Possible delay in GC17

[Hondo]

http://afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=69868

Their 2011 entry was not ratified at today's meeting of the AFL Commission, as was planed. A final decision has been deferred until the December meeting.

Based on Mike Fitzpatrick's comments, it seems the global financial crisis may cause GC17's entry to be delayed. With major sponsors potentially quitting the some of the existing 16 clubs I reckon there's been a re-think on the AFL's budget.

If it was delayed how would all the clubs feel after they treated this year's draft differently from normal and culled all those 24-28 year olds so they could stock up on draft picks?

If nothing else, I think we can assume that the West Sydney expansion will be delayed beyond the dates they originally set.

[Interceptor]

No license yet, but they have sorted out the Gabba arrangement with the Qld govt allowing the Gold Coast to play their home games at Carrara:

http://news.realfooty.com.au/sport/afl-gold-coast-deal-but-licence-on-hold-20081118-6a2s.html

[Dirko]

Meanwhile the new Gold Coast soccer team is full steam ahead....This would give the new A-League franchise a two year start minimum on the Coasters. Will be interesting to see the support this AFL team gets considering Brisbane struggle for membership...

[rogernumber10]

gold Coast has met all its licence conditions and been confirmed for the TAC Cup in 2009 and the VFL for 2010. AFL said yesterday its expectation that licence for 2011 would be confirmed at the December meeting