Sojourner wrote:HOORAY PUNT wrote:Why do you go on about Mt Barker constantly. South had no choice but to move otherwise they wouldn't be here today. Sturt will be staying at Unley for the long term so are you OK if we approach the Govt for some help still ?
If South had not moved to Noarlunga we most certainley still would be here today much to the chagrin no doubt of the SANFL and several of its clubs. We had sorted out our debt problems well before the move was made and the venue at St Marys was doing quite nicely in terms of revenue.
Go approach the SANFL for as much as you like, I am sure if the Unley Council hand them the deeds to the oval that they will be more than happy to have a look at it. Whilst you are about it why not have them compulsorly acquire several of the houses next door for a carpark and get a lights project up and running?
Much like Peel Thunder in the WAFL, the SANFL will have little option but to start a new side in Mt Barker if an existing side does not want to move up there considering its the fastest growing now suburban area of Adelaide and has massive growth forecast over the next 25 years. If SANFL is about being local with all areas represented then good luck to them, I am sure the new club will do pretty well with all that area to tap into for players and support rather than in Gods waiting room in the inner city.
All the inner city clubs like Sturt, Norwood, North Adelaide etc aren't about to give up 100 years of their identity to go to the outer burbs.
Having said that Sturt should look at what they can do in Mount Barker zone and that can come in various forms.
It's a balancing act though, in some ways an Oval 5km from the CBD is a better option than one miles away
Demographics change too, you would be surprised how many young families there are in places like Highgate, Goodwood etc. Older parents who have settled in their desired areas often have young kids
still at primary school.
Mt Barker to Unley is not that far anway.