johntheclaret wrote:(Apologies LPH, not having a dig mate. But I would be suprised if the Eagles weren't still in your heart). You might give up on your club, but you don't change aligiances to another club. If you do, then just maybe you weren't in love in the first place.
It's only my opinion but I would not be suprised if most others felt pretty much the same.
You are correct... of course I still watch/listen for & read about their performances.
I played @ WTFC - I will always be aligned with them.
My son is still a Member - he, more than anyone, has a go at me for removing my 'support'/membership.
As I say to him; "It is not that I don't want to be seen 'following' WWTFC.
What I disliked about the process was the vote without giving the Members a say."
Our 2 Clubs, more than anyone else, were affected more by the advent of AFL in SA - we merged.
Yes. Torrens had financial issues for most of the 1980's & yes, Woodville were an under performing Club, on field.
As a young bloke, I would ride my bike from West Lakes to Thebby (& back) for training every Sunday Morning.
The Club I loved, died - becoming another.
That 'other Club' continued to have factions - the 1993 Flag was good but really, it was a 'gift' because of the merger (player base, etc.) - WWTFC also played in all Grade Grand Finals, no doubt as a result of the 'strength' of player-pool.
During this time, the new entity sent letters to supporters - urging Membership Monies & Sponsorship.
This continues today.
People such as myself did 'put our hands in our pockets' - contributing to the financial success of the Club.
We did this gladly.
The 2006 Flag, I believe, ended the 'division' between WFC & WTFC supporters - that Flag was a tremendous feeling, for the whole Club.
I truly felt that the 'stigma' (internally at least) of the merger was now put to bed & the Club could move onward & upward as One.
The Club continued to seek financial support from its members & supporters - & I continued to do so.
2011 Flag was a little different - they came back from losing the Qualifying Final to Norwood, to winning the GF by 3 pts - Great Day for 'us'.
Of course I still have 'love' for that Club - I have 'history' with it.
But for them NOT to so much as ask for input from its members before making a decision as big as the decision for the 2 original Clubs to merge, is IMHO the height of arrogance & disrespect - particularly after seeking our financial support for so many years.
Remember, a lot of WTFC & WFC supporters 'walked away' in 1990 - those of us who stayed, I would contend, deserved better than to be told by Slaven & the Club "We are making the decision without you."
I have stated before; If the Club had put it to the vote (& naturally I would've voted "No") & the result was in favour (even 50.1% Yes), then I would've accepted the decision of the MEMBERS & although not happy, continued to financially support the Club & continue to attend games at Woodville Oval.
But they didn't have that respect - so they don't get my support.
I have chosen to give that financial support to SAFC - I enjoy going to the footy.
The 'passion' is not the same - but my daughter has always supported "Panthers", so that makes it easier.
So, JTC - Yes, you are right (to a degree).
I hope the above explains it somewhat