Just wondering what cities you lot think can sustain an A-League team in the future?

If the NZ Knights have a similar season as last they'll get the chop (i have a feeling this will happen), so we'll defeanately need some one to replace them.

O'Neill and Lowy were in Canberra recently so i think Canberra will be the next, also heard some rumours of some businesses in Wollongong discussing getting behind a team down there.

I would like a 10 team comp in the near future, i can see it as....

Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Central Coast
Newcastle
Perth
Adelaide
Illawarra or Wollongong
Canberra
And maybe a Western Sydney team playing out of Parramatta

I would also like to see teams playing out of Townsville and the Gold Coast but the will be a while, if ever.

I think Canberra/ACT must be the next cab on the rank. Not sure about 2 Sydney teams, following your plan NSW would have 5/10 teams in the competition.

A Tasmanian team might be a good idea, no-one else seems to do much with Tasmania, so they may build up a good support. They could hardly go worse than NZ, average crowd, 3909.

Personally I would keep NZ, they should improve, and add ACT and Tasmania.

I do think the potential in my eyes are a team in tassie, maybe by a long shot geelong, south melbourne has gotta come back, canberra probably should get a team, west sydney prefferably marconi and probably the gold coast and wollongong. But geelong would have to get a proper square stadium first.

I think Canberra/ACT must be the next cab on the rank. Not sure about 2 Sydney teams, following your plan NSW would have 5/10 teams in the competition.

A Tasmanian team might be a good idea, no-one else seems to do much with Tasmania, so they may build up a good support. They could hardly go worse than NZ, average crowd, 3909.

Personally I would keep NZ, they should improve, and add ACT and Tasmania.
Whats the score with Melbourne 3.7 million people and the State over 5 million people and only ONE team its a joke considering there might be 5 teams in NSW with a pop of 7 million work that out if you can.
Ah silly me, the A League HQ is in Sydney and run by a Sydney billionaire and his sidekick O'Neil also from - you guessed it Sydney!.

This is what i always feared... People getting angry because the game is run by nsw people. If you wait long enough the a rich victorian might end up buying the a league. And remember victoria put in 3 bids for a different teams and only got one team so that could prove that something could be going wrong in victorian football... This could be what collapses the a league. Besides you don't see people in manchester getting upset because everything is run from london.

^^
Isnt London 4 times the size of Manchester though?

I think it's like 10 times bigger, but manchester waited a long time and they ended up hosting the champions league so who knows what the new rectangular stadium in melbourne could score itself.

Whats the score with Melbourne 3.7 million people and the State over 5 million people and only ONE team its a joke considering there might be 5 teams in NSW with a pop of 7 million work that out if you can.
Ah silly me, the A League HQ is in Sydney and run by a Sydney billionaire and his sidekick O'Neil also from - you guessed it Sydney!.
Surprise surprise...................Turn this thread into a state v state or city v city war why don't you??

Anyways, i don't see Townsville getting a team anytime soon. I can't imagine them being all that popular up here. That said, Townsville & the whole of NQ for that matter, are pretty sports mad. So you never know.

Well steve corica came from somewhere near townsville like innisfail so i could see him going back to his hometown.

I do think the potential in my eyes are a team in tassie, maybe by a long shot geelong, south melbourne has gotta come back, canberra probably should get a team, west sydney prefferably marconi and probably the gold coast and wollongong. But geelong would have to get a proper square stadium first.

I don't think you get the point of the A-League mate.

Adelaide for sure.

Whats the score with Melbourne 3.7 million people and the State over 5 million people and only ONE team its a joke considering there might be 5 teams in NSW with a pop of 7 million work that out if you can.
Ah silly me, the A League HQ is in Sydney and run by a Sydney billionaire and his sidekick O'Neil also from - you guessed it Sydney!.

Ok, if you're planning on turning this into a NSW v Victoria or Sydney v Melbourne thread don't even fucking think about it, you can fuck right off!

Now, let's look at the cities which have populations of over 100k....

1 Sydney, New South Wales 4,254,894
2 Melbourne, Victoria 3,634,233
3 Brisbane, Queensland 1,810,943
4 Perth, Western Australia 1,477,815
5 Adelaide, South Australia 1,129,269
6 Newcastle, New South Wales 510,885
7 Gold Coast-Tweed, Queensland/New South Wales 482,037
8 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 324,786
9 Central Coast Region, New South Wales 304,600
10 Wollongong, New South Wales 275,883
11 Sunshine Coast, Queensland 212,864
12 Greater Hobart, Tasmania 165,761
13 Geelong, Victoria 165,761
14 Townsville, Queensland 148,767
15 Cairns, Queensland 123,408
16 Toowoomba, Queensland 119,133
17 Darwin, Northern Territory 111,300
18 Launceston, Tasmania 103,200
19 Albury-Wodonga, New South Wales/Victoria 100,278

The ones in bold currently have an A-League team.

Looking at the populations, i defeanately think the FFA should consider Gold Coast, Canberra and Illawarra/Wollongong sides because of the populations.

Also, a few people said a Tassie team. Would the population seriously get behing a team down there? It would be a huge punt.

I hope the dills organising the game in Sydney realise that to have only one team in Melbourne and Sydney will hurt the future of soccer in this country..

Some of the AFLs biggest games are the so called local derbys in Adelaide and Perth so to have only one team in Melbourne/Victoria is just plain stupid and bad planning.
So be it.
Oh and btw I wasnt trying to turn this into a state vs state thing just pointing out the facts as they stand as an interested observer.

Auslankan, one day there may be 2 sides in each Sydney and Melbourne.

First though, alot of people would like to see one team, one city, until enough of the population is covered.

Sydney and Melbourne people can get to games, no worries. I think the FFA should be concentrating on getting teams to where people would potentially embrace the game but currently can't. Look at the Central Coast, the whole region got behind the Mariners earlier this year. They feel they finally have a team, it's their team.

Also, some people like the thought of one team uniting their city, i know i do. The Sydney Swans and the NSW Waratahs sure don't do it. Hopefully in the future SFC will be a team that truly unites Sydney.

i think the above list showing the population of the larger cities says it all. nsw has larger coastal cities with rectangular stadiums then what victoria does. apart from geelong, cant think of where they could have another team outside of melbourne.
They tried it years ago with a team in gippsland but that was a total flop.

My ideas on how a 10 team league will look also with their home stadiums --

Perth Glory - MES Stadium
Adelaide United - Hindmarsh Stadium
Melbourne Victory - New Stadium
Canberra - Bruce Stadium
Wollongong Wolves - WIN Stadium
Sydney FC - Aussie Stadium
Central Coast Mariners - Central Coast Stadium
Newcstle Jets - Energy Australia Stadium
Gold Coast FC - New Stadium
Brisbane Roar - Ballymore

New Zealand Knights will go broke before you know it.
Queensland should change their name to Brisbane and move to ballymore which has a capacity of 22,000.

Future teams to come from Nth Qld, Western Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Southern Melbourne and tasmania

No old NSL teams!!!!!!

Part of the reason for the 1 team each for Sydney/Melbourne was to break up the old ethnic rivalry that existed between the NSL clubs.

Lions2006, i reckon there will be a team based out of Wollongong but it won't be the wolves.

They're a joke.

It will be something like Illawarra United or something.

it would be stupid for the Roar to play at Ballymore, its the exact reason the Reds left the stadium. Its in a bad position, hard to get too and is a fairly crap overall stadium.

The only problem with Suncorp is that it has high rental cost, but the Roar have a good financial base so im sure they can do it.

i think one team per state (and one for NZ) and 2 in the areas where theres enough demand for it (possibly NZ,VIC,NSW,QLD)

it's silly to think that just because those areas have a relatively high population that they could support 2 teams though... in a place like victoria it would be much better to focus on one team, there's less confusion and it can better compete for attention with other sports which are prominant here...

i'm of the opinion that the A league guys are doing a really good job pushing football in this country..

I don't think you get the point of the A-League mate. Two words. Transfer and Market. A few years ago wigan were wallowing in the 3rd division and these days they're giving arsenal a run for their money.

Two words. Transfer and Market. A few years ago wigan were wallowing in the 3rd division and these days they're giving arsenal a run for their money.

Basically what i meant is that there arent going to be any clubs in the A-League which are strongly linked to a perticular ethnic group.

People don't have a problem with ethnic social clubs setting up football teams, but they shouldnt be part of the top league.

When certain teams play all the racist wankers come out just to fight, it's not needed.

When there's a club which has no conncection to any perticular ethnic group anyone can support the club and not feel out of place.

Every club in the top flight should represent a city or area of a city, not a perticular ethnic group.

That is the problem, the top flight league in Australia isn't exactly linked to the lower-tier clubs, unlike the European competitions. Indeed that's a shame and it will need a lot of cleaning-up, to many people's dismay before we can get out of the ethnic local clubs.

Melbourne, or should I say the state of Victoria should be getting much more than 1 team if soccer/football is to get a foothold there stronger than rugby leagues. It has the greater potential to, but AFL down there looks more than just competition, it's a monopoly of winter sports

Well maybe the vodafone nsw premier league can merge with the victorian premier league and form a second division to the a league further down the track with relagations and promotions.

Ok, if you're planning on turning this into a NSW v Victoria or Sydney v Melbourne thread don't even fucking think about it, you can fuck right off!

Now, let's look at the cities which have populations of over 100k....

1 Sydney, New South Wales 4,254,894
2 Melbourne, Victoria 3,634,233
3 Brisbane, Queensland 1,810,943
4 Perth, Western Australia 1,477,815
5 Adelaide, South Australia 1,129,269
6 Newcastle, New South Wales 510,885
7 Gold Coast-Tweed, Queensland/New South Wales 482,037
8 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 324,786
9 Central Coast Region, New South Wales 304,600
10 Wollongong, New South Wales 275,883
11 Sunshine Coast, Queensland 212,864
12 Greater Hobart, Tasmania 165,761
13 Geelong, Victoria 165,761
14 Townsville, Queensland 148,767
15 Cairns, Queensland 123,408
16 Toowoomba, Queensland 119,133
17 Darwin, Northern Territory 111,300
18 Launceston, Tasmania 103,200
19 Albury-Wodonga, New South Wales/Victoria 100,278

The ones in bold currently have an A-League team.

Looking at the populations, i defeanately think the FFA should consider Gold Coast, Canberra and Illawarra/Wollongong sides because of the populations.

Also, a few people said a Tassie team. Would the population seriously get behing a team down there? It would be a huge punt.

It may work. The only competition is AFL

^^^^^^^^

One of the "cheapest" websites I have seen. At least make half an effort if you are going to advertise!

You want a ten team comp?

Simple.

Have every state and territory represented at least once, there is 8 of the ten teams right there, and give NSW and Vic an extra team. Wholla, there is your ten teams. Get rid of NZ, we don't need them with figures such as those quoted above.

Rather then increasing the top level teams, a national first division, second division and so on need to be setup, with promotion and relegation. But this is some years off.

Thats exactly what i said and i agree totally. And maybe introduce proper academies for the gifted junior players to blossom into world killers.

You want a ten team comp?

Simple.

Have every state and territory represented at least once, there is 8 of the ten teams right there, and give NSW and Vic an extra team. Wholla, there is your ten teams. Get rid of NZ, we don't need them with figures such as those quoted above.

There you go - now thats fair!

Bloody Vics and NSW people arguing about how many teams they get while some places don't even have one team. Come on guys, think bigger picture here.

Looks like even the much vaunted Sydney team is unsustainable without Lowry putting in millions to prop it up.

Lowy cash bails out crippled Sydney FC

By Michael Cockerill
April 28, 2006

Advertisement
AdvertisementFOOTBALL Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy has confirmed he intends to increase his stake in Sydney FC, describing the offer as a "rescue operation".

At the start of the inaugural A-League season, the Lowy stake in the club was 25 per cent, but since the end of the campaign — in which Sydney FC was crowned champion — the family of Australia's second-richest man is believed to have initiated moves to assume a majority interest of 51 per cent.

Despite its on-field success, Sydney has incurred the biggest losses of any A-League club — believed to be between $3 million and $6 million — and Lowy now wants to take a more hands-on approach to his investment.

Last month club chairman Walter Bugno survived moves to oust him, but, despite his popular support among fans, his long-term future remains uncertain.

Lowy believes that while the new television deal with Fox Sports will "make all the difference" to the financing of A-League clubs (each will receive an annual grant of $1.25 million), Sydney FC is in greater need of a cash injection.

"Let me say, first of all, it's not me personally, it's my family," he said. "To be honest, it's the last thing anyone in the Lowy family wants to do.

"But the reality is that Sydney FC have run out of money. They need additional capital. We look on ourselves as a rescuer. We're not interested in control of Sydney. We're interested in ensuring Sydney fields a very good team.

"It's important to the club, it's important to the FFA and it's important to Australia that we have a team in Sydney that is representative of its ambitions.

"We are prepared to help out to keep the club afloat and hopefully over time there will be other investors to come in and participate in the club's financial and management affairs.

"The fact is Sydney FC have spent more than they have. They need to be — I can't think of any other word — rescued. And if other people are prepared to come in, we will gladly share the responsibility.

"Sydney has a very good team, a very good coach. It had the biggest number of spectators. So it succeeded in every other respect. But, of course, it also cost more than expected. Not having enough money for next year, it would have been a disaster."

Sydney's ownership issues have affected decision-making since the end of the season, and at least partly contributed to the uncertainty surrounding coach Pierre Littbarksi.

There you go - now thats fair!

Bloody Vics and NSW people arguing about how many teams they get while some places don't even have one team. Come on guys, think bigger picture here.


While some places don't even have one team???

Read what I said again, I mean you did quote it. I said, have every state and territory represented at least once. Of course Vic and NSW would be the states to have 2 teams, they are the biggest.

What I suggested is this:

Vic: 2 teams
NSW: 2
QLD: 1
WA: 1
SA: 1
Tas: 1
NT: 1
ACT: 1

Total: 10

Not that hard.

Looks like even the much vaunted Sydney team is unsustainable without Lowry putting in millions to prop it up.


What's not mentioned in the article is why Sydney have so much debt. If Sydney had been allowed to keep the several million dollars they made at the Club World Championship, and not share it around the A-League the debt would have been a lot less. If the Oceania Club Championships had not been held on a pacific island, generating no income and costing SydneyFC around $750k the debt would have been a lot less. If some of the money from the 10,000 Kazu shirts Sydney sold in Japan had come back to the club, and not to Football Australia the debt would have been a lot less.

Yes Sydney spent a lot, but did attract excellent crowds. Some of the debt is also from club setup costs, and will not happen again next season.

With the costs of winning the FIFA Club World Championship Australian Qualifying Tournament, winning the Oceania Club Championship, and then sharing the money from Japan, I feel any club that had that success would have also had a lot of debt.

While some places don't even have one team???

Read what I said again, I mean you did quote it. I said, have every state and territory represented at least once. Of course Vic and NSW would be the states to have 2 teams, they are the biggest.

What I suggested is this:

Vic: 2 teams
NSW: 2
QLD: 1
WA: 1
SA: 1
Tas: 1
NT: 1
ACT: 1

Total: 10

Not that hard.

Yeah I was agreeing with you mate ;)

Sort out all states and territories first then think of second teams.

What's not mentioned in the article is why Sydney have so much debt. If Sydney had been allowed to keep the several million dollars they made at the Club World Championship, and not share it around the A-League the debt would have been a lot less. If the Oceania Club Championships had not been held on a pacific island, generating no income and costing SydneyFC around $750k the debt would have been a lot less. If some of the money from the 10,000 Kazu shirts Sydney sold in Japan had come back to the club, and not to Football Australia the debt would have been a lot less.

Yes Sydney spent a lot, but did attract excellent crowds. Some of the debt is also from club setup costs, and will not happen again next season.

With the costs of winning the FIFA Club World Championship Australian Qualifying Tournament, winning the Oceania Club Championship, and then sharing the money from Japan, I feel any club that had that success would have also had a lot of debt.

One thing a club, any club, should never do is base their budgets around prize money. Budget for the least amount, that is, budget for the amount you would receive if you finished last, and then anything else you get above that is a bonus. Conservatism.

One thing a club, any club, should never do is base their budgets around prize money. Budget for the least amount, that is, budget for the amount you would receive if you finished last, and then anything else you get above that is a bonus. Conservatism.

Usually I would agree with you, but in this case there were major costs involved with winning, and little to no return.

In May, Australia held a qualifying tournment for the Oceania Club Championship. This tournment did not generate money, but cost the clubs money. SydneyFC won and then had to spend between $750k - $1million moving the club to Tahiti for about 3 weeks. Unlike other Club Championships around the world, this tournment raised no money for the club. Sydney FC won this tournment as well.

In December SFC went to the World Club Championships in Japan. I feel there were very smart for this tournment. SFC signed Japanese superstar Kazu for a total cost of $0. His salary was paid for by a Japanese TV station, and they showed 6 SFC games live in Japan. SFC also took 10k shirts to Japan, and sold them to Kazu fans. However SFC only just covered their costs in Japan as they had to share the prize money with the league, and the other A-League clubs.

It was never a matter of Sydney FC spending money based on future prize money, SFC were forced to lose money by winning tournments.

Oh and from other reports I have read, the debt is less than $3 million.

A little more on the money issue.

It seems that Sydney FC is not in debt. They started the season with 6 million invested and have not spent it all. Noone has sold any shares so Lowy cannot have increased his 25% stake in the club.

At the moment the only person talking about a rescue is the person offering to perform the rescue. To me this seems like Lowy is trying to get people ready for his takeover offer - an event the fans, the shareholders and the board do not want.

no one would have sold yet because it says 'he intends' to buy

i seriously wouldn't believe about most of the crap we hear in the media. i'm sure there are some reporters out there that have interests in other codes and see football as a threat and try to undermine the a-league. no way sydney fc would be in debt $6mil- absolute bullshit

why dont we leave in the current a-league teams except for nz and bring in 3 new teams and have a 10 league competition.

This same old song the media keep singing about A League clubs being in financial trouble is getting boring. How many times does it have to be said that no club was expecting to make a profit?
We keep hearing about A League clubs, as if its doomsday, but barely hear about the AFL clubs with debts of more then double that of Sydney FC.

Bump.

How can afl be in debt? It's like soooooooo popular in mexico.

We have heard about a few clubs being in debt.

Sydney Swans...bailed out by the AFL
Brisbane Bears (Back then)...bailed out by the AFL
Fitzroy (before they emerged)...put into Administration (Which just happens to be the work that I do).
Richmond, many years ago, had a commercial showing the 'Tiger' as an extinct animal and mentioning Liquidators (again, the sort of work I do).

So it does happen. But The AFL have a fund which clubs in dire need can call upon if they get desperate. As popular as the A-League is, is still doesnt have the money that the AFL does.

I feel Canberra and Gold Coast should be admitted in A-league in the coming years.

Canberra National Teams: NRL, netball, rugby union, womens basketball, ?
Gold Coast National Teams: NRL (2007), ?, ?... but it does have many annual events like Quiksilver Pro ASP World Tour Event and Indy 300

Am I missing teams, or have we got an idea of where Im going with this? :)

There's apparently going to be a football tournament in North Queensland soon.

Some A-League sides will be going up there to play some games too.

Doesnt seem to be big news across the A-league website, but I was interested in what was "football tournament". Took a while to find it, but what I've found is only printed in Townsville's local newspaper

A-League pre-season event coup
By KATE JACKA
13may06

MOMENTUM for a North Queensland-based A-League team has picked up speed following the announcement of a major four-team tournament to be staged in Townsville and surrounding regions next month.

The inaugural QNI North Queensland Challenge Trophy, set to kick off on June 17, will feature A-League teams Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners as well as the Young Socceroos (under-20) and Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai.

North Queensland Razorbacks coach James Gage, a major player in the push for an A-League pre-season tournament in Townsville, said the event was a massive coup for the region.

"It's huge, especially coinciding with the World Cup," he said.

"It's enormous not just for Townsville but for the whole of North Queensland. North Queenslanders will be able to experience international-standard football in our own back yards.

"We are positioning the event as a 'festival of football' and will work with local cultural groups to invoke the spirit of the World Cup."

The Challenge Trophy was approved by the Football Federation of Australia on the back of the successful staging of an A-League trial match between the Queensland Roar and the Mariners in Townsville last year.

Gage said once word of a possible tournament in the region spread, Townsville football was forced to reluctantly turn teams away.

He said A-League teams Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets and three additional Chinese Super League teams had expressed an interest in the event. Since the inception of the revived national league competition, the A-League, last year, talk has suggested North Queensland was at the forefront of thoughts regarding the possible expansion of the eight-team competition in 2008/09.

Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney said he had no doubt the region could support its own A-League team.

"We're building momentum to get our own national league team," Cr Mooney said.

"What we have to do is build a platform.

"Together we can make it happen but North Queensland has to get behind it."

A final draw will be released later this month with the grand final being one of two games expected to be played in Townsville.

Games are also being negotiated for Rockhampton, Ingham and Ayr.

An information night for anyone interested in volunteering for the event will be held at Brolga Park, Murray on June 15 at 7pm.

Ticket information will be released soon.

Some comments about extra teams:

Frank Lowy, March 2004 (http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=601) : "This will be the first stage in the development of the new national competition and will provide the basic structure for further expansion. In the second stage, ASA will actively work towards evolving a truly national competition embracing teams from all major Australian cities and regions. These could include Canberra, Hobart, Wollongong, North Queensland and others and commercial interests have already indicated a willingness to explore these options."

Frank Lowy, November 2004 (http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=629) : "While we are not going to get ahead of ourselves, I should give you some sense of our priorities and ambitions for the medium-term. They are: [..] To look to expand the league by introducing new teams from, say, Hobart, Canberra and North Queensland, and to involve Asian teams in our club competition."

Capital Football CEO, March 2006 (http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:rY5vE9yyZaIJ:www.tribalfootball.com/march/austnews4260306.html+&hl=en&lr=&client=firefox-a&strip=1) : "Canberra football are considering a bid to enter the A-League.
Capital chief Heather Reid said Canberra, Geelong, Wollongong and Far North Queensland were on "the radar" to join the comp for the 2008/09 season. "

A-League website, May 2006 (http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=4003) : "Football fans in Australia and New Zealand, outside of home cities, will have an opportunity to watch the Hyundai A-League clubs go through their pre-season preparations with matches now confirmed for the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Launceston, Christchurch, Wollongong, Canberra, Orange, Port Macquarie and Tamworth, whilst fans in Gosford, Auckland, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth will also see 2006 Pre-Season Cup action in their city."

Speaking for Hobart/Tassie, I think our lack of an AFL team could work for us. Aussie rules fans down here already have their favourite AFL team that they support (have done for decades), whereas with an A-League - the entire state would be behind it. Major problem - lack of a rectangular stadium :(

Doesnt seem to be big news across the A-league website, but I was interested in what was "football tournament". Took a while to find it, but what I've found is only printed in Townsville's local newspaper

A-League pre-season event coup
By KATE JACKA
13may06

MOMENTUM for a North Queensland-based A-League team has picked up speed following the announcement of a major four-team tournament to be staged in Townsville and surrounding regions next month.

The inaugural QNI North Queensland Challenge Trophy, set to kick off on June 17, will feature A-League teams Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners as well as the Young Socceroos (under-20) and Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai.

North Queensland Razorbacks coach James Gage, a major player in the push for an A-League pre-season tournament in Townsville, said the event was a massive coup for the region.

"It's huge, especially coinciding with the World Cup," he said.

"It's enormous not just for Townsville but for the whole of North Queensland. North Queenslanders will be able to experience international-standard football in our own back yards.

"We are positioning the event as a 'festival of football' and will work with local cultural groups to invoke the spirit of the World Cup."

The Challenge Trophy was approved by the Football Federation of Australia on the back of the successful staging of an A-League trial match between the Queensland Roar and the Mariners in Townsville last year.

Gage said once word of a possible tournament in the region spread, Townsville football was forced to reluctantly turn teams away.

He said A-League teams Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets and three additional Chinese Super League teams had expressed an interest in the event. Since the inception of the revived national league competition, the A-League, last year, talk has suggested North Queensland was at the forefront of thoughts regarding the possible expansion of the eight-team competition in 2008/09.

Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney said he had no doubt the region could support its own A-League team.

"We're building momentum to get our own national league team," Cr Mooney said.

"What we have to do is build a platform.

"Together we can make it happen but North Queensland has to get behind it."

A final draw will be released later this month with the grand final being one of two games expected to be played in Townsville.

Games are also being negotiated for Rockhampton, Ingham and Ayr.

An information night for anyone interested in volunteering for the event will be held at Brolga Park, Murray on June 15 at 7pm.

Ticket information will be released soon.

Melbourne defeated Yatai FC 3-1 last night. Central Coast defeated Young Socceroos 3-0. On Monday night, Yatai FC defeated Young Socceroos 4-2.

Most people seem comfortable with the idea that Australias most popular state has only one AFL team the Swans, While cities like Adelaide and Perth have two teams
and thats fine.
With Football (soccer) if you look at something as simple as how many people play the game you see that AFL is as popular in Vic as Football is in NSW
The AFL is run from Melb mostly by Victorians with the grand final always held at the MCG as it should be and for football to be run from NSW with more teams only relects its popularity in the state.

I've been looking for the article about this but can't find it. All I've got is a follow up article. But anyway Townsville officially launched a bid for an A-League team after the recent QNI Challenge Trophy. They've formed an organisation called "Tropical Football Australia" to drive the bid but from what I understand they have to wait for Football Federation Australia is actually ask for bids, and that could be "at least three years away". So early days yet and there's a lot of work to be done in the meantime. Do you know any more about this Wezza?

Most people seem comfortable with the idea that Australias most popular state has only one AFL team the Swans, While cities like Adelaide and Perth have two teams
and thats fine.
With Football (soccer) if you look at something as simple as how many people play the game you see that AFL is as popular in Vic as Football is in NSW
The AFL is run from Melb mostly by Victorians with the grand final always held at the MCG as it should be and for football to be run from NSW with more teams only relects its popularity in the state.

You got to put things into perspective. Sydney FC had a very successful year. There was alot of profile about them, playing in the World Club Championship and being the innaugural A-League Champions.

With all things in sport, clubs go up, then go down. The real test of the support of Sydney FC will be when they have a lean period and are not featuring prominently in the A-League.

Soccer/football is also popular in Melbourne. With the abolition of the old NSL, clubs like South Melbourne and Heidelberg now play in the Victorian League, and these clubs still draw good support. There was over 10,000 people for the South Melbourne v Heidelberg game....in the Victorian League. On the other hand, Victory struggled all season with its form and with drawing large crowds, perhaps the latter has got to do with the former.

I personally would like to see more teams, say put a team in Canberra and a team else where, but not in Sydney or in any location which already has a team. Putting an additional team in Sydney would be risky. As I said above, it is still to be seen whether Sydney FC will be able to draw large crowds irrespective of whether they are top or bottom.

If I was going to expand the A-League.

Sydney is the first place to look at. It is so geographically large with areas that are not that easy to get in and out of, you need 2 more clubs up there in the next 10 years.

Melbourne, ideally the northern suburban areas and maybe the south eastern section also. Problem is stadia.

Auckland has got to go. They serve no purpose to Oz football.

Wollongong is a definite chance, Canberra maybe. The rest forget about it especially places like Gold Coast and FNQ. Tassie, you have gotta be joking. There is no corporations in Tassie other than the government.

Actually...A good thing would be a second club in Adelaide but with Greek Managment as opposed to Italian :|

Ok, the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) wants to strengthen the Asian Champions League.

They want to give the stronger nations more spots, and the weaker nations less.

We currently have 2 spots up for grabs, the AFC has stated it wants us to have 4 spots, in the very near future.

Now this would mean half our league would be in the Asian Champions League :D unfortunately this would look bad, and alot of counties would complain about it, so John O'Neill has said we'll need an extra 2 teams very soon.

Expect to see either Woolongong, Canberra or North Queensland in the comp in the near future, if we need new teams asap, it'll be 2 of them, they're the most organised.

Good to see AFC taking a liking towards more OZ football clubs.

I did read somewhere in the Hyundai A-League (HAL) legislation that no existing city can introduce a second team until the 6th season of the HAL. And some of you still do not get the idea behind HAL, with it representing one city one nationality - getting rid of NSL racial-wars over clubs.

Wollongong is a definite chance, Canberra maybe. The rest forget about it especially places like Gold Coast and FNQ. Tassie, you have gotta be joking. There is no corporations in Tassie other than the government.

Do you mean headquartered here, or a large presence here?

Cascade, Boags, Gunns, Incat, Federal Group, Blundstones, Hydro, Aurora, Chickenfeed, just off the top of my head. Not all are Tasmanian owned, but the ones that aren't are Tassie icons.

Also - Aurora Stadium attracted 6800 people to the Adelaide/Melbourne game on Sunday. Not bad for a "neutral" pre-season game!

Some people seem to have the wrong idea in this thread. Equity doesn't outweigh demand here. If a state/region doesn't have demand for a team, you can't put one there just to be equal. The five or so areas mentioned are where new teams will need to be located (Canberra, Tasmania, Wollongong, North Queensland, etc.) Within ten years, major centres (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) will need second and third teams in order to even out the competition a bit. Wollongong or Tasmania won't be able to compete with one team cities of Sydney and Melbourne once they're established and retain exclusivity.
I think it's logical to have NZ remain if possible and in 10-20 years (if demand makes it possible) it would be great to have several regional teams in NZ rather than one central team.

I've been looking for the article about this but can't find it. All I've got is a follow up article. But anyway Townsville officially launched a bid for an A-League team after the recent QNI Challenge Trophy. They've formed an organisation called "Tropical Football Australia" to drive the bid but from what I understand they have to wait for Football Federation Australia is actually ask for bids, and that could be "at least three years away". So early days yet and there's a lot of work to be done in the meantime. Do you know any more about this Wezza?
Sorry mate, i haven't heard anything. I've been in Brisbane since July 1st & only got back on the 13th. I missed it.

I would assume that demand, financial resources and fairness of the competition should prevent a city of less than 500k population having a single team while a city of more than 3 million would still be limited to a single team, everything else being equal. But of course the A-League don't want to repeat follow the old NSL.

I would not be the least bit surprised that should a city like Melbourne gain a second team then particular ethnic groups will align to particular teams. If they were to place a second team in Melbourne or Sydney I think they would have to look very carefully at which suburbs/areas would host it to minimise problems. More likely scenario would be just a broad team definition. So you could have Melbourne Victory and a second team called Victoria Somethings. Hopefully preventing any ethnic or racial problems from occuring.

Also - Aurora Stadium attracted 6800 people to the Adelaide/Melbourne game on Sunday. Not bad for a "neutral" pre-season game!


thats awesome. i think Tasmania really gets a raw deal on the national sporting stage. they should either have a team in the AFL or A-league at the very least.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/winwin-situation-to-get-wollongong-into-aleague/2006/08/08/1154802888135.html

Great news for Wollongong A-League bid.

Chipperfield really does wear his heart on his sleeve.

thats awesome. i think Tasmania really gets a raw deal on the national sporting stage. they should either have a team in the AFL or A-league at the very least.

There seems to be a weird situation with Tassie and the AFL - they have a team in the VFL which is Hobart Based yet they play the AFL games in Launceston, part of the reason being that Bellerive is not up to AFL standards as a ground, furthermore Launceston is a central position in the state and within 2 hours of 90% of the population - whereas holding games in Hobart makes it harder for Bass Coast residents to get to a game.

I've been told that most people in Tasmania are already staunch supporters of an AFL team and therefore would not throw their support behind a new entrant.

More to the point I think the problem is really all monetary - Tasmania is a small scale (and largely contained) economy - there simply aren't enough business dollars being generated to throw in the kind of sponsorship money required.

I know 8500 people is no biggie, but considering Geelong is more renowned for its AFL and circular ovals, this is encouraging signs for the a-league. I admit I was put Townsville, Wollongong, Canberra and Gold Coast ahead of a Geelong-based a-league team. Now I feel I may have changed my mind on this. But not too sure actually traveled from Melbourne, but a Geelong-based side could be competitive for the a-league so no one big city can dominate...

Wheelhouse gets Jets home against Victory
Monday, 23 July 2007
http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=18564&pageid=2055

The Newcastle Jets have prevailed 1-0 over Melbourne Victory in the second round of the Pre-Season Cup at Skilled Stadium in Geelong today thanks to a goal from Jobe Wheelhouse.

Wheelhouse scored the decisive goal for the visitors from a 51st minute Joel Griffiths free kick. The win catapults the Jets above both Melbourne and Adelaide into second on the Pre-Season Cup Group A table.

Both teams enjoyed periods of dominance in a game which provided plenty of entertainment for the crowd of 8,500, albeit with a dearth of clear cut scoring chances for either side.

Melbourne started brightly, with Danny Allsopp fashioning two chances inside the first five minutes. The first was a header over the bar after Kevin Muscat floated a free kick into the penalty area. The second was well set up by Joseph Keenan, starting as a virtual third striker alongside Allsopp and Adrian Caceres, but the shot was smothered by the Newcastle defence.

On twelve minutes, Muscat had the crowd fooled into believing Melbourne had taken the lead, as his looping header which landed on the roof of the net elicited cheers from the big crowd.

Melbourne continued to dominate possession, with Newcastle looking their most dangerous on the counter. Eugene Galekovic, starting in place of Michael Theoklitos in the Melbourne goal, was called into action after quarter of an hour to snuff out the danger as Newcastle broke quickly after a Melbourne corner.

Keenan then created two chances of his own, hitting a powerful drive directly at Ante Covic in the Newcastle goal, and then passing delightfully for Caceres, whose centering cross narrowly failed to find Allsopp.

Despite looking comfortable for much of the half, Melbourne almost gifted the lead to the Jets in the 38th minute. Miscommunication between Galekovic and Adrian Leijer at the edge of the Victory penalty area presented Mark Bridge with the chance to direct a shot toward an unguarded net, but the ball passed the wrong side of the upright. Bridge’s miss ensured the sides would be locked scoreless at the half-time break.

Both teams returned full of purpose, with Bridge for Newcastle and Allsopp for Melbourne both conjuring shots on goal in the first two minutes of the half.

The visitors made the breakthrough in the 51st minute as a free kick wide on the right was whipped in by Joel Griffiths; the ball eventually falling to Wheelhouse who made no mistake from close range.

Melbourne threw on Carlos Hernandez after an hour for his first taste of Australian football as the home side attempted to wrest control back off the Jets. The Costa Rican international produced some fine touches and a couple of shots on goal from distance in the half an hour he graced the pitch.

However it was left to trialist Daniel Vasilevski, a late substitute for Ljubo Milicevic, to attempt Melbourne’s most purposeful strike on goal in the dying stages. His well struck shot from outside the box narrowly failed to hit the target, leaving Newcastle the victors by a solitary goal.

Match Details:

Melbourne Victory 0
Newcastle Jets 1 (Jobe Wheelhouse 51’)

Skilled Stadium, Geelong
Referee: Ben Williams
Crowd: 8,500

I think there would be real opposition to the move from Melbourne Victory itself. A Geelong A-League team would stifle its ever-increasing membership, soon Victory will need the MCG just for its members!!

For a team that close to another, they would need serious money; look at the Central Coast, aren't they financed by one of the richest men in Australia.. Stapleton i think his name was

8500 is a great turnout for the pre-season cup, remember its not even televised. Geelong will definetly be in the running come expansion time, but it will all come down to who has the most money in the end.

The league should cap the number of teams at 12 max. Making sure every side has a reserves/youth team.

So you would add Gold Coast, Wollongong, West Sydney, 2nd Melbourne team added in.

The A-League could then concentrate on building up the strength of the talent, salaries, gates etc.. and forget about adding more and more clubs.

A strong youth development setup is vital for the comp as well.

As for Geelong, folks can travel up. There are very good transport links to Melbourne from Geelong, even with the shithouse Vline service.

So you would add Gold Coast, Wollongong, West Sydney, 2nd Melbourne team added in.

Are people so forgetful that they can't remember North Queensland came within hours of joining the A-League this season ahead of Wellington (and they actually raised more money than the Wellington did)? They've got the most advanced bid setup and I'm willing to bet that they'll be the first team admitted in the next expansion phase.

At the end of first three weeks of the pre-season cup (ie. all matches away from regular home cities have now been played) the highest crowds in locations which do not already have teams are:

Geelong - 8500
Launceston - 8061
Canberra - 5735

I think Geelong and Tassie would be great locations. Launceston was up on last years figure as well. Canberra was surprisingly low, down on the 2006 figure.

The Gold Coast, Townsville and Wollongong didn't get a game so it is hard to compare. IMO all twelve games in rounds 1-3 should be at 'touring' cities and no city should get more than one game. Melbourne played three games at Launceston, Geelong and Darwin, Adelaide played at Launceston, Adelaide and Adelaide - how is that fair?

My twelve "potential" cities:
Cairns, Townsville, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast
Wollongong, Canberra, Geelong, Darwin,
Launceston, Hobart, Christchurch, Auckland

The final two weeks of the pre-season (playoffs/finals) can be played at the regular home venues.

Of course 2nd Sydney and Melbourne teams are potential sites but these areas already have access to A-League games at the moment. The pre-season should be about testing the waters in new areas.

^^ Members of football clubs wont be happy with your proposal. Though, Kardinia Park for MV for a few games is within driving distance.

But Tassie would have to first put their chips in the AFL if they want national sport representation, then perhaps football. As cricket and AFL are the most popular sports in the island state. Bellerive Oval already hosts games, so maybe Aurora stadium can host AFL.

Tassie and Geelong have the same problem, lack of football interest, lack of quality rectangle sports ground.

For NQ, Townsville is the best bet, and I would love to see football at Robina stadium in 2/3 seasons time.

Canberra and Wollongong would be viable venues, but it would be up to FFA to decide whether introducing a new team to any region close to an existing team, has financial affects on the team/s.

I like the one city, one team concept for now, and I feel 12 teams should be set in 2/3 seasons time: Townsville, Gold Coast, Canberra and Geelong/Launceston?

^^ Members of football clubs wont be happy with your proposal. Though, Kardinia Park for MV for a few games is within driving distance.
True, but they get "home" games the last 2 weeks and of course throughout the season. Of course, I'd love to have some season games played in Tassie but I don't think that is very likely! I think of those cities, only Darwin, Cairns and Townsville are really difficult for travelling fans to get to.

[/quote]But Tassie would have to first put their chips in the AFL if they want national sport representation, then perhaps football. As cricket and AFL are the most popular sports in the island state. Bellerive Oval already hosts games, so maybe Aurora stadium can host AFL.[/quote]
The AFL has specifically stated that Tassie will not have an AFL team anytime soon. The A-League have specifically stated that they welcome applications from additional regions.

Tassie and Geelong have the same problem, lack of football interest, lack of quality rectangle sports ground.
Interest - I wouldn't say so - AFL dominates the media in both places but as the crowd figures above show, there are people there just waiting for the corporates and media to hop on board. You could say the Central Coast had the exact same issue.. small area, rugby league dominated. They are doing fantastically in the A-League, and rugby union has now tried to hop on board by putting a team in the area in the ARC.

For NQ, Townsville is the best bet, and I would love to see football at Robina stadium in 2/3 seasons time.
True - this reminds me of a note I should've added to my first post, which is that I wouldn't expect Cairns AND Townsville to have a team, or Hobart AND Launceston. They are just both included for the purposes of a pre-season tour.

Canberra and Wollongong would be viable venues, but it would be up to FFA to decide whether introducing a new team to any region close to an existing team, has financial affects on the team/s.

I like the one city, one team concept for now, and I feel 12 teams should be set in 2/3 seasons time: Townsville, Gold Coast, Canberra and Geelong/Launceston?

My guess is Townsville, Gold Coast, Canberra and Wollongong, with Tasmania an outside chance to oust one of the latter two. I can't see a combined Geelong/Launceston team taking off - neither would feel like the team was theirs.

Good points you raised. I wasnt aware the AFL have come out and said the Tasmania wouldnt be getting an AFL team. I went to Launceston last year to watch Adelaide and Melbourne in pre-season and was part of the 6834-strong crowd, a little less than this years game. And the following week watched St Kilda take on Port Adelaide with 16588-strong crowd.

AFL atm dominates the state, and it shows with its sports grounds in tassie...they are all oval, for cricket and AFL. :) Watching football at Aurora Stadium is tough, as you are quite a fair distance from the centre.

I meant to say Geelong or Lauceston for a 12th team bid:lol: the CCM are backed financially and have a good fan base, coz the team specifically represents their region. I couldnt imagine the FFA introducing a team that plays from two cities:bash: I feel tassie should be represented in more national league sports, but with a sparse population, its hard to see them get a side soon.

I would have thought that many of the people that turned up to the Geelong game would have been Melbourne Victory supporters from Melbourne. To me it would give much of an indication as to how many people would support a Geelong Team.

I heard that the Gold Coast is ready (with bucket loads of money) to bid for the next team. They also have a brand new stadium. There is also the advantage that a Gold Coast 'v' Roar game would be big.

I also want to see a NQ team.

Re: GC team.

My girlfriends father is friends with former Roar coach Miron Bleiberg, and plays golf with him regularly. Apparently Miron is always on his phone to player agents trying to sign players, and the GC is putting together a serious bid for an a-league team.

At the end of first three weeks of the pre-season cup (ie. all matches away from regular home cities have now been played) the highest crowds in locations which do not already have teams are:

Geelong - 8500
Launceston - 8061
Canberra - 5735

I think Geelong and Tassie would be great locations. Launceston was up on last years figure as well.

Regarding the Tassie expansion option, from Tasmania's northern and southern leagues which team/s have the greatest support, in terms of crowd attendance and number of players within the club?

Does the northern league has 9 teams and southern league have 10 team still?

Does the Launceston region warrant a team, or is Aurora Stadium the only venue for a tassie team, regardless of other southern clubs records??

I think Queensland should have a second team up in Townsville. There is the support from local businesses, and plenty of talent up there. We don't need another fucking NSW or Vic team, especially when any proposal from down there is no where as strong as what's available up in Northern Qld. Watch the politics on this.

Personally I would be more interested in 12 strong organizations, producing talent for the national teams and exporting top talent overseas. Ideally you would have a reserve team for every side and an academy under that attached to the state academies. Like the French system.

Everything costs a lot of money however. You would be looking at something like 20 million a season in costs in today's money and that is doing it cheap.

If we ever could do it, our game would be very strong talent wise and that is better than having 20 teams, 2 or more divisions or whatever.

Personally I would be more interested in 12 strong organizations, producing talent for the national teams and exporting top talent overseas. Ideally you would have a reserve team for every side and an academy under that attached to the state academies. Like the French system.

Everything costs a lot of money however. You would be looking at something like 20 million a season in costs in today's money and that is doing it cheap.

If we ever could do it, our game would be very strong talent wise and that is better than having 20 teams, 2 or more divisions or whatever.

we can only achieve this by selling a steady stream of players, but we'll need to be getting more than $120K (eg Carney), otherwise the whole thing will collapse eventually.

we have 8 teams now:

+1 Auckland
+1 Gold Coat
+1 Townsville
+1 Geelong
+1 Tasmania (Launi or Hobart)
+1 Darwin?
+1 Wollongong
= 15teams

Definitely add:
- Gold Coat
- Townsville
- Wollongong

Pick one out of these:
- Auckland
- Canberra
- Tasmania

That would be ideal as far as I'm concerned. There's no point in adding places for the sake of adding them.

If we want to make the comp strong then every team should be bringing something to the table. ie: An Auckland team would have a good rivalry with Wellington but if their crowds and support aren't there for the rest of the matches then there is no point.

No way you would go to Auckland, Canberra or Tassie.

Auckland does not have enough football supporters which has been proven time and time and time again. Also they don't have enough talent to fill 1 team let alone two.

Canberra, the same as above. Also has too small a population base.

Tassie is just too small. You would go to Geelong before Hobart because you have a major city 50 mins away. Hobart has the population of Geelong and thats it.

Keep the league lean and strong, forget about just adding sides to make up the numbers. They will only be dead weight.

My twelve "potential" cities:
Cairns, Townsville...
Townsville maybe yeah but dont think Cairns....i believe there's a small following for soccer up here, rugby league country pretty much :cheers:

Townsville have a large football community, especially at grass roots level. My house is just around the corner from the local league football grounds. There are always alot of people there of a weekend.

Esspecailly the murray grounds, there are alot more cars there for the soccer then what they are at the rl grounds

^^
Yeah that's where i was talking about. I live right near there.

Traffic banked up at the murrary sports complex thats why its getting a major overhaul with work to beggin on upgrading the soccer grounds, also I believe riverway stadium would be the ideal location for a new aleague team in Townsville as its near the river and the troical lagoon at riverway + everything is brand new, also the stadium seats between 15-12000 people which is an ideal target crowd for north queensland also Townsville is half way between Mackay and Cairns making it the target base for North Queensland, so with a combined population of around or under 400,000 people iam sure that north queensland could fill the 12-15000 seats at the brand new riverway multi purpose stadium, and forget what cairnsinite said as there is a strong support for soccer in Nq and Iam a soccer fan myself.

Traffic banked up at the murrary sports complex thats why its getting a major overhaul with work to beggin on upgrading the soccer grounds, also I believe riverway stadium would be the ideal location for a new aleague team in Townsville as its near the river and the troical lagoon at riverway + everything is brand new, also the stadium seats between 15-12000 people which is an ideal target crowd for north queensland also Townsville is half way between Mackay and Cairns making it the target base for North Queensland, so with a combined population of around or under 400,000 people iam sure that north queensland could fill the 12-15000 seats at the brand new riverway multi purpose stadium, and forget what cairnsinite said as there is a strong support for soccer in Nq and Iam a soccer fan myself.

They won't play out of Riverway because it's going to be a cricket stadium, not a football stadium.

Dairy Farmers will be far more suitable, being rectangle & all. I don't wanna watch football on an oval pitch.

They won't play out of Riverway because it's going to be a cricket stadium, not a football stadium.
^^ No its not, its a multie purpus stadium, cricket soccer and afl.

^^ No its not, its a multie purpus stadium, cricket soccer and afl.

I don't understand why they'd play soccer at an oval stadium when there's a well established rectangular stadium not far away.

I can garantee you, if Townsville gets an A-League team, they'll play at Dairy Famrers Stadium.

Yea I dont care, I just liked riverway stadium

Tassie is just too small. [..] Hobart has the population of Geelong and thats it.

I read stuff like this on every forum. Do people think if they say it often enough it will become true? Tassie has 480k people. 240k of these are in and around Hobart, another 120k of these are 2 hours away in the Launceston/Tamar Valley area.

Geelong has a population of 160k total.

You would go to Geelong before Hobart because you have a major city 50 mins away.

I'm not sure how that helps. Melbourne's away games in Geelong would help support Geelong crowd numbers maybe? If anything it would work against Geelong - People in Geelong already have access to A-League games in Melbourne, people in Tassie don't.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

What players has Tassie produced? What stadium could you use?

Geelong has had a load, Steve Horvat, Joey Diduluca, Joey Skoko, Eddie Krnecevic.

Kardinia Park has a relatively narrow ground, but is quite long. It is very good for soccer and is well and under utilized by AFL. Bizzarely, the AFL makes Geelong play 4 'home' games at Telstra Dome. Maybe the AFL should be paying a lot more more to the Geelong council to pay for it's upkeep.

As for Hobart's population, it is less than Geelong and Geelong's is increasing exponentially due to Melbourne being too expensive and fast access on the freeway and railway. The area between Grovedale and Torquay is set to become one large new suburb in the next 20 years. So Geelong's population would be around 300,000 and within an hours drive access to 2/3 million.

There is no comparison. Hobart has no corporate backers either and a very small tv audience.

The test match crowd in Hobart the other week was the only proof you needed that it is not a sports followers town down there.

^^

re the test match. they didnt get many more in Brisbane. I guess just nobody cared about that series.

I think having an AFL team with the profile of the Geelong FC is enough for a town the size of Geelong.

Tasmania have no major national sporting teams apart from the cricket team.

Surely a timber company could provide sponsorship. I actually think Launceston would be a better venue for a soccer team than Hobart. A-league preseason crowds there were very good.

Also the FFA need to grow the game in this country. Leaving out a state of nearly half a million people is overlooking a vast potential resource.

'Vast' and Tassie are not two words I would use together.

It needs to double its population before they started talking setting up pro sports teams.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

What players has Tassie produced?

Geelong has had a load, Steve Horvat, Joey Diduluca, Joey Skoko, Eddie Krnecevic.


Good question. I think there are a few in the VPL, but since there is no clearly defined pathway for climbing the ranks no-one really knows. Look at cricket. When Tassie first had a team, it was comprised of the players who couldn't get a spot in any of the other state teams. Since Tassie got a team, it has produced David Boon, Ricky Ponting, Ben Hilfenhaus, is comprised 95% of Tasmanians, and has won the Pura Cup.

That's not to say we haven't produced any big names in the sport - http://www.abc.net.au/tasmania/stories/s1472208.htm

What stadium could you use?

Kardinia Park has a relatively narrow ground, but is quite long. It is very good for soccer and is well and under utilized by AFL. Bizzarely, the AFL makes Geelong play 4 'home' games at Telstra Dome. Maybe the AFL should be paying a lot more more to the Geelong council to pay for it's upkeep.

Either Aurora Stadium (cap 23000) (map (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&q=map+aurora+stadium&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&ll=-41.425835,147.138755&spn=0.003749,0.007296&t=k&z=17&om=1)) or North Hobart Oval (17000) (map (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&q=map+aurora+stadium&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&ll=-42.867936,147.316328&spn=0.003664,0.007296&t=k&z=17&om=1)) or both.

Aurora isn't fantastic for rectangular pitch sports but North Hobart Oval seems to be similar to as you describe Kardinia Park - slightly elongated and better for soccer.

As for Hobart's population, it is less than Geelong and Geelong's is increasing exponentially due to Melbourne being too expensive and fast access on the freeway and railway. The area between Grovedale and Torquay is set to become one large new suburb in the next 20 years. So Geelong's population would be around 300,000 and within an hours drive access to 2/3 million.

Population issues covered in my original post. Those 2/3 million people already have a team, it is called Melbourne Victory. The point is the 300,000 in Geelong are also within an hours drive of MV games. A Tassie team would open the game up to 490,000 more people.

There is no comparison. Hobart has no corporate backers either and a very small tv audience.

This is something else I don't understand - when referring to Tassie, people believe there is some need for sponsors to be based in Tassie, a rule which doesn't apply to other clubs. KFC does not stand for Victoria Fried Chicken. Sakai is not an Adelaide company. Sony HQ is not in Wellington.

And if you do want a Tassie company or brand name as the sponsor? Cadbury, Gunns, Cascade, Boags, Aurora Energy, TT Line, ANL, Blundstones, Southern Cross Telco, Moorilla, Hydro, Incat, Federal Group, MyState Financial, RACT, Betfair, WIN, Southern Cross Television, The Mercury, The Examiner...

TV audience? The audience is just the same as every other team - the pay TV subscribing population of Australia.

The test match crowd in Hobart the other week was the only proof you needed that it is not a sports followers town down there.

See other comment from StopTheWar - it was a test match, they always attract low crowds (unless it is vs England, or on Boxing Day at the MCG). If you want to compare with cricket, every Australian ODI played here on a weekend (we usually get 1 a year) has consistently sold out Bellerive Oval (16k). AFL crowds - we get 15-20k for a team which isn't even local. A-League pre-season crowds - we got 8k last pre-season, the largest of any regional area except for Geelong (8.5k - and they surely were mainly MV supporters).

Note that I'm not denying Geelong should get a team either, just that you use them as a comparison.

Get a team in Tassie pronto, it would be a great success, the AFL have neglected Tasmania for years, they deserve more teams and representation in sports.

I second that. It's interesting isn't it. A few nobs talk about Geelong deserving a pro sports team, then in the same breath dismiss Hobert and Tasmania's credentials. Cocks...

whys isnt tasmania represented in NBL, a league and AFL? Do they lobby to have teams in any of these leagues??

whys isnt tasmania represented in NBL
We did, until 1996 (when Gold Coast, Hobart and Geelong were scrapped).

There are two Tasmanian teams in the SEABL though.

a league
Because the A-League started off small and hasn't expanded yet

and AFL?
Because the AFL are twats. I can't stand the AFL and would be quite happy to not have any games in Tas at all, but they are crazy to not basing a team here. There is a higher % of AFL supporters in Tasmania than in Victoria. I have NFI why the AFL would not even consider a Tassie team.

There is a Tasmanian team in the VFL.

Do they lobby to have teams in any of these leagues??

NBL, not really enough interest.

A-League, well the FFT CEO has met with Ben Buckley (FFA CEO) recently. Grassroots, I have started a group on Facebook which has 50 members after a week. (If anyone is interested - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20012607944 )

AFL, there are organisations/groups who are pushing for it and they get good media coverage down here, but in the last couple of years the AFL has flat out rejected any chance of a Tasmanian team.

Get a team in Tassie pronto, it would be a great success, the AFL have neglected Tasmania for years, they deserve more teams and representation in sports.


I know this is off topic but I have to agree. Having no affinity with or ever having been to Tassie I think its a joke the AFL havent given you guys a franchise.

My Tassie mates here in NZ (I have a few, believe it or not) tell me AFL is the main sport there so how come it hasnt happened. Im sure you would get alot of support from most people, just because of the underdog tag. Id support you except when you play the Hawks.

Re A League, just not sure. Im generalising here but Tassie never really got any great Southern Europe migration did it? Now Ive said that I know we really are trying hard to drop the 'only wogs play football stereotype'.

I still reckon there needs to be an extra Melbourne and Sydney team. Those places are too big and actually have a football history so the warrant extra teams.

Auckland!! Yeah right...
1.3 million people who provided average crowds of 1,000 for the Knights.
Probably Wellington is doing a better job. :)
Aucklander's are too busy trying to be seen in the latest up-market restaurant or hot-spot.
Shame but I have to hand it to the Wellington Phoenix organisation.
They have had a lot of people going through the turnstiles - and that from a population of only 400,000 or so.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This topic has already been discussed to death.

The reasons are pretty simple why they do not have a league team in Tassie, like why they don't have an NFL team in Alaska.

Ideally you would have one in Launceston and also Hobart. Maybe one day in 50 years when the population increases and they get a lot of on-line businesses like Betfair moving down there.

Jeff Kennett

TIM Lane's article "It's time to unleash sports-mad Tasmanians on the AFL" (The Age, March 6, 2007) is a continuation of his understandable attachment to his home state, full of emotion, but lacking reality and financial rigour. Lane's views are not new, and represent a wonderful concept, but the consistent missing ingredient over many years has been that, if it was possible to do, it would have been done, long ago. Tasmania would have its own football team.

Sadly, there are too few companies in Tasmania of a size that would contribute significant financial support to a Tasmanian team. The reality is those companies cannot justify such an expenditure; they have been asked and have declined.

Secondly, there are too few corporates that would require of a local club corporate hospitality, which would add to the viability of a Tasmanian team.

The second option of relocating an existing AFL team from Victoria to Tasmania has had some support, including that most recently from Sunday Age columnist Michael Voss. The relocation would require a complete relocation from a Victorian team to Tasmania, meaning players, their families, administration and their families.

All home games would have to be played in Tasmania and, assuming this means 11 home games, they could be split between Hobart and Launceston. Aurora Stadium accommodates 22,000, while Bellerive Oval would need considerable work done on it and accommodates only 15,000. The relocated club would never have a gate above 22,000 without there being substantial extra works conducted.

The third option is what is taking place now where a Melbourne club — Hawthorn — which has had a genuine attachment with Tasmania over many years, has entered into an arrangement to play four home games in Launceston.

This provides an affordable option for Tasmania and one that will deliver positive outcomes over the next five years.

Hawthorn is not just visiting Tasmania four times a year: we have employed officers in the state, conducted a pre-season camp in Tasmania and are attempting to enter the state's lifeblood.

The opportunity for providing leadership in securing a team within or for Tasmania has existed for years, but no one has done the work or, failing that, been successful in achieving that goal.

To finance an AFL team at the low end of the financial scale would cost approximately $25 million per annum. Let's assume a Tasmanian-based AFL team attracts $2 million through memberships (based on 25,000 members), $2 million gate revenue and merchandise of $1 million. Further assume the AFL's contribution for salary cap, etc, comes to $6 million. That's a total of $11 million, leaving a further $14 million per annum from other sources.

Even factoring in assistance from the Tasmanian Government ($10 million) and the AFL ($4 million), this new Tasmanian club, scraping by with $25 million as its financial base, would still not be competitive with any of the interstate clubs, nor with Collingwood or Essendon. But at least it would be on the field.

If Lane feels as strongly as he does about a Tasmanian team, I suggest he puts that passion to work, develops a business plan and heads a group to make it happen. Meanwhile, we at Hawthorn are doing everything we can to give Tasmania a real connection within the AFL.

An option could be to make Tassie like the old VFL Park.

Buy 22 home games of a bunch of different clubs and play them in Tassie rather than basing a team their entirely.

Get North, Hawthorn, St. Kilda, Melbourne, etc.. to play a couple of matches down in Tassie every year each to get 20 odd games.

Then the Tasmanians get a good sample of matches that cover a bunch of different clubs.

Personally I don't like watching games down there because it is like watching country footy. No atmosphere and very small crowds which have no love for either competing club.

Sorry, but isn't this thread about new A-League teams?

We did, until 1996 (when Gold Coast, Hobart and Geelong were scrapped).

There are two Tasmanian teams in the SEABL though.


Because the A-League started off small and hasn't expanded yet


Because the AFL are twats. I can't stand the AFL and would be quite happy to not have any games in Tas at all, but they are crazy to not basing a team here. There is a higher % of AFL supporters in Tasmania than in Victoria. I have NFI why the AFL would not even consider a Tassie team.

There is a Tasmanian team in the VFL.



NBL, not really enough interest.

A-League, well the FFT CEO has met with Ben Buckley (FFA CEO) recently. Grassroots, I have started a group on Facebook which has 50 members after a week. (If anyone is interested - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20012607944 )

AFL, there are organisations/groups who are pushing for it and they get good media coverage down here, but in the last couple of years the AFL has flat out rejected any chance of a Tasmanian team.

cheers for the detailed response!

Although the Wellington team is successful than Auckland before them, im not a fan of having a NZ team in the A-League. I think that currently all 7 Australian clubs are safe, and another team in Sydney would not hurt. Canberra might be a good idea. But the Cosmos didnt exactly set the capital on fire. Maybe in a new comp like the A-LEague people would come down and support a Canberra team.

If the Phoenix make the top 4 will you change your mind:)

I quite enjoy wathcing the Phoenix play this season, they certainly look good in attack.

I agree that the next regions/cities to get a a-league team will be
Illawarra-Wollongong
Monaro-Canberra
NQLD-Townsville
GC possibly Geelong

I'm quite sure it'll be Gold Coast & Townsville next in. Though i hope they don't use their cheesy nicknames that we've heard about......:ohno:

I'm quite sure it'll be Gold Coast & Townsville next in. Though i hope they don't use their cheesy nicknames that we've heard about......:ohno:

what about the Townsville Tornados?

I dont really care what they're called but...Gold Coast Galaxy is just a pathetic attempt to get the attention of LA Galaxy so they will bring Beckham over. We'll probably see "Galaxies" popping up all over the world - or maybe we wont...

Reminds me of another Queensland club several years ago, that tried to use "Lakers" and ended up getting a cease and desist from the LA Lakers. :lol:

I think they should just lose the crap nicknames alltogether really.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Have NO nicknames and let the supporters come up with them in time like they did for the old teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, Carlton, Geelong, Melbourne etc..

^^^^^^^^^^^

Have NO nicknames and let the supporters come up with them in time like they did for the old teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, Carlton, Geelong, Melbourne etc..

are you sure you want to do that? this is Queensland we're talking about here

What is the best football/soccer competition in the world. You would have to say the English Premier league. This league doesnt have the bullshit, rhyming, corny nicknames and it still has huge interest.
Why then, do we always have to follow American sporting nickname shite in this country when there are new clubs. i dont know anything about rugby but that super 12-14s dont ever ever put the place names, just their dopey nicknames, so I dont have a clue where they come from. Anyone would think that Australian sport is based only to 5 year olds.
By the way, I dont think the A-league is gonna get to far in Aust without some coverage on free to air TV. If you dont have foxtel the A-league is "whats the A-league". Same with the domestic 1 day cricket games. At one stage I thought they completely stopped the whole comp, but then found out it all went to foxtel. Same with basketball, nowadays you almost dont notice that the NBL exists anymore.

What is the best football/soccer competition in the world. You would have to say the English Premier league. This league doesnt have the bullshit, rhyming, corny nicknames and it still has huge interest.
Why then, do we always have to follow American sporting nickname shite in this country when there are new clubs. i dont know anything about rugby but that super 12-14s dont ever ever put the place names, just their dopey nicknames, so I dont have a clue where they come from. Anyone would think that Australian sport is based only to 5 year olds.
By the way, I dont think the A-league is gonna get to far in Aust without some coverage on free to air TV. If you dont have foxtel the A-league is "whats the A-league". Same with the domestic 1 day cricket games. At one stage I thought they completely stopped the whole comp, but then found out it all went to foxtel. Same with basketball, nowadays you almost dont notice that the NBL exists anymore.

Blackburn Rovers
Bolton Wanderers


heres a reason, perhaps as we have so many major competing spectator sports in the same markets.

If you just call a team Melbourne it could be a basketball team, an AFL team, a soccer team, a Rugby League team and they're all reported on in the news. There needs to be some way to differentiate easily - hence the moniker


i dont think we'll ever see free to air cover A-league or domestic cricket again. what will happen over time is more people will get pay tv. we need a competitor to drive the prices down, but you wont see much of substance on free to air in other developed countries these days.

i dont mind nicknames, just not silly ones like Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory, Canterbury Crusaders, Brisbane broncos. I dont even like how my team Port Adelaide is called the power.

I dont mind those unsual English ones like Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham hotspur, Queens Park Rangers, and in Aust I didnt mind the Adelaide Rams when they tried the rugby team. I like Adelaide United

The 'Power' is a real shocker. Vaguely I recall the AFL wanted Port to have a differing type of nickname to an animal or bird from memory.

It shits me the influence of American sports and culture on Australia. Why not just come up with our own concepts? There is an idea OZ, be inventive!

are you sure you want to do that? this is Queensland we're talking about here
All of the other states are just as guilty mate. The nicknames in other sports don't bother me as much as they do in football. I don't know why though!

The 'Power' is a real shocker. Vaguely I recall the AFL wanted Port to have a differing type of nickname to an animal or bird from memory.

It shits me the influence of American sports and culture on Australia. Why not just come up with our own concepts? There is an idea OZ, be inventive!

most Port supporters cant even say 'power'. they can only manage "paa'er"

oh ha ha. Most peole walking around town with crows stuff on look highly intelligent too, not

Soooooo......basically all of Adelaide are pretty useless then? ;) :lol:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You should have seen the grand final. That wasn't a game, it was a shame!

It was basically WAFTAM, thanks a lot Port.

oh ha ha. Most peole walking around town with crows stuff on look highly intelligent too, not

anyone who wears AFL apparel in Adelaide probably havent been dealt the best hand in life.

I'm quite sure it'll be Gold Coast & Townsville next in. Though i hope they don't use their cheesy nicknames that we've heard about......:ohno:

well in old footballing terms Rangers means that the team roams. Now if the 'northern thunder' team is meant to represent FNQ and the NT, well Townsville Rangers doesnt sound like a bad idea to me doesnt it? As for Gold Coast Galaxy... Gold Coast to us (in the west) seems like a cheesy look at me kind of area and if they are called that it wouldnt suprise me. Plus i hate for ANY a-league club to have a name forced upon them for the sake of dollars with another club in the world....and why link up with LA Galaxy...just coz Becks plays for them now.

what about the Townsville Tornados?

I dont really care what they're called but...Gold Coast Galaxy is just a pathetic attempt to get the attention of LA Galaxy so they will bring Beckham over. We'll probably see "Galaxies" popping up all over the world - or maybe we wont...

Reminds me of another Queensland club several years ago, that tried to use "Lakers" and ended up getting a cease and desist from the LA Lakers. :lol:


South Melbourne also used the name, and they had to drop the name because of the same reason.

Im not a fan of 'stupid names' in the A-League as the Jets, Glory, Roar are a bit dumb. But i would love to have the Roar being called BRISBANE lol.

^^
Galaxy is a stupid name but so is Roar, Victory and Glory.

Yeah i don't mind Rangers & Wanderers as a football team name.

In certain occasions a nickname would be appropriate e.g. for HAL's Newcastle Jets to separate them from the Toonside. Or for continuity e.g. the Glory have had their name for a couple of years now.

Unfortunately rugby or AFL teams have taken from of the "FC" monikers. Simply having FC in a country which has 4 football codes all in popular appeal is very confusing indeed.

Though there's only 1 NQ football team that I know of and that's the Cowboys, I say the NQ A-League team should be NQFC.

i agree what your saying but i tend to like town or city names in the name :p

So yeah, any news on the Townsville or GC expansion plans?

Thunder make case to FFA

JOSH ALSTON

09Feb08

THE fate of the Northern Thunder is in the hands of Football Federation Australia after a delegation led by managing director James Gage made their final pesentation in Sydney yesterday.

Gage and business development director Allen St James were among the Thunder delegates who presented their business models to FFA chief executive Ben Buckley and professional consultants.

The club's final financial statements were handed to the FFA in the meeting which went for just under two hours and a decision on whether to allow the Thunder to enter the 2008/09 A-League competition is expected to be made at a board meeting on February 21.

Gage said he was pleased with the meeting and was hopeful of a positive result.

"It went very well, we presented our information to them and ... the comment was made that we provided a very good presentation – now it's a matter of waiting until the board meeting on the 21st (of this month)," he said.

The FFA is expected to make final queries on the Thunder and Gold Coast Galaxy bids this week before making a decision on expansion.

"There's probably a little bit of backwards and forwards this week with a couple of queries from our presentation maybe," Gage said.
"Now it's probably just a case of they'll scrutinise that in a little more detail."

The Australian seems to think that both the Northern Thunder (Townsville) and the Gold Coast Galaxy will be in next years A League. Good news, now to get the Roar named the Brisbane Roar (or something better, but with Brisbane in it).

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23197614-2722,00.html

I'm pretty confident they'll both be in next season.

I second that!

Galaxy, Thunder to join A-League

By Ray Gatt

February 12, 2008 AUSTRALIA'S football revolution will take another giant step next season with Gold Coast Galaxy and the Townsville-based Northern Thunder expected to be included in an expanded 10-team A-League.

Football Federation Australia board members will meet on February 21 to make a final decision, but both clubs are understood to have all but won the battle to convince authorities they are ready to take up the challenge.

Gold Coast officials, headed by consortium boss Fred Taplin, spoke to FFA officials in Brisbane on Friday and walked away confident that their last face-to-face meeting with the head body before the announcement was a success.

The people behind the Northern Thunder bid did not have a meeting with FFA (they last met on January 26), but proposal is understood to be considered in some quarters as more impressive than the Galaxy's.

FFA is keen for expansion from the present eight-team format to 10 to capitalise on the success of the fledgling competition, which passed the one million mark in attendance figures for the second season in succession.

FFA is believed to be unlikely to make an announcement until after the grand final on February 24.

Taplin said the Galaxy people were remaining level headed despite the favourable noises coming from those that matter.

"We are like a cat on a hot tin roof just waiting to find out the decision," Taplin said. "But we are taking nothing for granted.

"I can tell you we were very happy with the way the meeting went with (FFA chief executive) Ben Buckley on Friday."

The Galaxy will play at the new $160 million, 25,000 capacity Skilled Park, which is due to be completed this year. The complex will also be the home of the Gold Coast NRL team, the Titans.

Former Queensland Roar coach Miron Bleiberg is expected to take the reins of the side, with former Australia and Newcastle Jets captain Paul Okon tipped to be his assistant.

Northern Thunder representative James Gage said recently that the consortium was ready to go as soon as it was given the green light.

Former New Zealand international Wynton Rufer, who made his name playing in the German Bundesliga in the 1980s and early 1990s, will be the Thunder's inaugural head coach.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23198594-5000940,00.html

I find it very interesting that a city like Melbourne of 4 million with a massive euro and pommie population can only support one soccer team.

The FFA have a one city, one team policy at the moment. It might change in a few years, but it will remain in place while the A-League is still finding it's feet.

I think a second team should be pinned on Regional Victoria - and base it out of Geelong.

Until then having one team in Melbourne will only make Victory stronger with such a strong fan base.

I think a second team should be pinned on Regional Victoria - and base it out of Geelong.

Until then having one team in Melbourne will only make Victory stronger with such a strong fan base.

Yep Geelong might be ok. Victoria with 5 million plus has only one team so should be able to support another.

Surely the Qld ROAR will change their name to Brisbane if two other Qld teams come into the league.

Apparently the FFA has asked Northern Thunder to change their name to North Queensland Thunder. So maybe Queensland Roar will remaind the same.

Gold Coast keen on Kanu

The Gold Coast Galaxy franchise have earmarked English Premier League legend Nwankwo Kanu as their top target -even though they were warned Tuesday night that there is ''work to do'' to seal entry into the A-League.

While Football Federation Australia (FFA) are seeking further clarification by the end of the week on the club's ability to meet $4.5million start-up commitments, overtures were being made in England to lure the Nigerian ace, and one-time Arsenal star, as either a guest player or as a $1million marquee man.

Galaxy football director Miron Bleiberg, the former Queensland Roar coach, believes that going after the lanky, but still lethal, 32-year-old striker is a statement of intent sure to bring the hordes flocking to Skilled Stadium in 2008-09 .

‘’He’s just the sort of player people would appreciate. He’s got panache, skill and a pedigree rare in football,’’ Bleiberg said.

‘’We’d like to bring him over as either a guest player for four or five games or as a marquee signing.’’

Currently with Portsmouth, but out of contract at season’s end and open to offers, Kanu - whose list of credits also includes Ajax, Inter Milan and West Brom - is Africa's most decorated player and revered for his lightness of touch, trickery and vision.

His collection of medals includes a UEFA Champions League gong with Ajax in 1995 and he won two Premiership titles with Arsenal (2002 and 2004) and an FA Cup with the Gunners (2004).

''He would certainly look at coming to Australia,” Kanu’s English-based representative, Samuel Okoronkwo, revealed.

“There's a strong chance he might get another contract in England with Portsmouth but if that doesn't happen then he is open to discussions with other parties. He wants to keep playing and would have no qualms considering the A-League.''

Kanu needs to feature in 20 Premier League games this season to trigger another year at Pompey and is currently four short of the target. But with just for goals all season it’s believed coach Harry Redknapp might be happy to let him go.

While Bleiberg, and Fred Taplin, the man behind the consortium of property tycoons who are financing the Galaxy’s bid, remain staunchly optimistic of an A-League licence there are cautionary noises coming from within the FFA.

''There is still some work for the Galaxy to do to get over the line. They know what they have to do,” a reliable source at the peak body’s Sydney headquarters told TWG.

''We need to be fully satisfied they are willing to commit the funds ($4.5 million start up projections) and while there are grounds for genuine optimism there is certain paperwork, which we will need to see by the end of the week.''

Taplin, who met with FFA chief executive Ben Buckley last Friday, is confident any, and all hurdles, will be overcome.

One stipulation is to provide thorough profiles of the handful of backers who are bankrolling the bid.

''I've had a meeting today (with fellow backers) to make sure everything is in order and it will be,’’ the Englishman said Tuesday.

''The I's will be dotted and the T's will be crossed and we're expecting good news after the FFA's board meets on February 21 (to decide whether the Galaxy and Townsville’s Northern Thunder bid get the go-head to swell the competition from eight teams to 10 for next season).”

''Of course, it's getting it a bit tense now but it's really just down to us having a business model which meets with their ultimate approval. They have all the documentation they need by the end of the week.''

Bleiberg is working on the theory that any late snags will be nothing more than a minor annoyance and is pushing ahead with his recruitment plans.

Aside from Kanu he also has West Brom's prolific former Sunderland, Aston Villa and Southampton marksman Kevin Phillips in his sights.

Like Kanu, 34-year-old Phillips, is coming off contract and might relish a final staging post on the Coast while 30-year-old midfielder Lee Hendrie, formerly of Aston Villa and now with Sheffield United, is another on the radar.

The bid to lure an experienced coach has also gathered pace with Perth Glory's David Mitchell, a former Socceroos international, throwing his hat into an already congested ring.

Another former Socceroos striker, Eddie Krncevic - who coached Marconi and Carlton in the defunct National League - is also keen, as is Gary Phillips, who once held the reins at Sydney Olympic and won a national title.

‘’We will be one of the financially more secure sides once we get the go-ahead. We’re going to be in a strong position to attract the players and the calibre of coach we need,” Bleiberg insisted.

LINK: http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=106194

Would be quite a coup if it happened, but i have doubts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And on the NQ front:

Former French international Laurent Robert - now with English premier league strugglers Derby County - has already been linked to the Thunder as their inaugural marquee player.

LINK: http://www.smh.com.au/news/a-league/...08.html?page=2

just heard on Ten News, Gold Coast and Townsville will be joining the A-league. does thsi mean roar will need to become Brisbane Roar?

^^
Not neccesarily.

Wow, both Bulletins have really gone all out this morning. But apparentely the Thunder (and Galaxy) still have to satisfy a whole list of extra criteria which haven't even been set out yet, before they are granted entry. Sounds promising though.

Northern Thunder ready to roll (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/02/22/10847_hpnews.html) - Townsville Bulletin 22/2/08

GOALLLL - Gold Coast gains national soccer team (http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/02/21/7990_gold-coast-news.html) - Gold Coast Bulletin 22/2/08

http://i32.tinypic.com/ogc2s7.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/2z6bivn.jpg

Great to see that it is front page news.

Football is going ballistic in this country. I have noticed lots of people wearing Roar gear in Brisbane (though it's a bit too orange for a Celtic Bhoy like me :) ), also people at work talking about the football. I watched last weekends Roar - Newcastle game at the local pub, and there must have been 60 people in there watching the game on the big screen. Unthinkable in the old NSL days.

And the media coverage is a lot better as well, would be good to have games shown on free to air tv though. Will be exciting to see how the game evolves over the next ten years.

I hope some deal can be worked out with Fox to allow them to show at least 1 match per weekend on a FTA station.

Interesting article regarding the name of Qld Roar

Queeensland Roar no more?
February 22, 2008 - 3:50PM (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/sport/queeensland-roar-no-more/2008/02/22/1203467363523.html)

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2008/02/22/470b_roar.jpg

The Roar have welcomed the A-League's expansion plans for Queensland - even if it forces them to change their name.

Football Federation Australia on Thursday granted provisional licenses to two new Queensland teams - the Gold Coast Galaxy and Townsville-based Northern Thunder - with both to join the current eight teams as early as next season.

Roar chief executive Lawrence Oudendyk today said he was excited about the new additions - although it could force a name change for the foundation A-League club.

He said the club's board would discuss whether a new moniker was needed in the coming months.

"My initial reaction is that we put a lot of money and time into branding our club and the name is Queensland Roar, and I believe going forward that we will stick with that," he said.

"However, the board may see it differently over the next four or five months."

And the Roar may not be just saying goodbye to their name - Queensland today gave their strongest indication yet that Brazilian striker Reinaldo would leave.

While the lanky 23-year-old was much maligned early in the season, he proved a lethal weapon as the Roar progressed to their first ever A-League finals series.

"We have only got five players coming off contract and I think two of those are going back overseas," Oudendyk said today.

Asked who the players were, he said: "Reinaldo is in discussions with a club in America and Simon Lynch ... there is a possibility of him returning overseas as well."

In all, five players - goalkeeper Liam Reddy, defenders Josh McCloughan and Ben Griffin, and strikers Simon Lynch and Reinaldo - are currently without a contract.

Defender Sasa Ognenovski has already confirmed his move to Adelaide United next season.

As the Roar sweat on player talks, Oudendyk denied the Galaxy's links with the Brisbane-based club would result in an exodus of players to the tourist strip.

The Galaxy's director of football Miron Bleiberg was the Roar's inaugural coach.

Oudendyk said there were enough young talent in Australia to support two new teams.

"There will be players from state leagues that will be asked to step up, but I do believe the standard of football has improved over the last few years," he told reporters.

"I think we'll be able to have a very competitive A-League next year."

Roar coach Frank Farina earlier this week suggested it was "too much too soon" for three teams to be playing out of the Sunshine State.

But Oudendyk today seemed to disagree with his manager.

He said the opportunity for local derbies would produce more interest in the game in Queensland, which should in turn attract more corporate support.

"Overall we're pretty excited by what's happening, we think there's going to be great local derbies coming up, particularly with the Gold Coast, and also with Townsville," he said.

"If the rugby league example is anything to go by we think our crowds will go up."

I hope some deal can be worked out with Fox to allow them to show at least 1 match per weekend on a FTA station.

People should put their money where their mouth is. :ohno: Either pay for a ticket, pay FoxSports or pay for some beers while down at the pub. Football doesn't need free loaders.(Not saying you are Wezza but there are some people out there that think it should all be put on for free for their entertainment). One flip side of the A-League is that because it's basically user-pays, you seem to get more genuine supporters.

I was thinking that may be part of the reason why sydneyfc has not been as successful as the swans. Swans get loads of FTA tv and very good exposure and the shallow sydneysiders show up. Put swans on FoxSports every week and take away their blanket coverage and lets see where they are in 10years time. As someone pointed out in another thread - sydneysiders are blessed with other things to do...harbour, beach, etc.

Galaxy is one of the worst names I could possibly imagine for any sports team. Maybe it's suitable that the Gold Coast will take it??

People should put their money where their mouth is. :ohno: Either pay for a ticket, pay FoxSports or pay for some beers while down at the pub. Football doesn't need free loaders.(Not saying you are Wezza but there are some people out there that think it should all be put on for free for their entertainment). One flip side of the A-League is that because it's basically user-pays, you seem to get more genuine supporters.



What an absolute bucket load of shit! There are families out there that can't afford pay tv or tickets to see the games live. So if you are on struggle street you don't deserve to see an A-League game.

Because its user-pays you get more genuine supporters, wtf?

It's good to see the A-League growing. Something will have to give in the market, probably RL and RU and undoubtably basketball.

Cricket and football are too fanatically followed.

Do not see the point in altering Queensland Roar's name, other than dropping 'Roar'. Quite possibly the dumbest name in the history of sports. Using a real location name is better than something as pathetic as 'West Coast' or 'Northern'. The marketing people have simply run out of ideas.

By the way, you don't see Lazio(the province that surrounds Rome and the older Roman club) being forced to change it's name because Roma is also in Serie A.

People should put their money where their mouth is. :ohno: Either pay for a ticket, pay FoxSports or pay for some beers while down at the pub. Football doesn't need free loaders.(Not saying you are Wezza but there are some people out there that think it should all be put on for free for their entertainment). One flip side of the A-League is that because it's basically user-pays, you seem to get more genuine supporters.

I was thinking that may be part of the reason why sydneyfc has not been as successful as the swans. Swans get loads of FTA tv and very good exposure and the shallow sydneysiders show up. Put swans on FoxSports every week and take away their blanket coverage and lets see where they are in 10years time. As someone pointed out in another thread - sydneysiders are blessed with other things to do...harbour, beach, etc.
I have pay tv, it doesn't worry me too much. I just think to increase the market for football, 1 FTA match per weekend would help alot.

^^^^^^^^^^

Rumour has it Ch. 10 was sniffing around very recently. I think the present tele deal makes it difficult for years however. Like another 8 years.

Fox Sports has been good for the comp. You don't over expose it, as it is not a great league just yet.

Great to see that it is front page news.

Football is going ballistic in this country. I have noticed lots of people wearing Roar gear in Brisbane (though it's a bit too orange for a Celtic Bhoy like me :) ), also people at work talking about the football. I watched last weekends Roar - Newcastle game at the local pub, and there must have been 60 people in there watching the game on the big screen. Unthinkable in the old NSL days.

Don't forget it is the off-season for AFL and NRL, Super 14, so more people will shift their focus aswell.

While the eastern states clubs continue to bask in the glory of this new league, Perth Glory who had a large supporter base and performed back in the NSL days continue to go down the shitter.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/02/23/11622_news.html

Jeff Whalley
23Feb08

THE region's political heavyweights are preparing to mount a major assault to win an A-League soccer franchise for Geelong by 2010.

THE region's political heavyweights are preparing to mount a major assault to win an A-League soccer franchise for Geelong by 2010.

Federal Corangamite MP Darren Cheeseman has commissioned a study where the key strategy will involve a multi-purpose sporting facility, which would be ideal for soccer and a resurgent local competition.


It is understood the Geelong franchise could make its charge in 2010 when the Melbourne Victory's unchallenged domination of the Victorian market is set to end.

It's understood local politicians favour a rectangular stadium in the region that could house soccer, rugby and hockey with a capacity for about 10,000 spectators.

The location is yet to be decided, it's believed. Mr Cheeseman yesterday led a renewed call for Geelong to be the location for second A-League franchise in Victoria as part of a long-term game plan for Geelong to be mapped out by the Football Federation of Victoria and the Geelong Regional Football Association.

His call came as Football Federation Australia granted provisional licences to Townsville and Gold Coast clubs as part of plans to expand the competition to 10 teams as early as next season.

But FFA chairman Frank Lowy yesterday said the Hyundai A-League had the capacity to be at least a 12-team competition.

Mr Cheeseman, speaking from Canberra yesterday, said it was clear there would be a second A-League franchise in Victoria and that Geelong needed a long-term plan to nail that down.

He said the region should establish a flagship team in the Victorian Premier League as a smart step to the A-League. ``The inspiration should be clubs like the Central Coast Mariners, who draw on a population similar to the Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine region. This weekend they are in the A-League grand final,'' he said.

``I have promised $20,000 to fund an independent regional study into the establishment of a regional soccer facility, including looking at demand, the make-up of such a facility, the location and cost.''


Federal Corio MP Richard Marles strongly backed the push yesterday, saying the city should aspire to A-League status.


``A critical step in getting there is having the right sporting infrastructure in place,'' he said.


South Barwon MP Michael Crutchfield said it made sense for the 10th largest regional city in Australia to have its own A-League team.


``I think we can demonstrate the supporter base that is needed, as long as the team was identified as a Geelong-wide, and not coming from one specific area.''

Don't forget it is the off-season for AFL and NRL, Super 14, so more people will shift their focus aswell.

While the eastern states clubs continue to bask in the glory of this new league, Perth Glory who had a large supporter base and performed back in the NSL days continue to go down the shitter.

Super 14 is into round 2 of its competition. And the RL has already been getting heaps of press coverage in Qld with the start of trial games, and also the entire Bennett thing (which is a huge story in Brisbane) and also Murray at the Cowboys.

A League is starting to get more press coverage becuase the crowd figures have proved to the media that there is interest out there, and it is worthwhile for them to cover it.

Channel 10 in Brisbane have given the roar great coverage, ch 7 & 9 have been pretty lousy.

Don't forget it is the off-season for AFL and NRL, Super 14, so more people will shift their focus aswell.

While the eastern states clubs continue to bask in the glory of this new league, Perth Glory who had a large supporter base and performed back in the NSL days continue to go down the shitter.

No one wants to see their team lose constantly. If they had a decent run, i'm confident they could get some pretty good crowds.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A lot of the Perth fans were British, maybe their visas had run out and they have gone back to Blighty.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

A lot of the Perth fans were British, maybe their visas had run out and they have gone back to Blighty.

Lol, but seriously, Perth still has the highest percentage of British of any city in Aus. I'm really surprised the attendence at Perth Glory isn't better, considering the AFL and Super 14 crowds are that high.

Is there something wrong with the stadium they're playing at, has it got something to do with the marketing of Perth Glory in the WA market, or what is it?

^^^^^^^^^^^

Their results and ownership issues are not helping you would have to say. Probably the worst side in Oz.

Also their team, a pan ethnic setup is not a new concept, while it is over in the east. Maybe Perth is a barometer of what will start happening on the eastern seaboard.

Essentially, if they got some decent players, a good team the fans would come back.

^^ They are obviously fair weather fans. I have been very surprised by the collapse in support over there. It will be interesting to see Western Force crowds in the next couple of years - particularly if they struggle.

Actually a large percentage were serbian, italian, croatian etc. probably more so than the British fans because all of the glory players names finished with an ich at the end of it, if you remember there was controvesy over bobby devspotovski doing the symbol aimed at the croations i think it was? that serbians used during some war a long time ago.

Ch 10 do a good coverage of the A-league all round i think, even though the glory were pathetic and had a sacked coach, they still spoke to the coach(s) every week for updates etc.

People will always go to the force games even if they struggle because we have a large population of South Africans and other rugby following immigrants.

Lol, but seriously, Perth still has the highest percentage of British of any city in Aus. I'm really surprised the attendence at Perth Glory isn't better, considering the AFL and Super 14 crowds are that high.

Is there something wrong with the stadium they're playing at, has it got something to do with the marketing of Perth Glory in the WA market, or what is it?
I can tell you right now, if the AFL & rugby union sides over there lost nearly every match they played, crowds would not be too flash for them either.

I wish all the best to the Northern Thunder (or whatever it is) and the Gold Coast club (even though Galaxy is the crappest name they could possibly come up with). I hope the Roar now become the Brisbane Roar, unless there is some strange contractual obligation with the Brisbane Lions AFC which I think was the rea.. well I dont know but the Brisbane Lions Soccer team got paid a shitload for their name, which I think is the reason they were able to be the successful Brisbane franchise in the A League. But couldnt call themselves the Lions. Or Brisbane. Correct me if I am wrong - but with a Townsville and Gold Coast team, it would be disingenuous of the Roar to continue to call itself "Queensland".

The trade off was the use of the name Lions I believe, nothing to do with calling the team Brisbane. And as bas as Queensland Roar sounds Brisbane Roar just sounds even worse. I think the name will stay the Queensland Roar, they will just still continue to concentrate on Brisbane, big who gives a crap.

It's good to see the A-League growing. Something will have to give in the market, probably RL and RU and undoubtably basketball.

Cricket and football are too fanatically followed.

Do not see the point in altering Queensland Roar's name, other than dropping 'Roar'. Quite possibly the dumbest name in the history of sports. Using a real location name is better than something as pathetic as 'West Coast' or 'Northern'. The marketing people have simply run out of ideas.

By the way, you don't see Lazio(the province that surrounds Rome and the older Roman club) being forced to change it's name because Roma is also in Serie A.

They should just be Brisbane FC with a Lion on their logo and just let fans decide a nickname.

^^
Best idea i've heard! Maybe Brisbane City?

There should be some civil movement against the name 'Gold Coast Galaxy'. How tacky can you be?

But it suits the city in that way doesn't it?

^^
Best idea i've heard! Maybe Brisbane City?

I am going to have to give you both a big no for the names.
A) Brisbane FC is reported to be a rival bid for the Brisbane A-League Licence
B) Brisbane City is a team in the Queensland State League (whatever that is called) and a competitor to the Lions in the State League. Plus I believe at one time or another Brisbane City competed in the National League/NSL.

Sorry boys not trying to be mean. I have been trying to think up a decent name for the team and boy is it hard, nothing just seems to sound good. Doubt they would get away with FC or United as there are teams already with those names. And looking through what other prefixes are there? Town, County, Wanderers, Rangers.... Maybe it would have to be Brisbane Roar, although I am starting to favour just sticking to Queensland Roar.

I know Brisbane FC is from a rival A-League bid. Haven't heard anything about them lately though, i gathered it had gone down the gurglar. I didn't know about Brisbane City being in the QSL. I prefer Rangers & Wanderers over Roar TBH. Though, whatever it is, they'll still have my support.

I'll have a fit if they change the name to Brisbane Rangers.

^^
:lol:

BRISBANE ROAR ...... Leave it at that.
I cannot see them changing the name "Roar" anytime soon. Everyone knows it now. They have to incorporate the word Brisbane in there somewhere so I suggest BRISBANE ROAR would get the go ahead. Nice and simple......

I still can't see anything wrong with Queensland Roar. Things evolve and the name might not fit the meaning anymore, but people still know them as QLD Roar!

Lol, but seriously, Perth still has the highest percentage of British of any city in Aus. I'm really surprised the attendence at Perth Glory isn't better, considering the AFL and Super 14 crowds are that high.

Is there something wrong with the stadium they're playing at, has it got something to do with the marketing of Perth Glory in the WA market, or what is it?

They do marketing?

They do marketing?

I don't know, do they?

I wish all the best to the Northern Thunder (or whatever it is) and the Gold Coast club (even though Galaxy is the crappest name they could possibly come up with)

'Brisneyland' in your avatar is horrible too!! At least you can change that :sly:

There should be some civil movement against the name 'Gold Coast Galaxy'. How tacky can you be?

Gold Coast Gravity
Gold Coast Rip
Gold Coast Rise

Gravity (pulling them down, fast moving, controlling)
Rip (dangerous, rip 'em up, rip into it, beach themed...etc)
Rise (rising towers, rise of power...)


There must be way more better ideas than those. Galaxy sounds really 80's or something

Gold Coast Gravity
Gold Coast Rip
Gold Coast Rise

Gravity (pulling them down, fast moving, controlling)
Rip (dangerous, rip 'em up, rip into it, beach themed...etc)
Rise (rising towers, rise of power...)


There must be way more better ideas than those. Galaxy sounds really 80's or something

The Central Coast have a non A-league soccer team called the CC Rip

North Queensland's bid to be in next years comp is looking a bit shaky this morning. The major investor has parted ways with the Thunder commitee. Unless they can find another major investor before Friday, it's looking like they will have to aim for '09/'10 season. The investor is apparently still keen to get an A-League team in Townsville & there is talk she might set up a rival bid....... Watch this space.

^^^^^^^^^^

Bring in the 'Gong.

Northern Queensland is too small an economy for 3 pro sports teams.

The Gong is losing the Dragons, so A-League will have it all to themselves.

Not at all. North Queensland has a catchment of over 1 million people! This team could even have darwin as an initial supporter base.

An A-League club would get great support in NQ. People up here are nuts about any kind of sport.

Northern Queensland is too small an economy for 3 pro sports teams.



There already are 3.

And all 3 are very well supported.

Looks like we'll be having another season with just 8 teams. NQ & Gold Coast will enter in the '09/'10 season.

I'm really dissapointed that they are not going to go with a Gold Coast team next year. The timing would have been perfect with the interest in the new stadium boosting crowd numbers. An 8 team league is too small, and is probably my major gripe with the A League (other than Brisbane being called Queensland).

Yeah I think Gold Coast could have a right to be mightly pissed off at NQ. They have stuffed it up for the both of them it would seem. BTW anyone think that Tarek Elrich was going to head to one of the two clubs probably Gold Coast, with him signing almost straight after the announcement that the two new teams would get the go ahead.

You can blame the Melbourne business woman, Millissa Fischer for the NQ bid falling through. Sounded like she wanted total control of the club.

There were also suggestions that not everything was quite right behind the scenes at GC...

Well, definitely the Gold Coast next year. They should call their team the GC Surf.

Well, definitely the Gold Coast next year. They should call their team the GC Surf.

What's wrong with Gold Coast FC?

^^ that would be good too, nothing wrong with GC FC :)

What about Inter GC or Real GC?

Or maybe... AC GC

... the logo can have a lightening bolt through it.

I dont care who is in the A-League next season be it Gold Coast, Townsville, Wollongong or even Canberra, just as long as they dont have stupid farken names like Galaxy, Thunder etc etc

not a huge fan of soccer, so don't follow it much. but i would have thought an ideal place for a some new teams would be in indonesia. They seem to be soccer mad there and with the inclusion of NZ its not exclusivly and Aussie thing.

An Australia/NZ/Indonesia comp would be nice.

^^Indonesia I'd imagine would be in the Asian comp.

why not get them with us, i think it would bring in huge amount of money and interest into the comp. The comp was setup on radical concepts they need to keep that going.

not a huge fan of soccer, so don't follow it much. but i would have thought an ideal place for a some new teams would be in indonesia. They seem to be soccer mad there and with the inclusion of NZ its not exclusivly and Aussie thing.

An Australia/NZ/Indonesia comp would be nice.

I doubt the AFC or FIFA would be too happy about that since they've already got their own professional national league. In any case there is the Asian Champions League for international club competition.

i really don't think its the same.

i really don't think its the same.

We were allowed to include an NZ team in the A-League because there is no professional competition in NZ. All of our other Asian near neighbours with the exception of PNG have fully professional leagues...

I think that ANY teams outside of Aus isnt on, yeah sure there are Welsh teams in England but im not talking about them lol.

I think that ANY teams outside of Aus isnt on, yeah sure there are Welsh teams in England but im not talking about them lol.

The Wales league is semi-professional. The other examples - the Canadian team in MLS, the Liechtensteiner team in the Swiss League and the Monegasque team in France - are all examples of team whose countries have no professional league.

i'm sure there are heaps of good reasons why it could not happen. i think it should though, its in the right time zone, has milllions of followers, TV viewers here would love it...

i'm sure there are heaps of good reasons why it could not happen. i think it should though, its in the right time zone, has milllions of followers, TV viewers here would love it...

An ASEAN Football Federation (we are nominally grouped with them, though not officially a member) Champions Cup could work...

I have often put a lot of thought into this, as I think the A-League definetly has a huge potential to overtake AFL as the nations number one sport.

With the competition as it is -


Adelaide United
Sydney FC
Melbourne Victory
Queensland Roar
Perth Glory
Newcastle Jets
Central Coast Mariners
Wellington Phoenix
Gold Coast Galaxy
Northern Thunder


I think the following areas are capable of supporting an A-League team.


Sunshine Coast
3x Sydney (Liverpool & Parramatta and South)
Geelong
Ballarat/Bendigo (Midwest Vic)
Canberra
Brisbane City
Riverina (Mildura/Wagga Wagga)
North or South Adelaide
NT
Tasmania
Mandurah/South Perth
Melbourne SE
Melbourne West
Inner Melbourne
Christchurch
Auckland


To form an overall 28 team league, split into two divisions of 14 teams each.
Seasons would be a 26 round fixture (half a year) playing everyone once, home and away, with last 2 for relegation, top two for promotion, and a top 6-team finals series for championship cup. There should also be a FA-style league cup, where every team is randomly selected to play another, following standard elimination procedure. No legs, just penalty shootouts.


Adelaide United
Districts Force (North Adelaide)
Perth Glory
Mandurah
Tasmania Tigers
Canberra Cosmos
Northern Thunder
Brisbane Strikers
Queensland Roar
Gold Coast Galaxy
Sunshine Coast
Auckland
Wellington Phoenix
Christchurch


Midwest Miners (Ballarat/Bendigo)
Riverina
Geelong Wildcats
Newcastle Jets
Wollongong Wolves
Central Coast Mariners
Liverpool Reds
Olympic Spirit (Parramatta)
Sutherland Shire (South Sydney)
South Melbourne FC
Marconi FC (West Melbourne)
Waverley Ravens (SE Melbourne)
Sydney FC
Melbourne Victory

^^
I can't imagine a promotion/relegation system working in Australia for a long time. I don't think we have the population for it unfortunately. It would definitely make the league more exciting though.

A cup competition of some kind would be a lot more likely, though quite expensive.

^^
The FFA have some kind of cup competition in the pipeline, interesting to see what they come up with!

Gotta agree 100 % with this article. Finally people are waking up...

Football 'worth more than league'

By David Davutovic
April 16, 2008

THE battle of Australia's football codes is not consigned to western Sydney, with football's TV rights tipped to rival that of the AFL when a new deal is nutted out in 2013.

Leading media buyer and analyst Harold Mitchell claims that football's deal may surpass the NRL's $500 million deal and rub shoulders with the AFL.

Mitchell, the man who advised the AFL when it signed the unprecedented $780 million TV deal, predicted that Football Federation Australia's bargaining power would top the $100 million-a-year mark by the time the rights are up for renewal.

"The soccer rights should be a $100 million-a-year sport by 2013," Mitchell said. "It could be equal to the AFL by then if it is properly presented.

"No doubt it could surpass the NRL. The reason is it can grow into all the states, southern and western. Where the NRL is very strong in New South Wales and Queensland, soccer can grow into new areas more easily and readily. Also what's developing is that mums want their kids to play soccer.

"They don't like thuggery so it's perfectly positioned as a family sport. It's minimal contact. It's of high appeal and it is a fast-moving game for TV. Plus it's short."

His argument is supported by the Professional Footballers Association, whose research indicates that football's TV rights - the A-League and Australia matches packaged together - will eventually surpass those of the NRL.

PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab, a former vice-president of AFL club Richmond, believes the TV rights will be lucrative if A-League teams are introduced in western Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast before the next deal.

"The question is when, not if," Schwab said in reference to surpassing the NRL's TV rights.

"We may not be No1, but the key is being the No.2 sport in every Australian market.

"The Socceroos can be the No.1 national team in Australia, with a regular audience of one million and up to 3.5 million for big games.

"Packaged together, these media rights can provide a commercial platform that will sit only behind the AFL in the medium to long term."

Football's current seven-year, $130 million deal with Fox Sports was lucrative at the time it was signed - after just one A-League season.

But it was also signed on the eve of the 2006 World Cup, and Mitchell said the rights even now would be worth considerably more.

In football's favour is the fact that FFA chief executive Ben Buckley was the man who brokered the AFL's $780 million deal.

Would be nice to see football overtake AFL.

^^^^^^^^^^^

It will definately overtake rugby league quite shortly.

If Football do take over AFL as the number 1 sport, it wont be because of the AFL. Everyone knows of Footballs growth and now their just realising it.


However im very skeptical of the amount of new teams in the future though.

^^^^^^^^^^^

It will definately overtake rugby league quite shortly.

Possibly, allthough to overtake NRL, it would have to have as many teams & then beat it's crowd average. So there's a bit of a way to go yet. If it does, i'd like to see it keep going & overtake AFL as well, football has way more appeal.

^^^^^^^^^^^

There are far too many teams and matches in the current NRL format.

If I was running it, I would concentrate on 12 teams max. There is not the population in NSW/QLD and NZ to support the comp. the way it is.

Heard a RL guy on the radio today mentioning that families do not attend games and it has some serious problems going forward.

Long term, I doubt RL has much of a future. But I am sure it will still be played, it just will not be a major sport. Actually arguably it is not now.

Eventually they will go back to union, with cap in hand I would suggest. Like you are seeing happening in England.

^^^^^^^^^^^



Eventually they will go back to union, with cap in hand I would suggest. Like you are seeing happening in England.

Not likely:

The ARU lost $8.4 million last year, and is now having to consider privatisation of super 14 teams as a result.

Possibly, allthough to overtake NRL, it would have to have as many teams & then beat it's crowd average. So there's a bit of a way to go yet. If it does, i'd like to see it keep going & overtake AFL as well, football has way more appeal.

The A-League is only a couple of hundred behind the NRL. Even then there is question over some of the NRL crowd figures.

^^^^^^^^^^^

There are far too many teams and matches in the current NRL format.

If I was running it, I would concentrate on 12 teams max. There is not the population in NSW/QLD and NZ to support the comp. the way it is.

Heard a RL guy on the radio today mentioning that families do not attend games and it has some serious problems going forward.

Long term, I doubt RL has much of a future. But I am sure it will still be played, it just will not be a major sport. Actually arguably it is not now.

Eventually they will go back to union, with cap in hand I would suggest. Like you are seeing happening in England.
You're not serious are you?? :lol: Rugby league is doing far better than union in Australia!!!

hack404: The crowd numbers for A-League are close to NRL, but they have 8 less teams. Do you really think crowd averages would be that close if it had 16 teams???

^^^^^^^^^

But for how much longer?

In relation to the four football codes, the NRL is going to maintain its traditional support base in NSW and QLD, rugby is going to keep its traditional support base from the elites and the corporates (as all the elite schools in NSW and QLD are rugby schools) and AFL is going to maintain its strength in the other states. The A-League has to find its niche amongst all of that, which I am certain it will.

The problem I see it is not crowd numbers which are very good per game, it is the gaining of corporate sponsorship. My team, the Queensland Roar, went two and half seasons without a main jersey sponsor. That, I believe, is due to the competition in the marketplace for sponsorship. The A League has to be very careful with its expansion plans not to spread the field too thin that there is a lack of sponsorship. Having said that, the Gold Coast and NQ are two markets that are probably not oversupplied with competition to the A League as of yet and so the teams in those areas could work. Expansion beyond that at this point in time might be too much of a stretch.

Go Roar!

I forgot to add the the Queensland Roar should change their name to the Brisbane Roar ASAP with NQ and GC probably coming on line in the '09/'10 season.

It is just a name, everyone knows they are from Brisbane.

Personally I would prefer they got rid of 'Roar' that is right up there with the Knight Riders or an IPL team as one of the worst.

On a side note, amusing how Melbourne has once again stooged Sydney by getting Juventus, while poor old Sydney got the Galaxy.

it is well known that NRL crowd figures are doctured. Some A-League games are at times... I reckon Perth Glory ones are doctored.

I support that team, but it seriously needs a major revamp. Lose the 'ghey' name. Keep the teams colours and buy decent players that are younger than 33 (eugene dadi, you should retire...)

It is just a name, everyone knows they are from Brisbane.

Personally I would prefer they got rid of 'Roar' that is right up there with the Knight Riders or an IPL team as one of the worst.

On a side note, amusing how Melbourne has once again stooged Sydney by getting Juventus, while poor old Sydney got the Galaxy.
I wish all of the A-League teams would lose their nicknames, "Victory" & "Glory" are just as bad as "Roar". The one i don't mind is Wellington Phoenix, i think it sounds kinda cool. Either way, i still love Queensland Roar even if the name is a little tacky.

it is well known that NRL crowd figures are doctured. Some A-League games are at times... I reckon Perth Glory ones are doctored.

I support that team, but it seriously needs a major revamp. Lose the 'ghey' name. Keep the teams colours and buy decent players that are younger than 33 (eugene dadi, you should retire...)
So how is it well known the crowd numbers are doctored? Do you know from a very reliable source?

It is just a name, everyone knows they are from Brisbane.

Personally I would prefer they got rid of 'Roar' that is right up there with the Knight Riders or an IPL team as one of the worst.

On a side note, amusing how Melbourne has once again stooged Sydney by getting Juventus, while poor old Sydney got the Galaxy.

I'd say cause there are more Italians in Melbourne.

So how is it well known the crowd numbers are doctored? Do you know from a very reliable source?

I wouldn't know about that claim. I think there are discrepancies due to technology issues but seriously doubt they are boosting crowd numbers.

I wouldn't know about that claim. I think there are discrepancies due to technology issues but seriously doubt they are boosting crowd numbers.

I agree, i really don't see any crowd numbers being doctored.

I agree, i really don't see any crowd numbers being doctored.

There would be some advantages to underestimating crowd numbers like lessening the number of security guards...

There would be some advantages to underestimating crowd numbers like lessening the number of security guards...

for finals games (which the clubs are supposed to hand over the revenue to the FFA for) there are very tangible benefits to underestimating crowds.

i 'suspect' Newcastle and Central Coast were doing this in this years finals. those crowds looked way bigger than what was reported.

I wish all of the A-League teams would lose their nicknames, "Victory" & "Glory" are just as bad as "Roar". The one i don't mind is Wellington Phoenix, i think it sounds kinda cool. Either way, i still love Queensland Roar even if the name is a little tacky.


So how is it well known the crowd numbers are doctored? Do you know from a very reliable source?

i think for Perth to have ANY CREDIBILITY they need to drop the NSL nickname and call themselves Perth FC and then the fans give them a nickname like amny in europe and around the world have done.

Im not 100% sure but i have spoken to a few people in the know who have told me this, unfortuneately it is their word and isnt 100% conclusive.

i think for Perth to have ANY CREDIBILITY they need to drop the NSL nickname and call themselves Perth FC and then the fans give them a nickname like amny in europe and around the world have done.

Im not 100% sure but i have spoken to a few people in the know who have told me this, unfortuneately it is their word and isnt 100% conclusive.

Perth FC is a Tasmanian Aussie rules team.

im sure we could buy the license off them

Having FC after their name won't make them any more credible.

Perth FC is a Tasmanian Aussie rules team.

No aussie rules club should have FC behind their name. It should be ARFC.

No aussie rules club should have FC behind their name. It should be ARFC.
WTF

http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,5438661,00.jpg

You telling me Carlton need to add an "AR" on the front of their century old monogram? :ohno:

FC is football club, Carlton are an Austrralian Rules Football Club....

Don't get all upset, it's just my opinion.

Having FC after their name won't make them any more credible.

yeah but if they dropped the 'glory' name it would make them more credible.....ffs LOL

FC is football club, Carlton are an Austrralian Rules Football Club....

Don't get all upset, it's just my opinion.

AFL clubs should for 'business purposes' ie they ARE a football club but in business they have to call themselves AFLC or something

FC is football club, Carlton are an Austrralian Rules Football Club....

Don't get all upset, it's just my opinion.
Should Association Football (soccer) Clubs have AFC after their name?

Should Association Football (soccer) Clubs have AFC after their name?

Some do! Sunderland & Leeds are an example.

FC is football club, Carlton are an Austrralian Rules Football Club....

Don't get all upset, it's just my opinion.

But it is the Carlton Football Club. Same with Melbourne. It has been this way for 150 years.

A-League (Football) is "soccer", NRL is "Rugby" (in most cases) and AFL is "Football" in Australia. That will never change.

Unfortunately for the Association Football folks, aka soccer people, Aussie Rules was invented before soccer and therefore gets to call it's sport 'football'.

In Oz, soccer is soccer and football is football. Get over it.

But it is the Carlton Football Club. Same with Melbourne. It has been this way for 150 years.

A-League (Football) is "soccer", NRL is "Rugby" (in most cases) and AFL is "Football" in Australia. That will never change.

For the majority of the Australian population AFL is just AFL or Aussie Rules not 'football'.

Wezza's point is valid. Back when the sporting codes were first taking shape everyone just had FC. Now that there are distinct codes of football the team names should reflect what code they are playing. Obviously this would only apply to newer teams.

In 4 of the 6 states, AFL is football.

In 6 of the 6 states soccer is called soccer.

End of story.

Garbage!

^^^^^^^^^^^

Like it or lump it!

I think the moniker football should be large enough for each of Australia's four codes to be able to call themselves football.

Of course to the rest of the world (other than the US and NZ) football will always be soccer. Australia is just in that unique situation of having AFL, League (i.e. NRL), Rugby (i.e. the Super 14 and the Wallabies) and soccer each calling themselves football.