victorian clubs

[mopsy fraser]

I think we need to look at merger as an option, as much as it makes think our supporters would be yellow-belied to allow it.

Basically after more than a quarter of a century of sub-mediocrity we have to start thinking about anything that might turn around our future – and I can’t see anything.

If you consider:
- we won our last flag 27 years ago;
- we have made the finals four times since;
- we recently (three years ago) welcomed a faux-saviour;
- we spend less on recruiting than any other club (and it shows through our bad youth);
- three years into a “re-build” we are sitting last on the ladder; and
- our list is just horrible in terms of promise.

Merger may be the only option to stop the rot, which at the moment is actually gathering momentum!

The only question is why Melbourne? They are just as bad as us! What about a club with some success, but then I suppose they wouldn’t want us!

and if we merged WE wouldn`t exist.
i`d get more satisfaction out of supporting a struggling richmond tigers who only wins the odd game here and there than a merged team that won 15 flags in a row.

there`s no need to merge, we are one of the biggest supported clubs in the league and are going to make another million dollars this season and we haven`t won a game yet. it`s only a matter of time before we re emerge as a power on and off the field.

 

[Chiang Mai Tiger]

hear hear Mopsy

 

[AstuteTiger]

hear hear Mopsy

2nd that, but i think our financial improvement has more to do with Steven Wright than Gary march, he did say when he came on board that u need to make money regardless where u are on the ladder and to make a million bucks last year and on target for another million this year just goes to show that the infrastructure off field is right....
Wait to we get it right on field we will only get stronger financially due to increased memberships, sponsors, corporates, gate receipts etc etc.

Almost 62,000 at the G on sat nite and we were 0 and 8, how many other clubs can do that?

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

Almost 62,000 at the G on sat nite and we were 0 and 8, how many other clubs can do that?

Of the 37 matches played by a team winless at Round 9 for which attendances were recorded, our crowd was easily the largest. Second biggest was 35505, St v WB at Telstra Dome in 2000. Not many of those games were played at major stadiums however.

 

[AstuteTiger]

Almost 62,000 at the G on sat nite and we were 0 and 8, how many other clubs can do that?

Of the 37 matches played by a team winless at Round 9 for which attendances were recorded, our crowd was easily the largest. Second biggest was 35505, St v WB at Telstra Dome in 2000. Not many of those games were played at major stadiums however.

Good stat LTRTR, but i reckon even if they were played at a larger venue they still wouldn't of got 62,000 unless perhaps it was rich v coll or ess v coll.

 

[interested]

As has been said, the Melbourne Football Club must always exist. It would be a disgrace of the AFL to throw away one of the richest parts of history the sport has - MFC is one of the oldest football clubs in the world (arguably the oldest), and those who formed the club also created the rules.

That said, there is no doubt in my mind that the AFL cannot support this many teams in Melbourne, and I personally believe 12 teams in the competition would be the optimum amount.

A merger between Melbourne and Richmond, or Hawthorn would make sense - but at this stage, it is impossible to see how exactly it would be agreed upon. Melbourne would not agree to the name only - the jumper would have to incorporate some of the Melbourne colours. One of the reasons I feel MFC supporters went for the 1996 Hawks merger is because it was so weighted in Melbourne's favour. In effect, HFC was being voted out of existence.

Now that Hawthorn has a base in Waverly - I would merge them with the Kangaroos. I see no point in moving them to QLD where there just will not be the support required.

Essendon, Geelong and Collingwood remain as they are.

The Western Bulldogs can join with St. Kilda in some form.

And Melbourne become the Melbourne Tigers in a merger with Richmond.

That brings the Victorian based teams to 6, and interstate teams to 6. 12 teams.

In my opinion, something needs to be done. Many would see this merger as voting RFC out of existence, however, it is simply my opinion that the AFL needs a massive shake up - like soccer did - to reinvigorate it, and ensure its future.

My opinions won't be supported by the majority of people, however I believe I could support the Melbourne Tigers.

 

[interested]

Changing my mergers:

Kangaroos to Carrara (I changed my mind)
Hawthorn to Tasmania
Carlton, Essendon, Collingwood, Geelong the same

Melbourne and Richmond
St. Kilda and Bulldogs

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

In my opinion, something needs to be done. Many would see this merger as voting RFC out of existence, however, it is simply my opinion that the AFL needs a massive shake up - like soccer did - to reinvigorate it, and ensure its future.

I'd prefer Richmond to stay intact and join a re-formed VFL competition than to merge in order to remain in the national one.

 

[interested]

In my opinion, something needs to be done. Many would see this merger as voting RFC out of existence, however, it is simply my opinion that the AFL needs a massive shake up - like soccer did - to reinvigorate it, and ensure its future.

I'd prefer Richmond to stay intact and join a re-formed VFL competition than to merge in order to remain in the national one.

I doubt there will ever be another merger attempt with Victorian clubs after the last effort, so I'm fairly sure Richmond are safe, however - this is just my solution. Few will agree.

 

[JR8]

Parden my French but any mention of the Tigers merging with ANYBODY is just total *smile* *smile*!!