SA Footy

Just throwing this one out there as a discussion topic:

Could SA one day support a third AFL club? Will it always just be the Crows and Port?

Look at it this way:
Victoria has a population of about 5.2 million and 10 clubs (about 520,000 each)
SA has about 1.5 million and 2 clubs (750,000 each).
By 2050 it is predicted SA will have a population of 2 million, that would be 660,000 between 3 clubs.

If there is a third club, what shape would it take? - I'll put forward a couple of options:
A Norwood-Sturt merger (as was proposed in 1994) creating an eastern suburbs club - perhaps struggling Melbourne will one day relocate and become the Norwood-Sturt Demons wearing red and blue?
Central District, taking advantage of the population boom up there and strong attachment northern suburbs people have to the area

I reckon both of these would attract supporters away from the Crows based on the geographical attachment supporters would have to these clubs and the area they represent.

I don't think this is viable now, but who knows 10, 20, 30 years down the track.

Except 10 clubs are struggling in Melbourne, so 520,000 each may not be enough.
Also, as much as I like the Norwood merger option, I really can't see Adelaide's growth being sufficient, given the likelihood of the Murray running dry, and the cost of desalination.

will never happen

The day Port Power start selling out Footy Park every week, and garner 750 000 members/supporters, then it'll happen.

i.e Never...

Couldn't happen, any new side would have to be based either north or south with a different home ground to footy park.

A northern based team (eg Centrals based) would then have to draw people away from Crows & Port.

I don't think there is enough other footy followers in SA to have a successful 3rd side.

Where is JAr MAn Out when you need him,

BD in a word no, for reasons others have mentioned, population and support for a third team.

Nice avatar mate.

On a serious note,no.Surley Tasmania and the NT would be more of a chance of supporting an AFL side there.Makes me wonder,why do Taswegians get teased by Hawthorn when the Western suburbs of Sydney are too busy rioting to give a flying about an AFL side.Just because there are lots of people doesnt mean they are going to go to the footy.

No

I think a distinct possibility that it could happen is if a current melbourne club (eg North Melbourne) relocates and uses Adelaide oval as its ground. Maybe not in the immediate future but maybe within 5 - 6 years.

Would love to see AFL footy at Adelaide Oval!

Most likely never but certainly not in the next 10 years imho.

silent hour wrote:I think a distinct possibility that it could happen is if a current melbourne club (eg North Melbourne) relocates and uses Adelaide oval as its ground. Maybe not in the immediate future but maybe within 5 - 6 years.

Not going to happen. If any Melbourne club relocates it will be northwards.

Telstra/Foxtel are putting up the cash and they will tell the AFL exactly where, and that will be where they have most subscribers or potential subscribers prepared to pay to follow a "local" team.

Black Diamond wrote:Just throwing this one out there as a discussion topic:

Could SA one day support a third AFL club? Will it always just be the Crows and Port?

Look at it this way:
Victoria has a population of about 5.2 million and 10 clubs (about 520,000 each)
SA has about 1.5 million and 2 clubs (750,000 each).
By 2050 it is predicted SA will have a population of 2 million, that would be 660,000 between 3 clubs.

If there is a third club, what shape would it take? - I'll put forward a couple of options:
A Norwood-Sturt merger (as was proposed in 1994) creating an eastern suburbs club - perhaps struggling Melbourne will one day relocate and become the Norwood-Sturt Demons wearing red and blue?
Central District, taking advantage of the population boom up there and strong attachment northern suburbs people have to the area

I reckon both of these would attract supporters away from the Crows based on the geographical attachment supporters would have to these clubs and the area they represent.

I don't think this is viable now, but who knows 10, 20, 30 years down the track.

I dont think this will ever eventuate. The state is already populated and devided with 2 popular clubs. It would be extremely hard to generate membership. possibilty down the track to give it a go but not in the next decade. And if the AFL was really expanding Nth Queensland would be a good option..

No chnace. Not even in 10 years. SA refuses to expand or develop.

stan wrote:No chnace. Not even in 10 years. SA refuses to expand or develop.

Fair enough really

Central District for the AFL.

With Government, SANFL and AFL help to build a World Standard Arena.

With a possible Merger with our Rooster Buddies.....

Dog_ger wrote:Central District for the AFL.

With Government, SANFL and AFL help to build a World Standard Arena.

With a possible Merger with our Rooster Buddies.....

Only if the merged club was called the North Adelaide Roosters

The Adelaide Northerners.....

The Central Roosters....

Dog_ger wrote:The Adelaide Northerners.....
The Central Roosters....

A pommie AFL team from Lizbeff!?

"A team for all Australians"

WATCH THIS SPACE...

Obviously we can't be "RED & White",

or

Red, White & Blue.....

Funny named colours to surface....

No-one ever heard of teal before the Power...?