sjt wrote:I think Rucci's articles are doing damage to the AFL "brand'. He's creating a backlash to the AFL as SANFL followers, step up to support the SANFL, which he persists in "trashing". Les Steven's letter to CDFC supporters was a response to the "media beat up", and obviously one "journalist" (loose term) in particular. If he hadn't been bagging the SANFL so much, maybe the AFL teams would be getting more sympathy.
I must admit, I was a Crow's member for about the first five years, before it all felt too commercial. I even didn't mind the Port team, (but not the supporters

). Now, I've been "put off". Despite, living walking distance to the Oval and consistently being offered free tickets, I haven't bothered to see a game in the last couple of years.
I though the following a good post on the CDFC website. Posted by "dogfish":
Comparisons.
I go to AAMI to watch an AFL game. Pay to park.
I walk to the gate and someone is trying to sell raffle tickets for the club as it's crying poor (Strange when players are on 6 figure salaries). I then buy my family tickets, which are over priced. I squeeze the family in the middle of the row to take our seats. The kids complain, I'm Hungry or toilet etc. So out we go, disturbing people again. 20 minutes later I am back in my seat. $100 gone.
Through the game I wonder what is going on with all the kicking backwards etc. No one seems to kick straight at goal. I see a good mark from the opposition and say so quietly to myself, only to have half a dozen old bags turn around and scream at me that I should go home. Now i'm busting for a piss, but don't want to disturb everyone again so I put up with it until half time I don't hear any discussions on how a player is improving, struggling. No comments on a good run of play.No concerns about players being underdone.
Its simple. Cheer if we got the ball. Boo if they got the ball.
No opposition supporters around to chat to. Can't wonder off and have a beer with a mate a couple of rows over.
The whole spectacle seems so distant.
The crowd is a herd of sheep.
I have been to AFL games in Brisbane and Melbourne, and it's the same. Dull.
Playford Alive.
I park across the road for free. I give the Salvos a donation at the gate. ( I think they are more deserving than the ticket collectors for the AFL clubs) The kids get in free. I say see ya later and they wonder off with $5 each to meet up with their mates.
I can sit where I want, talk to who I want. Grab a bite to eat while still watching the game. The discussions are interesting as people know the players. I can go and listen to the huddle. See the injured/ retired players kicking a footy with their kids at quarter time. Banter between supporters of the opposition. Hear their thoughts on how their team is going. I can even compliment the opposition, or god forbid say they should have got a free without being screamed at. Then at the end be home within 20min of the final siren.
It's all interactive. I feel a part of the club. I think my membership is important, The players have a laugh, chat with the supporters. They are real people with real jobs just like us. Never do I feel I am being ripped off.
The glitz and glam of the AFL is a full con job if I ever did see one. You can sit and stare at it from a seat at the ground, or get exactly the same experience on your own lounge watching it on the box. This is why even though I get free AFL tickets with my CDFC membership I am still not interested, and I haven't heard of anyone around me saying they use them either.