A message from Kangaroos CEO Geoff Walsh

[kangaroosfc]

Posters of Bigfooty,

Please find below a message from Kangaroos CEO Geoff Walsh. He has asked me to post this as an open letter to all Kangaroos members & supporters who read & post on Bigfooty.

The Kangaroos would appreciate if one of the moderators could 'sticky' this post in the short term.

Regards,

Aidan O'Moore
Events & Special Projects Coordinator.


Firstly, as CEO of the Kangaroos let me say on behalf of the tireless workers in our administration we welcome any constructive criticism from our passionate members. After reading some of the more emotive threads of the past week I am moved to respond on behalf of this same committed group, and indeed provide some insight and answers to the more constructive questions.

Before I do though, let me pose one question of my own (to the likes of Vlad 76, Kimbo, and North Bhoy etc.)… Have you joined the Roos for 2005? If you have not then your opinion loses any weight and impact.

In relation to the membership issue let me provide the following facts…

1) As of Monday 31st January, although we are tracking a few hundred behind the same time last year (a year which was a record for membership), I am confident this will be picked up in the coming weeks. Research shows that the sensational response to bookings for the North Story may have impacted on membership sales with many deciding to spend money to attend this event before then focusing on paying their membership in the coming weeks.

2) It should be noted that we are charging for only 8 home games in our membership package, not 11. If we were to also add 3 reciprocal Melbourne games in lieu of Canberra matches (like Hawthorn and St Kilda) then the cost of membership would have to increase. Currently, in raw $ terms we have the cheapest membership in the AFL.

3) In response to our Melbourne based supporters wanting to travel to Canberra, we now have implemented a Manuka upgrade package for Melbourne based members – cost $30 for all 3 games – well below normal GA price.

4) It is a fact our membership cards and kits are being turned around quicker than ever before, as well as smoother and quicker fulfilment of membership packages. However we acknowledge we have individual hiccups i.e. late arrival of tickets, double ups, late arrival of kits etc. Anthony Hargreaves and his membership department endeavour to deal with every complaint and mistake personally to rectify same.

We do no accept mediocrity in our service to customers and I welcome reading about the individuals we have let down because we will not rest until our customer service levels continue to improve. However, don’t discount the 20,000+ kits and packages we get right every year.

Anthony Hargreaves personally answers all e-mails sent to the membership inbox daily. He starts his day religiously with this task and goes to great lengths to respond to problems with as many remedies as possible. Hopefully this provides some balance to the view “the club doesn’t listen” or “the club doesn’t care”.

Finally on membership, we do listen to the opinions of our membership and recent complaints “that the forms are complicated” or “there are too many decisions to make” have lead to innovations such as less categories, direct debit facility, streamlined forms and internet sign ups.

In relation to customer service we will continue to respond to constructive suggestions and strive to get better, make fewer errors and generally make a supreme effort to send our members’ home happy. One thing I can assure “Go North” is that our staff work long hours above and beyond the call of duty and display great loyalty to the club. Your throw away line about a “girl working for the club who doesn’t barrack for North” is misleading and mischievous. The inference drawn between not barracking for North and lack of service and effort is as obvious as it is inaccurate and insensitive.

In response to the assertions that the Management team is less than capable, let me state the following facts:

1) Since losing $2.6M in 2002, our financial fortunes have been turned around to the tune of $2.75M in 2 years (operationally).

2) More than $1.5M has been wiped off our debt position in the same time.

3) Membership numbers have increased 12% since 2002.

4) Co-major sponsors Mazda and Primus (re-signed by the current Marketing team until 2006) provide sponsorship at a level that puts us in the top 5 in the competition.

5) The football department management and coaching team has taken a young and inexperienced team within an ace of the finals in the last 2 seasons and achieved this while dealing with:

• Stripping $1.5M out of the football budget
• Paying 92.5% and 93.5% of the TPP in the last 2 years (lowest in AFL)
• Playing with no rookie list in 2004

Just a few achievements of what I believe are a loyal, talented and committed management team.—one that continues to work tirelessly for OUR club.

There is no doubt that the biggest off-field focus this administrative team has in the next 12-18 months is improving player and staff facilities. Unfortunately any plans that have been talked about in the last few years have not got off the ground. The reason – a lack of capital. The club has not been in a position to inject capital into any works at Arden Street (or anywhere else) as every available dollar has been used to turn the fortunes of this club around. As well we haven’t been able to borrow enough to build comfortable and modern facilities (because of our accumulated debt position). Our current talks with the AFL are encouraging in that the first time the AFL are budgeting to provide assistance to clubs to upgrade facilities. “Vlad 76” is right; $2M would greatly improve the current facilities. But up until now we haven’t had the resources nor would council provide it either. In fact, the council will only upgrade the old grandstand to lift the health and safety orders from the building and that will not provide any of the football facilities an elite AFL Club needs.

Contrary to some of the posts I’ve been reading, we haven’t been sitting on our hands. We have approached and talked to AFL, Council, private developers, state government – in an effort to get someone to upgrade our cultural and spiritual home – however when you haven’t got any capital of your own to inject you either compromise the project (i.e. increase rent, loss of control, lesser facilities) or try to find an angle that appeals to a benefactor. As much as we appreciate some of the suggestions, with all due respect, we have thought of them before – how many companies do you think have been approached about naming rights at Arden Street – as a non-game venue it has NO appeal to the corporate world. How many projects do you think private developers have put to us that in turn we have put to council only to be knocked back by this regulation or that by law?

In terms of our promotion and advertising campaigns, as much as we honour respect and have fond memories of our recent success in the 90’s, we cannot continue to relive past glories through ’96 and ’99 Grand Final footage or Carey/ Pagan clips – we must move forward, plan for the future – that’s the thought behind the Roo generation – young guns such as Wells, Petrie, Harris and Motlop etc. being the focus. These youngsters plus Brown, Sinclair, Hale, McIntosh and Smith (hopefully) are the players that will take us into our next glory phase. If we keep focusing on successes of 5-8 years ago, then our current generation will soon get the message we have no faith in them.

Finally, I read that a few of the ‘posters’ want to form a delegation to storm the AGM and “overthrow” management (Vlad 76). Well, certainly any member is welcome to attend our AGM on March 7th and I’m sure both our Board of Directors and management team will be happy to answer any questions from the floor. In fact, I personally am happy to meet with a delegation of our dedicated Bigfooty posters and talk through any issues or gripes. Just call me at the club on (03) 9348 9700 and I’ll be happy to organise a time.

Kind Regards,

Geoff Walsh
Chief Executive

 

[Gasometer]

Wow, and I didn't think anyone read our thoughts, opinions, whinges etc.

A good post to read. Thanks G.Walsh!

gaso

 

[Sexiano Ronaldo]

What have I been missing?

Thanks for the post Aidan / Geoff. Hopefully this puts a few minds at ease.

 

[Z_K]

Before I do though, let me pose one question of my own (to the likes of Vlad 76, Kimbo, and North Bhoy etc.)… Have you joined the Roos for 2005? If you have not then your opinion loses any weight and impact.

Yes.

1) As of Monday 31st January, although we are tracking a few hundred behind the same time last year (a year which was a record for membership), I am confident this will be picked up in the coming weeks. Research shows that the sensational response to bookings for the North Story may have impacted on membership sales with many deciding to spend money to attend this event before then focusing on paying their membership in the coming weeks.

I think this is a genuinely valid reason, and one I hadn't thought of. Any tickets left Geoff..?

It should be noted that we are charging for only 8 home games in our membership package, not 11. If we were to also add 3 reciprocal Melbourne games in lieu of Canberra matches (like Hawthorn and St Kilda) then the cost of membership would have to increase. Currently, in raw $ terms we have the cheapest membership in the AFL.

Fair enough.

It is a fact our membership cards and kits are being turned around quicker than ever before, as well as smoother and quicker fulfilment of membership packages. However we acknowledge we have individual hiccups i.e. late arrival of tickets, double ups, late arrival of kits etc. Anthony Hargreaves and his membership department endeavour to deal with every complaint and mistake personally to rectify same.

I have never had a real issue with membership. In the past few years I have been forced to purchase them before the forst Wiz Cup game, and it is quick and well done.

We do no accept mediocrity in our service to customers and I welcome reading about the individuals we have let down because we will not rest until our customer service levels continue to improve. However, don’t discount the 20,000+ kits and packages we get right every year.

I didn't expect that the quality of customer service was not something the club was striving to continually improve. I suppose all we can do as fans is relay our personal experiences, and some of mine have been poor. I don't imagine you would approve of us sugar coating experiences because they are North related. Some might, but, like everything on this thread, I think it is all, in some way, written with a goal and hope things are done better than anyone could imagine.

Finally on membership, we do listen to the opinions of our membership and recent complaints “that the forms are complicated” or “there are too many decisions to make” have lead to innovations such as less categories, direct debit facility, streamlined forms and internet sign ups.

Again, no problems here. The forms are not rocket science and we are not Collingwood supporters........

In relation to customer service we will continue to respond to constructive suggestions and strive to get better, make fewer errors and generally make a supreme effort to send our members’ home happy. One thing I can assure “Go North” is that our staff work long hours above and beyond the call of duty and display great loyalty to the club. Your throw away line about a “girl working for the club who doesn’t barrack for North” is misleading and mischievous. The inference drawn between not barracking for North and lack of service and effort is as obvious as it is inaccurate and insensitive.

Probably directed at me, if so, I doubt I phrased it as crudely as that. It was a throw away line, but again, I was simply relaying the impression I got from a few "conversations" I had with the club last year. I simply didn't think that someone who cared about the club (ie someone who was working for the club and someone who simply job at the club, as there is a difference) would have been so dissmissive. I would put it down to an employee having a bad day, but not over three calls in four days.

I was dissapointed. I imagined a friend of mine calling who was not a member (yes, there is one left whom I have not swung!!) calling for information. He would not have called again. Ever. Personally, a staff member could flat out abuse me and I would do everything I do every year. Me being a member this year will not up the figures on last (or since about 1987) as I will do it until I am physically incapable.

In response to the assertions that the Management team is less than capable, let me state the following facts:

I didn't. I have every confidence in the team at the very top at this point.

The football department management and coaching team has taken a young and inexperienced team within an ace of the finals in the last 2 seasons and achieved this while dealing with

• Stripping $1.5M out of the football budget
• Paying 92.5% and 93.5% of the TPP in the last 2 years (lowest in AFL)
• Playing with no rookie list in 2004

I agree, and I think all in the footy department have done well considering the restrictions placed upon them, which were obviously essential and I imagine, very difficult to do.

Contrary to some of the posts I’ve been reading, we haven’t been sitting on our hands. We have approached and talked to AFL, Council, private developers, state government – in an effort to get someone to upgrade our cultural and spiritual home – however when you haven’t got any capital of your own to inject you either compromise the project (i.e. increase rent, loss of control, lesser facilities) or try to find an angle that appeals to a benefactor. As much as we appreciate some of the suggestions, with all due respect, we have thought of them before – how many companies do you think have been approached about naming rights at Arden Street – as a non-game venue it has NO appeal to the corporate world. How many projects do you think private developers have put to us that in turn we have put to council only to be knocked back by this regulation or that by law?

This is where I turn into an angry, bitter North supporter. It simply seems we are not in the plans of anyone with the ability to help us out in this area. Do these laws apply to other organisations within the same council? And I know you will laugh at this as I am sure you have done the numbers, but is a sole, North only VFL side never on the agenda with a mind to updating Arden Street to allow games to be held there? I would assume all the costs involved with both running the side alone and the upgrade to Arden Street simply rules it out for good...?

In terms of our promotion and advertising campaigns, as much as we honour respect and have fond memories of our recent success in the 90’s, we cannot continue to relive past glories through ’96 and ’99 Grand Final footage or Carey/ Pagan clips – we must move forward, plan for the future – that’s the thought behind the Roo generation – young guns such as Wells, Petrie, Harris and Motlop etc. being the focus. These youngsters plus Brown, Sinclair, Hale, McIntosh and Smith (hopefully) are the players that will take us into our next glory phase. If we keep focusing on successes of 5-8 years ago, then our current generation will soon get the message we have no faith in them.

I agree, but I thought it may have been a differen't way to go. I think people forget success to an extent. We don't, but the kids just now getting to an age to bug their parents for memberships might not remember their footy club taking on and beating all. I know I can watch the winning GF's and want nothing more to see the next batch have a crack at it. And they will. I am sure they know the faith placed in them. I also think that we needed an add that might just be a little differen't to the others that we will soon see from other clubs. While it is an improvement on others, I think we can get it better.

Finally, I read that a few of the ‘posters’ want to form a delegation to storm the AGM and “overthrow” management (Vlad 76). Well, certainly any member is welcome to attend our AGM on March 7th and I’m sure both our Board of Directors and management team will be happy to answer any questions from the floor. In fact, I personally am happy to meet with a delegation of our dedicated Bigfooty posters and talk through any issues or gripes. Just call me at the club on (03) 9348 9700 and I’ll be happy to organise a time.

I would be happy to be apart of that.

I don't think anyone was looking to overthrow anything. We are simply looking for some forum (other than this rather impersonal electronic version) to air our views. Nobody here doesn't love the footy club, and some have had bad experiences. I think it would be silly to hide from that, and by replying to this thread, we know that was what we say here (while occasionly rubbish) might meet the eyes of someone who has some influence.

We just want North to be the best, in every possible way.

Again, thanks for taking the time.

 

[Paralowiepower]

I think it's pretty impressive clubs officials take the time to respond to all those complaints and questions. NMFC leading the way, well done.

 

[GoNorth]

In relation to customer service we will continue to respond to constructive suggestions and strive to get better, make fewer errors and generally make a supreme effort to send our members’ home happy. One thing I can assure “Go North” is that our staff work long hours above and beyond the call of duty and display great loyalty to the club. Your throw away line about a “girl working for the club who doesn’t barrack for North” is misleading and mischievous. The inference drawn between not barracking for North and lack of service and effort is as obvious as it is inaccurate and insensitive.


Geoff Walsh
Chief Executive

Dear Mr Walsh,

I appreciate that you have found the time to answer many concerns on this board but take offence that you have singled me out for what I feel is unwarranted criticism. I never intended my comments to be a slur on anyone who works at the club and I'm sorry if you took them that way. I'm sure anyone who has read my posts would know that I am not offensive towards others. I was merely pointing out to the Big Footy Roos that not all people who work for the club actually barrack for North so they may not have the same passion for the Kangaroos as you or I might. Is this incorrect? Where did I actually say or infer that there was a lack of service and effort on anyone's behalf? I am fully aware that the staff work very long hours and show great dedication to the cause (including many volunteers, some of whom I know). I have absolutely no complaints with the service I have received from the people who work in the Roo Shop.

I stand by my complaint, however, that the club has not in the past publicised the date of the AGM very well. I sent an email to the 'General Inquiries' email address last Friday asking the date of the AGM and did not receive a reply. You have now notified us all of the date but may I ask where it is to be held and what time it will start?

I can acknowledge that Anthony Hargreaves does answer his emails because I also sent him an email at the same time asking him a question about the Junior Roos packs and I received a reply on Monday.

Finally, maybe some of the concerns raised by people on this board may be, in part, due to a lack of information provided to members. I realise that the club has been forced to cut costs but the 'News Updates' sent out in the past at least kept everyone informed. Maybe one could be sent out with each newsletter? We are not to know what is going on behind the scenes.

And, yes, I am a paid-up member and have been for many, many years.

GoNorth

 

[Darky]

Finally, I read that a few of the ‘posters’ want to form a delegation to storm the AGM and “overthrow” management (Vlad 76).

I don't recall an "overthrow" having ever been said, inferred, implied, whispered, mouthed or conveyed in sign language.

A suggestion was made to have an organised brainstorm and a collation of issues to be brought to the management's attention, perhaps with signatures and contact details attached to verify its genuine nature, and to signify that a reasonable number of people are behind the voicing of opinions and concerns.

Nowhere have I seen any posters calling for people's heads, or a general "overthrow of management".

You can't please all people all of the time, so obviously not everyone will agree with every decision made by the management of the NMFC - that's to be expected - but I've never come across any NMFC politics or factions in my 4 and a bit years on this forum, and no threats of displacing the people in charge.

 

[spurs]

Thanks Geoff for taking the time to sort out these issues!

I feel everyone on this board should be focusing on helping Geoff and the footy department for reasons to get the Corporate world to put money into a fund for us to reach a goal of 2-3 million dollars to upgrade the facilities at arden street.

We ALL should be looking outside the square to help.

How about we can convince a construction company to build apartments around arden street(maybe 10-15 stories high) towering right on top of the ground. They will put a contract together with the council to upgrade arden street into a multi million dollar facility that the tenants can use aswell eg. the gym.

The ground can be used by the tenants when North dont have a training session on.

This should entice people who love footy in general aswell as North supporters to buy an apartment. Arden street is in a great location as its close to the cbd.

I know this is OUTSIDE THE SQUARE but we need to start somewhere.

Lets think about an idea that helps our great club!

Go Roos 2005 and beyond.

 

[Wrath]

Finally, I read that a few of the ‘posters’ want to form a delegation to storm the AGM and “overthrow” management (Vlad 76). Well, certainly any member is welcome to attend our AGM on March 7th and I’m sure both our Board of Directors and management team will be happy to answer any questions from the floor. In fact, I personally am happy to meet with a delegation of our dedicated Bigfooty posters and talk through any issues or gripes. Just call me at the club on (03) 9348 9700 and I’ll be happy to organise a time.

Kind Regards,

Geoff Walsh
Chief Executive

l think this is a great idea, a nice open discussion/forum. Shinners/Carlos/Darky should look to take the initiative and co-ordinate something. l am sure Geoff and the club would appreciate the feedback that could be generated from such a forum. As long as its done in an orderly and sensible fashion, l think alot could be gained from this.

Any takers?

Wrath

 

[Cororoo]

Any takers?

Wrath

Probably not.....Most of them would be all p i s s and wind anyway.

Top effort for a first post Kangaroosfc.com.au.

I can't remember when a first time poster has had so much to say.

 

[Dingster]

Geoff,

Firstly, I welcome your input and it's great that you could clear some issues up. Most of the issues that were raised were very constructive and all come from the desire to improve the club.

In any business, a lack of information leads to the more passionate people to try and put the puzzle together. Sometimes they get it right and sometimes they are horribly off the mark. I wonder in those situations who is responsible for that... Your response to the club's membership packages is a good example of giving people the adequate knowledge to remove that issue from the table. Some people may still disagree, but the majority will understand where the club is coming from. Without that information, we have learnt that people will misinterpret the information.

You may guilty of the same lack of information. Anyone who is a regular on these boards would know that the people you mentioned would be paid up members and any assertion that they are not would be considered poor form.

This board is made up of some of the club's most passionate supporters with a wide cross section of ages and experience with the North Melbourne footy club. In deed, people from here and http://www.searchingkangaroo.com/forum/upload/index.php?showforum=3 have gone beyond just purchasing a membership and sponsor Petrie, Moran, Urch and Perry. Some of the younger ones do tend to get excited, whether it be Wellsy will definitely win the Brownlow this year or our customer service totally sucks. I believe that it's better to educate them how to become the type of supporter that makes us special. In that regard, I found most of your responses excellent, but some (having a crack at individuals) not as helpful.

Even though I'm in Japan, I'd be happy to discuss some of the issues. One thing that I could do from here is be a contact via email to help reduce the amount of misinformation that frustrates both the club and the supporters. I have been involved in management and customer service over here which may be of some help. Please respond either way to this suggestion.

There's one thing that we can be certain of and that is that we all want North to be successful. Thanks for your contribution thus far in our goal.

 

[Roonaldo!]

Stuff the cost, next year I still want 11 games instead of 8.

 

[1jasonoz]

Thanks Geoff for taking the time to sort out these issues!

I feel everyone on this board should be focusing on helping Geoff and the footy department for reasons to get the Corporate world to put money into a fund for us to reach a goal of 2-3 million dollars to upgrade the facilities at arden street.

We ALL should be looking outside the square to help.

How about we can convince a construction company to build apartments around arden street(maybe 10-15 stories high) towering right on top of the ground. They will put a contract together with the council to upgrade arden street into a multi million dollar facility that the tenants can use aswell eg. the gym.

The ground can be used by the tenants when North dont have a training session on.

This should entice people who love footy in general aswell as North supporters to buy an apartment. Arden street is in a great location as its close to the cbd.

I know this is OUTSIDE THE SQUARE but we need to start somewhere.

Lets think about an idea that helps our great club!

Go Roos 2005 and beyond.

The only problem with this idea is that we are just another tenant of Melbourne City Council land like alot of other people. We don't own the land at Arden street, the council does. Before anything can be done there, its up to the Council to give their approval, and i can't see them building appartments on the only open park area for about 2 kms, the locals would spew.

 

[mav-1]

No one doubts the efforts that the Roos staff out in put it is a fact of life that some people aren't going to have their expectations meet. In my dealing with the membership department over the last couple of years I have had hits and misses. Never got a reply to an email and had my Shannon Grant Dirty Jumper go walk about (ended up getting John Baird as a replacement!).

That said Anthony does an excellent job and when emailing the membership department he has always been on the ball...replaced my wife's lost card very quickly.

As for the best first up post, wasn't there a post about the recruitment of Thomo....perhaps Geoff this is your second post!

But Geoff WHEN WILL PUNTER BE GIVEN THE NO1 TICKET!

Keep up the great work Geoff, I don't care what the other say, I reckon your OK!!!!

 

[Moti]

Have you been to Arden Street lately? Not exactly the place where people are crying out for medium to high density apartment blocks, particuarly in the more industrial area we are situated.

There are no easy fixes to this problem. Unless we do a Richmond and have 10,000 supporters suddenly appear out of the woodwork or the side becomes an overnight sensation (ala Saints) with a top 4 berth, we will more than likely have to resolve our financial position through careful strategies rather than any quick fix or big breaks afforded to the likes of Collingwood, Essendon or the Saints due to their media profile and potential fan base.

There are a couple of small revenue ideas that can be exploited and if someone can find me Geoff's email address I will forward them onto him. I have had support from my company to instigate talks regarding these opportunites (with the Saints though, again due to profile) but we have had a global restructure to the above the line marketing budget and thus have no money to go ahead with even the basic talks, so although the Roos won't get the dollars the Saints would probably get, it should still be very worth while.

But even they will be bonuses rather than any long term surety as a financially stable club. As Caroline Wilson said on Monday night on 3AW, "the Roos just have no spark, no excitment about them anymore". We have become rather bland, predictable and much of this is due to the playing stocks not taking the next step, something I DO NOT blame the coaching staff (of this generation, hi Denis) for, but is a reason for our low media profile. We are paying the price for being average rather than great or horribly bad, which has afforded the likes of the Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Richmond much fan fare despite their severe lack of competitiveness, which in most games we are able to achieve.

This cannot be changed by new jumpers or flashing the odd celebrity around (something we should do more of anyway) but by having success on the field or by aquiring a financial monster that supports the club, giving the appearance of long term stability even though they might not be prepared to sink millions into the club. Guys like Frank Costa and Smorgon have good media profiles but also have a swag of money behind them which always gives supporters a little more assurance even in bad times.

When the Roos are being successful, we are a great club to be marketed. Our jumpers are very attractive and the Kangaroo allows us to have an affinity with Australia that a Bomber just can't have. The "Roo Spirit" and "little man" positions also suits us well but have greater influenece when we are winning. Plus, we have the best supporters in the land and commentators almost always pick up on it and mention the fact, again adding to our mistique.

Geoff has made some very good points and I believe he has developed a good team that can make the most of our limited resources and market position. I am sure he is looking into more elaborate strategic partnerships and coupled with greater success on the field and more media prescence, our excitment levels will blow the old woman blouse off poor old Caroline!

Go ROOS!

 

[Contra Mundum]

Thanks for the update Geoff - you should know that the posters on this Board are loyal North people who love the club deeply.

 

[Roobunny]

Thank you Geoff for taking the time to read and respond to our comments.

I'll admit to not having re-signed as a member yet this year - it's not a question of whether I will, just due to new financial pressures, I've had to wait until I could afford to. That time has come and I will join in the next week. But as a member of previous years and a fan of the club for over 25 years, I feel I do have a right to make comment.

I have no gripes at all with the administration and management of the club, in fact quite the opposite - I think you're doing a fantastic job.

My gripes have only been with the customer service around the club over the last 5 years - which I've detailed in many threads over the time I've been on BF.

As a South Australian fan, I feel it's harder for me to have a forum where I can contribute and I am unable to attend the majority of club and major functions (due to location and finances) but I love North Melbourne and I would love to have the opportunity to be more involved.

Thanks again for your response and Go the Roos

 

[Melly017]

To me this message make me both proud and sad.
Proud that our CEO spends the time to support his club and his staff.
Yet sad at the subject matter that he had to answer.

I'm all for free speech, just upset that we are now going to get tagged as
"that bunch of supporters from Big Footy" given the hard work some people have done to try and support the club in many ways from this forum.

 

[year of the roo]

Stuff the cost, next year I still want 11 games instead of 8.

Re-read Dingster's post.

 

[Event Horizon]

let me pose one question of my own (to the likes of Vlad 76, Kimbo, and North Bhoy etc.)…

I very much welcome Geoff taking the time to write this reply. Like I stated in previous posts, I always make an effort not just to buy the membership every year (which I have done since 1994) but to do it early in a piece with club's cash flow in mind. I also normally purchase one for my wife who rarely attends games, again to contribute to the club. This year I have also purchsed a TD reserved seat so I do feel that I have the right to raise certain points that I have done on this board.

 

[tashibatts]

Thanks Geoff..

Whatever happens- we're ultimately the best club in the world.

Go Roos

 

[Event Horizon]

I don't recall an "overthrow" having ever been said, inferred, implied, whispered, mouthed or conveyed in sign language.

Not only that, but I personally, certainly have not said anything of that nature at all. In fact I wasn't the one who posted about even going to the AGM.

And in regards to the point made by Geoff that the club has thought of all suggestions we have put up here (ie Naming rights, private development etc), that is fair enough. I personally did not doubt that the administration had the ability to come up with good ideas. The point I was trying to make was that with the right people on board, people with connections, it should not prove impossible to get the plans through the council planning. Maybe we need to look at attracting more people with business background. Like him or not, one feels that Eddy would find the right people who would push the right buttons to get the ball rolling.

I never questioned our top management's standard, but clearly the results are not always there, which to me means that we must look to attract more new people to the board and the administration.

The example with the naming rights is also a good one. Sure, it won't be easy to attract interest for a non playing venue, however, it's not impossible. The name would still get reasonable exposure in the media and must have some value out there. It's not Geoff's fault we haven't found anyone with interest, but clearly, there must be more North people out there with some connections in the business world.

 

[NeoBlaze]

great to get an official but personal response from someone who actually knows something about what is happening. I for one am sick of the usual boring crap we usually trot out on the website, so cheers to you Mr. Walsh for taking time out to reach us on a medium which we can actually converse to you on and telling us something we didn't already know and actually are interested in reading.

I for one have not yet signed up basically because in my past 3-4 years when I have been a member the club has been ********ing WOEFUL in a) getting the order through, via the internet or by phone b) arriving anywhere near on time c) being anything a bit better than average in the customer service when I've actually been at the club or phoned up. That's not to say that I'm not going to join up, it's just why I haven't joined up till this point, because I have no faith that it will actually be done professionally. I'm resigned to signing up come round 1 where I can get everything done in one hit and be gone.

I fully endorse and support the management team for their fantastic job, unfortunately the constraints which are well documented can't be resolved over night, but I'm trying very hard to win the lottery . In relation to the customer service though, and this doesn't need money, but time and effort put in, our front line staff and public profile are a little ordinary in their service and presentation, when ever I've been around the club at reception or the store the service has always been extremely laid back and casual, and never, and I mean never given me an answer to a question I've asked about membership or what ever else I've asked about on the spot. They've always had to get back to me later, some other time which is not all together convenient or professional considering they work there and should be able to tell me what I consider pretty mundane questions. Now I'm sure by your own assertions that they work hard and go above and beyond the call of duty, that's just been my experiences and I'm sure if I were to compare it to the services given by a Collingwood or Essendon, we would like we came from the back of the mountain with our ass hanging out of our pants and our presentation all over the place. Now for me that doesn't matter, but as someone eluded to earlier, for someone just joining up or with a little less passion that I do they would say get stuffed your service is crap.

I also fully empathise with the thoughts of some of the people on this board that we should bring up our proud history into our ads, marketing, etc etc. It is something to be celebrated, hell we need to promote our past champions, get them out a bit more involved and make the club on the whole a lot more visible. We have the top 2 people in football as CEO and what ever who are former kangas and we still can't get a whimper of publicity. What makes our successes and champions any different to say a Collingwood's or Essendon champion??!! We don't have a "Teddy Whitten" or a "Bob Rose" that keep the club in the football focus. It's tragic. Carlton put out an ad last year celebrating their history and it is generally accepted that they are a "powerhouse" because of their legacy and history, despite their present circumstances.

For mine I have to say the marketing (while I'm sure it is on about a $1 budget) is pretty pathetic when comparing it to others as well. I saw our ad this year for the first time today and it is sooooooo unbelievably uninspiring its not funny. It wouldn't even flicker on my richter scale for excitement or interest generated. Then again anything is an improvement on last year's one which was a complete waste of money IMO. Now I understand your pushing the new blood coming through, and I don't have any problems with that but we also need to promote where we came from. The past couple of years creating our "shinboner spirit" tag line has been extremely successful. It was hardly a new thing our spirit and comraderie, but with that line it suddenly takes on legendary proportions UNIQUE and MEMORABLE so that everyone thinks of the NM franchise when you hear it.

I don't mean to sound overly pessimistic, insensitive or rude in this post, it's just how I feel I've been treated in the past.

 

[Woodson]

Stuff the cost, next year I still want 11 games instead of 8.

You know you can purchase the 14 game upgrade Roonaldo... gets you in to all Vic games.

I am quite impressed to read the feedback letter from Geoff. Keep up the great work.

 

[year of the roo]

I for one have not yet signed up basically because in my past 3-4 years when I have been a member the club has been ********ing WOEFUL in a) getting the order through, via the internet or by phone b) arriving anywhere near on time c) being anything a bit better than average in the customer service when I've actually been at the club or phoned up. That's not to say that I'm not going to join up, it's just why I haven't joined up till this point, because I have no faith that it will actually be done professionally. I'm resigned to signing up come round 1 where I can get everything done in one hit and be gone.

You realise that getting in as early as possible will reduce the chances of a, b and c happening again, rather than leaving it until round 1. No wonder you have had problems.