The future for Fitzroy

[Sojourner]

Not having seen the "born 1883 - murdered 1996" thread before, I must say that I found it really interesting to read the history of what went on in that situation, so much so that I will take a look for the presidents book that he wrote on the subject as I think it would be a good read!

What I wanted to bring up was the future of Fitzroy and the potential scenarios that could see them return to the AFL competition? Initially I would not have thought that would be likely to be possible, yet then I am reminded of the South Sydney Rabbitohs who after being unfairly kicked out of the NRL competition were able to rejoin through a legal battle. From the other thread I found this website - http://www.fitzroyfc.com.au/home.html which suggests that Fitzroy are still going and have a group of members commited to keeping the club going. If it did happen that the club got some good advertising for what they trying to do, it could well put pressure on the AFL to do something. Whether they could care less or not who knows, yet it would be interesting anyway!

Clearly the AFL has long term plans to set up clubs on the Gold Coast, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. The question might be asked as to why Brisbane could not "demerge" to form one of the new clubs enabling Fitzroy to have their trademarks back again and compete in the AFL. The Tasmanian Goverment have stated several times that they are prepared to underwrite an AFL license into Tasmania. Brisbane are well able to stand on their own two feet, so maybe Fitzroy could be given that licence and play their home games in Tassie as the AFL's 17th team?

[Roylion]

Not having seen the "born 1883 - murdered 1996" thread before, I must say that I found it really interesting to read the history of what went on in that situation, so much so that I will take a look for the presidents book that he wrote on the subject as I think it would be a good read!

It's an excellent read and one Phil refuses to read, despite my suggestion that he does so. Perhaps then he might comment with at least a little bit of knowledge. There's several other books that are worth reading such as "Fitzroy: For the Love the the jumper" by Chris Donald, Adam Muyt's excelent book "Maroon and Blue" and Rick Lang's "Roar of the Lions".

What I wanted to bring up was the future of Fitzroy and the potential scenarios that could see them return to the AFL competition?

I'm one of the current 1,200 members of Fitzroy Football Club (shareholder). I don't think Fitzroy will ever back in the AFL. The best they could hope for is a positon in the VFL (formerly VFA)

Initially I would not have thought that would be likely to be possible, yet then I am reminded of the South Sydney Rabbitohs who after being unfairly kicked out of the NRL competition were able to rejoin through a legal battle. From the other thread I found this website - http://www.fitzroyfc.com.au/home.html which suggests that Fitzroy are still going and have a group of members commited to keeping the club going.

1,200 members, including life members, shareholders and annually 300 ordinary members, who pay their $25 each year. Thhe club also has a merchandise shop located in Mordialloc. Fitzroy FC is also a signatory to the merger agreement and are determined that the merger agreement terms, such as a minimum six games in Victoria for the Lions, will be adhered to. They also own the FFC logo trademark and have authorised the Fitzroy jumper (1975-1996) to be worn in two AFL matches later on this year by the Brisbane Lions. Thye are also involved in the "Fitzroy-Brisbane Historical Society and have organised for August 19th, what is thought to be the biggest player reunion in the hstory of the AFL at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Every living Fitzroy player, Bears or Brisbane Lions player ever to pull on a senior jumper for the clubs has been invited. The nearest relative of all deceased players have also been invited.

If it did happen that the club got some good advertising for what they trying to do, it could well put pressure on the AFL to do something. Whether they could care less or not who knows, yet it would be interesting anyway!

It would be, but I don't think the AFL care much about what happens to Fitzroy supporters now.

Clearly the AFL has long term plans to set up clubs on the Gold Coast, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. The question might be asked as to why Brisbane could not "demerge" to form one of the new clubs enabling Fitzroy to have their trademarks back again and compete in the AFL.

Fitzroy FC owns the FFC trademark already and could compete in a competition in the traditional Fitzroy guernsey. However the highest level of football they would have a hope of competing in at the highest level would be the VFL (VFA). Even then a million dollars would be required to get that going. A home ground, such as Victoria Park or Junction Oval would also need to be organised. Fitzroy did try a joint venture with Coburg in 1999-2000, when the Coburg-Fitzroy Lions competed in the VFL, but Coburg's financial problems saw them seek a cheaper AFL alignment with Richmond. Richmond didn't want a bar of Fitzroy's involvement, despite suggesting a similar type merger in 1996, when Fitzroy would have played in the VFL in their jumper, as Richmond's reserves.

The Tasmanian Goverment have stated several times that they are prepared to underwrite an AFL license into Tasmania. Brisbane are well able to stand on their own two feet, so maybe Fitzroy could be given that licence and play their home games in Tassie as the AFL's 17th team?

Perhaps. Fitzroy did try playing home games in Tasmania back in 1991-92. Fitzroy FC does have a small role in the AFL thought, in the way I have described above. Perhaps the most realistic option might be a joint venture with an existing VFL club, as in 1999-2000.

[am Bays]

Clearly the AFL has long term plans to set up clubs on the Gold Coast, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

MAte the NT are struggling to get enough cash to subsidise an entry into teh SANFL, they'll never have the market to justify an AFL team in the NT.

FYI Adel, WC, Collingwood have budget twice the size of the entire Sport and Recreation Department of the NT......and the NT government already pumps $$$$ in the AFLNT with upgrades to MArrara oval and funding for DOs and administrators.

Tassie I'm not sure of but given Tasmania hasn't got the market to justify an NBL team they are a long way off being able to afford $25 Million to run an AFL club

[Wedgie]

Tassie I'm not sure of but given Tasmania hasn't got the market to justify an NBL team they are a long way off being able to afford $25 Million to run an AFL club

Dude, it sounds like you're talking to yourself or about yourself!

[am Bays]

LOL as long as I don't answer back......

[Sojourner]

MAte the NT are struggling to get enough cash to subsidise an entry into teh SANFL, they'll never have the market to justify an AFL team in the NT.

NT seem to be going alright with their trial games up north, - as long as the weather holds on the day! NT have a way to go yet I agree, yet it is worth noting the number of new suburbs springing up in Darwin at present, areas resembling what happened in Adelaide with Golden Grove are springing up at a rapid rate at present, they are talking about becoming a State rather than a Territory, so there is definatley positive change occuring there towards their capacity to have an AFL side based there.

Tassie I'm not sure of but given Tasmania hasn't got the market to justify an NBL team they are a long way off being able to afford $25 Million to run an AFL club

The question is which sponsors will share the load, companies that want to advertise to the Tasmanian market would have a good opportunity to get on board, as would Tasmanian firms like Boags, Cascade, Devondale, Cadbury etc that want to get further exposure on mainland markets. I think that the reason the Tassie Goverment are keen to underwrite it is not unlike why the S.A government underwrite the Clipsal, that the hotels on the weekend of the matches are filled and that they get tourists to stay on or before the games pumping funds into the local economy. With the recent advent of carriers like Jetstar, flights from Melbourne to Hobart are a lot cheaper than they once were, giving Tassie good oportunities for increasing their tourist dollar.

[heater31]

The question is which sponsors will share the load, companies that want to advertise to the Tasmanian market would have a good opportunity to get on board, as would Tasmanian firms like Boags, Cascade, Devondale, Cadbury etc that want to get further exposure on mainland markets. I think that the reason the Tassie Goverment are keen to underwrite it is not unlike why the S.A government underwrite the Clipsal, that the hotels on the weekend of the matches are filled and that they get tourists to stay on or before the games pumping funds into the local economy. With the recent advent of carriers like Jetstar, flights from Melbourne to Hobart are a lot cheaper than they once were, giving Tassie good oportunities for increasing their tourist dollar.

Tassie is a funny market, only recently Boags has made inroads in Hobart and similarly Cascade in Launceston before that Tasmainians looked at people funny if you were drinking Boags in Hobart

[am Bays]

MAte the NT are struggling to get enough cash to subsidise an entry into teh SANFL, they'll never have the market to justify an AFL team in the NT.

NT seem to be going alright with their trial games up north, - as long as the weather holds on the day! NT have a way to go yet I agree, yet it is worth noting the number of new suburbs springing up in Darwin at present, areas resembling what happened in Adelaide with Golden Grove are springing up at a rapid rate at present, they are talking about becoming a State rather than a Territory, so there is definatley positive change occuring there towards their capacity to have an AFL side based there.

I'm having a sense of de ja vouz here, just waiting for Dogs4eva to join in....NT still has a population of less than 200 000 people (1/2) that of Geelong and less than the City of Onkaparinga in Adelaide

Despite the population growth from 180 000 in 2001 to 190 000 2006 no way can it support an AFL franchise......

[Dogsbody]

I'd love to see Fitzroy enter the VFL competition. It would get rid of the bye and there would be seven games every weekend.

I reckon all the old Fitzroy supporters would definitely support it, as would a lot of the younger generation that follows the Lions in their AFL form which is what the VFL should be aiming for.

[Booney]

*shouts*

Phiiiiilllll ohhhhhh Phiiiiilllllll

[Rik E Boy]

*shouts*

A couple of schooners thanks Booney.



regards,

REB

[Coorong]

*shouts*

A couple of schooners thanks Booney.



regards,

REB

With chasers for me

[doggies4eva]

MAte the NT are struggling to get enough cash to subsidise an entry into teh SANFL, they'll never have the market to justify an AFL team in the NT.

NT seem to be going alright with their trial games up north, - as long as the weather holds on the day! NT have a way to go yet I agree, yet it is worth noting the number of new suburbs springing up in Darwin at present, areas resembling what happened in Adelaide with Golden Grove are springing up at a rapid rate at present, they are talking about becoming a State rather than a Territory, so there is definatley positive change occuring there towards their capacity to have an AFL side based there.

I'm having a sense of de ja vouz here, just waiting for Dogs4eva to join in....NT still has a population of less than 200 000 people (1/2) that of Geelong and less than the City of Onkaparinga in Adelaide

Despite the population growth from 180 000 in 2001 to 190 000 2006 no way can it support an AFL franchise......

You called?

Geez you guys, Darwin has a population of about 100,000 thats less than Salisbury! I am hanging out to see a team in the SANFL which would be a big effort. AFL - no way. Its not just the population. Have a look at the accounts of the average AFL club. Notice anything? Sponsorship is a big earner. Darwin is still dominated by government. There is very little in the way of big business that could come up with big dollars.

[Dutchy]

Agree...having to visit Darwin a couple of times a year...it really is still a developing city...if not done correctly any exposure to the AFL/SANFL could set back footy up there not enhance it

[Sojourner]

Any team in Darwin, no matter what the population would still have to play a high proportion of their "home" games interstate, they play footy up their in the Summer time as the conditions in our winter are not suitable for football.

So in theory, they could be hosted in S.A for some of their games which would likely draw a reasonable crowd, particuarly if it was hosted at Adelaide Oval on a Friday night!

[smac]

That would involve NT based players flying to Adelaide on a weekly basis - a little difficult to do. I did it for work a few years back, flew between Darwin and Adelaide on a weekly basis - and it was tough as buggery, incredibly tiring.

Not many options that would work too well, IMO. It appears some want to grow our comp for the sake of getting rid of the bye. The bye gives everyone a week off - i/s recruits can head home to see family/friends, injuries can heal a little more, fans can reintroduce themselves to family (guilty ).

Perhaps it could stay the same (in respect of number of teams and who they currently are)?

[doggies4eva]

Any team in Darwin, no matter what the population would still have to play a high proportion of their "home" games interstate, they play footy up their in the Summer time as the conditions in our winter are not suitable for football.

So in theory, they could be hosted in S.A for some of their games which would likely draw a reasonable crowd, particuarly if it was hosted at Adelaide Oval on a Friday night!

What do you mean "the conditions in our winter are not suitable for football"? They are similar to Brisbane warm days about 30 degrees dropping down to about 20 overnight and no rain to sepak of during the season. It would probably be best to play most games under night and they would have to travel for half their games - just like the Crows and Power. So whats the problem?

[Rik E Boy]

So whats the problem?

No ******* people.

regards,

REB

[doggies4eva]

So whats the problem?

No f****** people.

regards,

REB

REB mate, what are your maths like?

Adelaide: 1m people and 9 SANFL teams

Darwin 100k+ and 1 team.

[Sojourner]

What do you mean "the conditions in our winter are not suitable for football"? They are similar to Brisbane warm days about 30 degrees dropping down to about 20 overnight and no rain to sepak of during the season. It would probably be best to play most games under night and they would have to travel for half their games - just like the Crows and Power. So whats the problem?

Mainley the humidity, why do the NTFL not play at the same time as the rest of the various state competitions in Oz?