mcdermott sunday mail comment

[Footy Chick]

No anti-tiger spin on it at all luv, and apologise if it was interepreted in that way.

I even still have the manuscript of that interview I did with Cornes. Fancy saying that about the club you're coaching though..

Touche on the D.Smith thing

[nickname]

I'd like to think someone at the SANFL with a passion for the competition would feel an attack on the competition warranted a response.

[Dogwatcher]

That'll happen when...

[beenreal]

What I dont understand is how did we get involved.

Port Power are deliberatly running severely over budget. What has that got to do with the 9 SANFL clubs and the SANFL comp at all.

Its not our fault 1 club is to proud to stick to a budget.

Any chance the AFl clubs could actually thank the SANFl for what we have sacrificed for them over the last 18 years. Any gratitude at all ????

Nope just going to continue to complain and demanding more.

So glad we entered this failed experiment that is the afl.


Best of luck Port . Im sure crowds will go thru the roof now gold coast and west syndey are joining.

Now I've read everything. A Centrals fan talking about sticking to a budget. Next you'll be talking about the salary cap..... whoops, Shhhhh

[Dogwatcher]

What's sticking to a budget got to do with a salary cap (and therefore this topic)?
Two entirely different situations.

[sjt]

Then when it all went pair shaped and we had to come up with a team quick smart, they appointed the losing grand final coach over the winning grand final coach

Or, without the anti-Glenelg spin, a coach with a proven record at achieving success with high-level composite teams (i.e. State Of Origin), over a bloke whose record outside of his SANFL club was average at best.

I mean, Allan Bartlett... WTF were they thinking?

Probably thinking much the same as when they picked Darren Smith.

Have to disagree. D Smith I thought was okay though much maligned. Bartlett was a joke, that cost them games. Sorry I know this is off topic.

[Big Phil]

I'd like to think someone at the SANFL with a passion for the competition would feel an attack on the competition warranted a response.

Port Magpies CEO Matthew Richardson released a statement I found on the net regarding it...

The Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club wishes to assure all its members and supporters as well as SANFL League Football supporters that it will not “be forced to fall on its own sword” for the so-called betterment of the game in South Australia. There has been a great deal of speculation throughout the media over the last week surrounding the Power’s financial challenges, stadium deals and the role of the SANFL and indeed the SANFL Clubs in this.

The future prosperity of the SANFL competition, stadium deals for the two AFL Clubs and indeed the Power’s financial challenges are all complex issues, but there is one thing that is certain, the Magpies no longer continuing in the SANFL is not going to solve any of these issues. In 1997, when the Power entered the AFL, the SANFL knew that Port Adelaide needed to continue in the competition to ensure it remained strong and this has been proven. As difficult as it has been for the Magpies in the SANFL (both on and off the field), the club still holds the highest average and aggregate attendances in the SANFL competition between 1997 to 2008. When you consider that the Club has not had the success on field it would desire since 2000, it highlights the significance of this fact and as the Club rebuilds and becomes successful on field again, there is probably no club in the competition with more upside potential in terms of attendances. The Club has the highest levels of membership and sponsorship in the SANFL and this is currently up by 20% on the same time last year, belying the commonly held view that the Club is on the downward trend.

From a financial sense the Club has some challenges at the moment, but this is no different any other business in the current climate. Our challenges are somewhat unique in the SANFL and this is largely because in 1997 the Club virtually had to start from scratch again. In 2005 the Club purchased the Prince of Wales Hotel at Queenstown and this investment has been a very positive one for the football club. The Club did however have to borrow significant funds to make this purchase but over time our financial position will improve as we effectively own a commercial hotel on a main road in a growth area of Adelaide, and because it is a hotel it can be sold which is unlike most other clubs who effectively cannot sell their licensed venues. This is not to say we would sell, but it highlights that over time the value of our asset will grow and ultimately provide greater returns to the Club. In very simple terms, our asset is now worth nearly $4m, and we have debts of around $2m, so our long term financial viability is secure as long as we maintain and develop our hotel investment.

In 2008, the Club lost $240,000 and this was largely due to a significant downturn in gaming at the Prince of Wales Hotel. This was consistent with the industry in 2008 and was a major factor behind most SANFL Club financial results. It was not because of an overspending football department like some would like us to believe, in fact most SANFL football clubs rely on largely volunteer support across all levels of the Club. We have people who spend 300 to 400 hours a year at the club and receive a $250 honorarium for their considerable efforts and commitment. To our valuable coaches and support staff, I apologize the inference of “over expanding football departments” and sincerely thank them for the considerable time and commitment they put into our football club, for little or no financial gain.

The Club addressed these challenges early and has made some significant changes across the business, and pleasingly indicators for 2009 so far are ahead of budget. On the income side of things, our gaming revenue is 30% up on last year and membership revenue is 20% up whilst the costs savings that were implemented in the latter part of 2008 see total expenditure in the football club already nearly $80,000 less than last year.

The answers to a recent article questioning the continuation of the Magpies in the SANFL, the AFL Club and AAMI Stadium challenges do not lie with the Magpies rolling over. The Club’s Creed opens up by saying that “we accept the heritage that the players and administrators before us have passed down, and in doing so we do not intend to rest in idleness but shall strive with all our power to further this club’s unexcelled achievements.” That statement is as relevant now as it has ever been here at the Magpies, and the current generation of players, administrators, coaches and support staff at the Magpies carry that responsibility with a genuine sense of purpose and belief. This club has always been about looking forward and setting out to achieve our goals and now is no different, no matter what people on the outside might choose to think.

MATTHEW RICHARDSON - CEO

[silent hour]

I think we need the "Port Adelaide Magpies", the club with the outstanding history in the SANFL that funny enough wore the Port Adelaide Football Club jumper yesterday that we all love to hate and that play "THEIR HOME GAMES AT ALBERTON.

The Power or hang on this month its the club with the 130 years tradition as their promotions department call them are a side still wet behind the ears in the AFL could and should move to Adelaide Oval by Chris McDermotts comments.

Well Chris let them move there and let the Port Magpies continue to play at Alberton and wear the prison bar jumper or whatever they call it as they have for years and be the side we all love to hate.

PS I have a soft spot for the Magpies after the way the Power have treated them

Never thought I would read something like this from a Westies supporter

[beenreal]

Matthew Richardson was just stating his case on 5AA.

Bone has been listening to too many Shock Jocks. Without provocation, he went for the jugular, even bringing up what his Grandfather Les (Bro) Damon did for the club in the past. It took the other Port hater in Rowey to ask some benign, yet sensible questioning about relations with Power, etc. They are good by the way.

Wont go into detail about Matthew Richardson, most of what he stated was in the media release. He's great at public speaking but inexperienced on radio. Of course with today's AFL obsession, he doesn't get much opportunity. Suffice to say, as always he had his facts together, presented the club position well and needed to deliver the message stronger to counter McDermott's "opinion piece". He's still the best CEO in the SANFL.

Bottom line though, when you want a reaction about SANFL, you go for the biggest target in town. And that's still Port Adelaide!

[CUTTERMAN]

I think McDermott embarrassed himself in that interview, he almost seemed to be offended that Richardson disagreed and was somewhat offended with the article.
I can't see how changing the comp to 8 teams is going to make any difference what so ever, I don't see a problem with the bye it gives players time to rest and get over injuries and therefore helps maintain the quality of the game by good players being available more often, remember these guys are part-time players and do have full time work to think about.
In short the article was sensationalist at best, however it does bring up a few issues-
- what effects the falling economy will have on the comp
- the challenges the SANFL face by constant undermining by the AFL
As the SANFL is the oldest existing comp in Australia we should be uniting to save OUR comp and maintaining it's strength, indepenence and viability. Bickering and taking pot shots at each others' clubs wont help save it as it is today. Don't be taken in by the handywork of idiots meeting deadlines with sensationalism. We should be worrying about the designs the AFL have for the SANFL.
So, pull your fingers out of your navels, buy a membership at your club and make sure we can all be viable.

[UK Fan]

What I dont understand is how did we get involved.

Port Power are deliberatly running severely over budget. What has that got to do with the 9 SANFL clubs and the SANFL comp at all.

Its not our fault 1 club is to proud to stick to a budget.

Any chance the AFl clubs could actually thank the SANFl for what we have sacrificed for them over the last 18 years. Any gratitude at all ????

Nope just going to continue to complain and demanding more.

So glad we entered this failed experiment that is the afl.


Best of luck Port . Im sure crowds will go thru the roof now gold coast and west syndey are joining.

Now I've read everything. A Centrals fan talking about sticking to a budget. Next you'll be talking about the salary cap..... whoops, Shhhhh

hahahahaha the truth must hurt.

[Ronnie]

The bottom line is that it was a putrid article and a real slap in the face to our clubs.
Chris McDermott, a midget of SANFL football.

[CoverKing]

For a start, the Crows should move to Adelaide Oval and Port take over Football Park, but the Glenelg mafia, who actually created the Crows, would never let that happen

HAHAHAHA
the power cant even fill a part of footy park let alone the whole lot without the crows. i think u have the wrong way around. I for one would go to a lot more port games (even thou) i hate em if they were to go to the wonderful adelaide oval.

Port magpies have been unfairly treated by the Power, IMO they should either move to adelaide oval and let the magpies be there own, or the Magpies to be cut from the 9 team sanfl. i think the 9 team sanfl concept is good, but i think the power are screwing the concept up, by screwing the magpies over.

[panthers 2008]

Chris Mcdermott is a waste of space.
Unbelievably I actually used to think he occasionally made some reasonable contributions to football debate,but he's obviously lost what little grey matter he had!
Crap gutter rubbish that is only hurtful twords not only the Port Magpies but the SANFL comp!
It is competitions like the WAFL and SANFL that are the foundations of the so called big league AFL.
He may have been a decent player in his day,( could not coach for _hit!)but if you cannot contribute anything worthy of publishing go and crawl back into your cave!!

[Psyber]

While I certainly disagree with damaging the SANFL to benefit the AFL, there is some merit in the idea of shifting Port totally into the AFL arena and taking them out of the SANFL.
I expect most Port supporters would, in time, get over their pique at not having their internal war to continue and get behind the remaining "Port Adelaide".
Perhaps splitting Port in the first place was not a good idea??
Paying them out for their 1/9 ownership of the AFL licences could be part of the package, and would help the re-united Port team with its debts.

Alternatively we could, as sombody else suggested in another thread, sell the second licence to Tasmania, and use the money to help the SANFL teams.
Then Port Adelaide would exist as a SANFL team but not in the AFL. Of course there would not be AFL in Adelaide every week then, but that may benefit the SANFL teams too.

I admit this is purely speculative , and I have not undertaken the cost-benefit analysis.

[am Bays]

For a start, the Crows should move to Adelaide Oval and Port take over Football Park, but the Glenelg mafia, who actually created the Crows, would never let that happen

*chuckle* who are the Glenelg mafia left at the Crows/SANFL "not letting that happen"

[sjt]

I think in a pathetic attempt to gain ratings Mcdermott has lost a lot of supporters and credibility. I don't understand how getting rid of the Magpies helps the SANFL nor the Power. Maybe dividends paid to the other remaining clubs increases marginally, but to get rid of a stalwart team of the SANFL is idiotic.
During that interview he told Rowey you have to take emotion out of the decision. Fool, that's what footys about, emotion, passion. I know sometimes decisions have to be made on an economic basis, i.e if the sums don't add up. This is not such a case. He musn't have watched essence of the game Friday night. How did Hawthorn, Melbourne, Sturt survive ?
His reasoning is what turned me off the Crows/AFL, the chase of the commercial dollar.
I hope the ratings were worth the damage to his reputation and opinion. Though I can't believe he really believes what he wrote.

[JK]

He pretty much tried the same thing over the last few years with the Norwood-Sturt merger he had on good authority ... I wouldn't worry too much about him

[Il Duce]

For those of us who were younger at the time of Port's original attempt for entry to the AFL in 1990 (i was 14 and remember all the fuss and the end result but not all the details) what was the plan?

Did the Magpies plan to enter the AFL and abandon the local comp altogether?
or
Was the plan to have a team in the AFL and SANFL, similar to what we have at the moment?

the planned to leave the sanfl all together both times. 1st time they were vittoed and crows were formed and 2nd time they were told they would only get the afl licence is they kept a sanfl team.

[ORDoubleBlues]

Typical McDermott muckraking