Folau to Western Sydney

**Lucky Knickers** · 1st June 2010, 08:14 PM

I find it perplexing when people say we shouldn't develop AFL in new markets but shore up support in existing markets. Why can't we do both?
My weekend in Melbourne was awesome breathing the AFL infused air and getting spoilt for choice and like hot potato above, can't wait for the chance to see two lives games in Sydney.

?Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.? - Ben Franklin

**Damien** · 1st June 2010, 08:19 PM

Well, it certainly has annoyed the League world this one, much more than the Hunt defection. They have been quick to point out the failures of a few Leaguies to convert to Rugby etc and the move, whle probably not designed for it, isn't going to convert any hardcore league fans.

The one thing I think it does though, it sort of legitimises GWS as a club in Australian sport, which is probably priceless, and it really does place it on the map and his development over the next 12 months will be weekly news followed by all media in the country, so that is a massive bonus.

I personally don't rate having our two highest players, one about to debut in the VFL and one playing for the Brisbane Broncos, but I hope it works. Can't wait to see how the GWS plan on creating the rivalry with us over the next year, because I reckon that is the real key to sucess here, our clubs can't be friends!!

I don't think we need them though....I just think of Lockett, great footballer and Sydney Legend, did more than any player in the promotion of the game. If Folau and Hunt don't work out on the field, then I think it's a waste of money, no matter what marketing value they might be deemed to be.

**Damien** · 1st June 2010, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by cruiser

I heard on ABC 702 that he's gonna get $6M over 4 years. That is massive.

According to the Broncos, but according to AFL media it's 4 Mill over 4 Years.

**Big Al** · 1st June 2010, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Lucky Knickers

I find it perplexing when people say we shouldn't develop AFL in new markets but shore up support in existing markets. Why can't we do both?
My weekend in Melbourne was awesome breathing the AFL infused air and getting spoilt for choice and like hot potato above, can't wait for the chance to see two lives games in Sydney.

?Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.? - Ben Franklin

I have lived in the western suburbs of Sydney my entire life and I can tell you that the AFL are wasting their money. I hope I'm wrong LK because, like you, I would love to see 2 games a week with good crowds and support.

**Lucky Knickers** · 1st June 2010, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by Big Al

I have lived in the western suburbs of Sydney my entire life and I can tell you that the AFL are wasting their money. I hope I'm wrong LK because, like you, I would love to see 2 games a week with good crowds and support.

And yet they successfully converted you.
My dad was born in a house whose back fence was Leichhardt oval. My pop ran the gate for many years before handing it over to his apprentice Georgie Bowden. Pop's ashes, along with two uncles are sprinkled under the goal posts and scoreboard. My sisters and my first words, according to my dad (but he loves a story) were "up the tigers". I had a jersey with Nbr 1 for Alan McMahon and then Gary Jack (isn't that ironic) and yet look at me now? I couldn't care less if I never saw another NRL game for the rest of my life on telly or live. I don't even watch the Grand Final unless West Tiges are in it and even then I'm just a huge bandwagoner.
I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying it isn't going to take time. My belief is that even though the old VFL couldn't have made the Swans task any harder if they deliberately plotted it, the AFL as it is today are committed and passionate. Who would have thought that a place would be created and exist where Sydney born and bred fans can meet on an equal footing with those that come from AFL heartlands and discuss more than just a swans game?
Am I concerned that GWS might impact Swans? Yes. I know that my part is to keep my Swans membership, support the club as much as I can and keep bringing newcomers to the game and helping them see how fantastic it is and what a superior bang for your spectator dollar AFL is in comparison.
Listening to The Back Page tonight I've decided Brian Taylor speaks wise words. I am locking this episode in the vault for when he sledges Folau on his debut

**Lucky Knickers** · 1st June 2010, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by Big Al

I have lived in the western suburbs of Sydney my entire life and I can tell you that the AFL are wasting their money. I hope I'm wrong LK because, like you, I would love to see 2 games a week with good crowds and support.

Has the AFL successfully converted you to the code as your sport of preference?
My dad was born in a house whose back fence was Leichhardt oval. My pop ran the gate for many years before handing it over to his apprentice Georgie Bowden. Pop's ashes, along with two of my uncles are sprinkled under the goal posts and scoreboard. According to family "legend" the first sentence spoken by my sisters and I was "up the tigers". I had a jersey with Nbr 1 for Alan McMahon and then Gary Jack (isn't that ironic) and yet look at me now? I couldn't care less if I never saw another NRL game for the rest of my life on telly or live. I don't even watch the Grand Final unless West Tiges are in it and even then I'm just a huge bandwagoner.
I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying it isn't going to take time. My belief is that even though the old VFL couldn't have made the Swans task any harder if they deliberately plotted it, the AFL as it is today are committed and passionate. Who would have thought that a place would be created and exist where Sydney born and bred fans can meet on an equal footing with those that come from AFL heartlands and discuss more than just a swans game?
Am I concerned that GWS might impact Swans? Yes. I know that my part is to keep my Swans membership, support the club as much as I can and keep bringing newcomers to the game and helping them see how fantastic it is and what a superior bang for your spectator dollar AFL is in comparison.
Listening to The Back Page tonight I've decided Brian Taylor speaks wise words. I am locking this episode in the vault for when he sledges Folau on his debut

**Damien** · 1st June 2010, 09:14 PM

^ Yeah B Taylor has been very good tonight, and he is up against 3 NRL heads! He is ON FIRE.

**Damien** · 1st June 2010, 09:15 PM

Oh god, how good was the "If guys really believe in your game, get a side into WA, SA, Tasmania and go for it, don't have a go at the AFL for coming to Sydney and having a real go at it"

**Lucky Knickers** · 1st June 2010, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by Damien

Oh god, how good was the "If guys really believe in your game, get a side into WA, SA, Tasmania and go for it, don't have a go at the AFL for coming to Sydney and having a real go at it"

I know....I take it all back.

**Big Al** · 1st June 2010, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Lucky Knickers

Has the AFL successfully converted you to the code as your sport of preference?

My Dad was a sports nut who followed ALL codes of footy (Souths,Collingwood,Liverpool) so I took after him to some extent. I am a Wests Tigers and Swans member(Yes 2005 was a decent year

) and love that I get
to indulge both passions through the winter. My love for AFL comes from parental influence and nothing to do with any thing the VFL did. Although my support for the Swans was only entrenched through the Edelsten era. You make some good points and as I said, I hope I'm wrong and that in my lifetime, I get to see 2 powerful AFL sides in Sydney.