gadj1976]

This is not necessarily a direct reference to the Nth Melbourne situation, but why is it that when mergers are suggested as an option to resolve financial issues it involves so much negative emotion?

As big as Melbourne is, common sense says that at least 2 clubs would have to be on the chopping block within the next 10 - 20 years, particularly with expansion teams soon entering the comp to add pressure to the games finances. Wouldn't people rather see their club co-exist than a) be the subject of a hostile take over a la Brisbane/Fitzroy, or b) cease to exist completely?

Trying to put myself in others shoes, I would by no means be completely happy with the thought of my team merging, but if it meant that we lost the perpetual ? over our heads and returned to the competive mix on and off the field I would definitely give it my support.

Locally Woodville-West Torrens seems to be an example of a merger that has worked out really well (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, I wasn't around when it happened!), couldn't this be replicated at AFL level?

This is a never ending conversation my mates and I have - expand the comp, but reduce teams in Melbourne. Realistically these days it really doesn't matter where a team is based. Clubs will play home games all over the country in 20 years and clubs will want to take games to other states for financial benefit and to reward their supporters.

One question though, if the game is going to be expanded, why would the AFL let clubs die? More games equals more TV sponsorship, more money through the turnstiles etc, etc. I think the bigger issue is getting a fair deal for some of these teams so that they can support themselves outrightly.

I don't think the amount of clubs will change in Melbourne nor do I see a need to rationalise it. If the AFL wants their business to grow, wouldn't they want 20... 22... 24 teams in the future?

My comment to that question is that we don't have the depth of talent currently to support even 18 teams, but I'm sure the AFL are looking at that longer term concern.

The SANFL issue is different because we aren't trying to expand our competition.

[stan]

Seriously Dutchy how can you say that? With crowds in Melbourne below 20 000 and the current stadium deal still in place - face it it wont change until 2011 at teh earliest if it happens. $$$$ are still a problem.

Kangaroos new coach could be lured with big Bucks
Damian Barrett and Jon Ralph | June 16, 2009 10:40pm

NORTH Melbourne will join the AFL's big spenders in its search for a new coach - if it guarantees the luring of Nathan Buckley. The Roos will ramp up their budget to $800,000 a year for their coach if needed, with Collingwood legend Buckley a priority.

With the Arden St redevelopment almost ready and a huge increase in football department spending, the club believes it is an attractive proposition for a new coach

In football terms $$$ are no longer an issue, they have been in the past which has restricted us in -

> Signing Pagan for an extension
> Paying the full Salary Cap
> Having a full arsenal of rookies
> Having facilites that every AFL club deserves

Trust me there are at least 3 clubs in worse financial poo than the Roos...

Ive got to ask the question, is Buckley worth that much as a first year coach?

[Rik E Boy]

and all this coming off a 3rd in 2007 and a win from a top 4 spot in 2008 - things arent as bad as some make out

In 2007 you didn't beat anyone and 5th to 11th on the ladder is very tight in recent years. You have been a victim of your own 'sucess'. Finishing mid table gives you squat. Some of your young guys look OK but mate who is going to kick the goals??

regards,

REB

[Dutchy]

and all this coming off a 3rd in 2007 and a win from a top 4 spot in 2008 - things arent as bad as some make out

In 2007 you didn't beat anyone

Nah just the team that went onto win the 08 flag....

Agree we have been a victim of not bottoming out but Im comfortable with that, at least I know we are competitive each year and have a crack at the finals, not resorting to being basket cases like some of the current top teams

Ive never been more excited by our youngsters, will take some time, but the direction is certain

[Psyber]

I think Bucks would make a good coach but I don't think an untried coach is worth the sort of "bucks" that are being floated.

[dedja]

I think Bucks would make a good coach but I don't think an untried coach is worth the sort of "bucks" that are being floated.

True, but I think he mesmerised them with his F.I.G.J.A.M. presentation ...

[Psyber]

I think Bucks would make a good coach but I don't think an untried coach is worth the sort of "bucks" that are being floated.

True, but I think he mesmerised them with his F.I.G.J.A.M. presentation ...

Even in his early years the quip was he wasn't called "bucks" just because his name was Buckley..

[Sojourner]

If that is right that Buckley can be offered $800 000 to coach at North Melboure, then he should take it whilst its being offered, to get that level of coin as an untried coach is money for jam and as what happened to Tim Watson, great players dont even remotley make great coaches, so $800k is one hell of an insurance policy should he not make it at the top level!

[Zorro]

If that is right that Buckley can be offered $800 000 to coach at North Melboure, then he should take it whilst its being offered, to get that level of coin as an untried coach is money for jam and as what happened to Tim Watson, great players dont even remotley make great coaches, so $800k is one hell of an insurance policy should he not make it at the top level!

[scottroo]

and all this coming off a 3rd in 2007 and a win from a top 4 spot in 2008 - things arent as bad as some make out

In 2007 you didn't beat anyone and 5th to 11th on the ladder is very tight in recent years. You have been a victim of your own 'sucess'. Finishing mid table gives you squat. Some of your young guys look OK but mate who is going to kick the goals??

regards,

REB

another ill informed post on here, in 2007 the kangaroos beat the geelong cats, they went on to win the 2007 premiership.

[Dutchy]

Buckley will sign with the Roos TODAY

[dedja]

The pillow talk from Eddie is that Malthouse and Figjam have kissed and made up ... let's see what happens.

[JK]

Buckley will sign with the Roos TODAY

Should make for an interesting Footy Show tonight

[wycbloods]

Buckley will sign with the Roos TODAY

And let Crocker do the rest of the season? That would be odd to me.