A message from Kangaroos CEO Geoff Walsh

[Darky]

Very good discussion taking place here, lots of valid points of view. Tas, I think you summed things up very well - I think there has been a bit of an over reaction to the level of discontent shown to the club's administration.

I believe constructive criticism and insight are vital to improving any organisation, be it a footy club, retail business, shared household, online forum or fantasy footy comp. It is not tantamount to treason or slagging the club. Without identifying the things that are wrong, you can't make them right.

I think the contributions of former members and sporadic members are as important as, if not more so than, current members. To get them to re-sign, we have to endeavour to find out why they lapse in the first place. Any constructive thoughts are encouraged here, regardless of member status.

 

[Angus1]

if racehorse27 and his loyal mates just re-signed we would have our 30 to 35 thousand members... and we would get our firday nights back... probably not have to play in canberra...

but then if they prefer to pay at the gate... good on them...

That's the whole point though isn't it? Lets get Racehorse and all his mates back on board and signed up. This should be North's priority. It can be done and i for one have been trying to get some of my mates to re-sign as well but they are a little pi$$ed off and I feel something positive from the club is what's needed to get these North people back into the North family.

 

[mighty mick]

have just finished reading this thread and tas you have picked out some great points.
too many closet roo supporters i know of who only come out during our good times to gloat over wins and back in thier holes after it

one of my biggest sore points with what has happened with the roos, is the movement of social club and admin to the telstra dome. we were screwed over by the government as were some of the other clubs back with the introduction of the pokies to the afl clubs. these were to be a great saviour of struggling clubs and may of been if the initial government rules had been stuck to and afl clubs were going to be one of the few places to find pokies. but of course we all know what happened there. pokies were spread like a rash and the afl social clubs became vacated by patrons who turned to closer lodgings.

with the social club and arden st further apart, i only get to the captains club after games hands up who goes during non footy hrs less people than those that visited arden st im sure. i wonder if the social club debt remains because they thought they had a good thing going with the pokies and one of the better social clubs of its time.


im now living in the future and the hopes of the young players and team in 2005 and beyond, i appreciate the time given by gw to post if its him, i am a cynic at heart, and believe he will be ayletts replacement.

maybe he shouldnt take everthing he reads on here to heart as the board is a forum and everyone is free to express thier opinion.

cheers
mighty mick roo member since 1972
now part of the shinboner spirt group, who like all the members and supporters have one common cause THE NORTH MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB.

 

[Rooboy 96]

That's the whole point though isn't it? Lets get Racehorse and all his mates back on board and signed up. This should be North's priority. It can be done and i for one have been trying to get some of my mates to re-sign as well but they are a little pi$$ed off and I feel something positive from the club is what's needed to get these North people back into the North family.

If they were North people as you state... they would not let their memberships lapse... I just get sick and tired of people jumping ship because the board know better then them...

I really don't care what we as a club have to do to survive as long as we do... I am a bit like Michelle and think North is great and will back them to the hilt... even when they do something wrong... abit like you would with a family member... but then that is called blind loyalty... maybe that is wrong??? but I don't think so...

ps.. I personally think the Casey decision was a shocker.. but I am not about to let my membership lapse due to it... but then maybe I should have and then the club would change course and go to Casey... just to keep me...

 

[myty]

Must say I agree with Rooboy.

I guess everyone has their reasons for letting memberships lapse or not going to watch the games and I'm not trying to bag them. Just that I can't understand not staying a member because the words of a song are changed or a couple of games are moved or there was a mixup getting your tickets.

In my opinion you either support the Club or you don't, through thick and thin, no matter who's running the place. Sure have your voice heard, get in there and shake things up and tell them what you don't like but don't stay away from the games.

Its all about the Football and the Players!!!

 

[mighty mick]

Must say I agree with Rooboy.


Its all about the Football and the Players!!!

here here

 

[Event Horizon]

ps.. I personally think the Casey decision was a shocker.. but I am not about to let my membership lapse due to it... but then maybe I should have and then the club would change course and go to Casey... just to keep me...

There is only one thing that would make me not buy a membership - relocation. Any mistakes I can live with, as I have done in the past. However, unlike Michelle, I think that identifying areas that need improvement IMHO can only be a good thing.

The club has acknowledged the need for feedback by bringing out the survery a couple of years in a row. Like I said before, that's what this thread is really all about. Simple really.

 

[Harvs29]

If they were North people as you state... they would not let their memberships lapse... I just get sick and tired of people jumping ship because the board know better then them...

I really don't care what we as a club have to do to survive as long as we do... I am a bit like Michelle and think North is great and will back them to the hilt... even when they do something wrong... abit like you would with a family member... but then that is called blind loyalty... maybe that is wrong??? but I don't think so...

disagree.
blind loyalty to the club is not right. surely blind loyalty has the capacity to breed complacency?
people spend a lot of cash when they choose to support the north melbourne football club and receiving that cash is not a divine entitlement of the club. i expect them to work to ensure that what they offer is value for the money i give them - that the north melbourne football club is something still worth believing in, that the club is going forward and that supporting the club is not a lost cause. people support the club because they identify with it. if the club starts doing things that stop people from identifying with it and if the club stops representing value to the individual, what right does the club have to expect to continue receiving membership subs every year?

if Racehorse27 decides that he wants to pay at the gate (but still come along and cheer for the lads when they play) then that's better then dropping North altogether. The Club still has the opportunity to woo supporters like Racehorse27 back into the pouch, (the old horse is still obviously loyal to the kangas) they just need to identify what it is that would do it.
I'd be interested to hear what Racehorse27 reckons it would take to rejoin. what are the issues that you feel still need to be resolved.

 

[racehorse27]

I'd be interested to hear what Racehorse27 reckons it would take to rejoin. what are the issues that you feel still need to be resolved.

Tas's original post summed it up perfectly - it is all about faith.

The club took my faith to Sydney and has yet to win it back. Last I was a member I had no voting rights (how much value do they add to hawthorn memberships?) and my only voice was to hit them in the pocket. I wasn't a member to fund their stupid decisions and people are not members now to have their $$$ spent on poor service. I'm not jumping back on because they couldn't make a success of the sydney venture, **** that. Show some faith in melbourne supporters and change the name back. I would buy each missed membership (maybe more depending on $$) - it ain't gonna happen though. Maybe it shouldn't maybe they have done the numbers and there are sfa people like me. Tas has dropped back to basic membership, others know people who won't sign up due to lack of faith. How many are there?

I'm not too fussed about Canberra - In some ways I think it is good that North takes games to people outside of melb. As long as they are against sydney, freo etc but don't under estimate the effect this might have on the club - as someone mentioned there have been some long breaks between melb games and you need to stay fresh in some peoples minds. Actually why not just play sydney there twice a year. Playing the bulldogs there was plain dumb and disrespectful.

I won't be jumping on when we are winning flags again (soon), I'll put my faith in the scalpers which I had to do as a member anyway.

 

[Woodson]

Show some faith in melbourne supporters and change the name back.

Tas has dropped back to basic membership, others know people who won't sign up due to lack of faith. How many are there?

I'm not too fussed about Canberra - In some ways I think it is good that North takes games to people outside of melb. As long as they are against sydney, freo etc but don't under estimate the effect this might have on the club - as someone mentioned there have been some long breaks between melb games and you need to stay fresh in some peoples minds. Actually why not just play sydney there twice a year. Playing the bulldogs there was plain dumb and disrespectful.

These points are VERY MUCH a BIG ISSUE. Well said Racehorse27. And WHY oh WHY do we play have to the Bombers ONCE again in the schedule ??? >>> there is another finiancial KICK in THE PANTS for the club. Do the AFL realise this or are they keeping with thier hidden agenda ??

 

[racehorse27]

Tas has dropped back to basic membership, others know people who won't sign up due to lack of faith. How many are there?

Was going to edit this but it has already been quoted. After re-reading Tas dropped off for maybe a year? I do not know the level of current membership and its not important, just thought i'd correct myself.

 

[mighty mick]

These points are VERY MUCH a BIG ISSUE. Well said Racehorse27. And WHY oh WHY do we play have to the Bombers ONCE again in the schedule ??? >>> there is another finiancial KICK in THE PANTS for the club. Do the AFL realise this or are they keeping with thier hidden agenda ??

a good point because the way essendon have been given ownership of that round is irritating beyond belief, you buy a 15 game membership and you still have to pay for your seat if thats not double dipping i dont know what is..

 

[Harvs29]

Anyone think that Geoff Walsh was just having a stab at winning one of those Musashi packs for the best BF post of the week / month ?

 

[Paulkanga2000]

plus for the THIRD Year in a row its an Essendon home game. The last time we played the bombers as a home game was in 2003 when jasde kicked the goal in the rain and we beat them by 8 points.

 

[tashibatts]

Dear Geoff,

I am quite sure you will read this- as it is a thread begun by you (or on behalf of you) I just want to know, what it happening with Roo Ruckle? Will we ever see him again?

I believe that Roo Ruckle should return to the face of merchandise- and to all our games- he is brilliant, a smug, funny, tough kangaroo. I think changing our mascot would be a huge mistake- Roo Ruckle is one to love- and replacing him would be foolish- no matter how tattered Roo Ruckle may look, he is adored.

Thanks for your time, please keep in mind that the actions of Roo Ruckle don't go unnoticed, and should therefore be valued.

Go Roos
GO ROO RUCKLE
(I'd appreciate an answer- the above may sound like a joke, but I am serious)

 

[Darky]

Anyone think that Geoff Walsh was just having a stab at winning one of those Musashi packs for the best BF post of the week / month ?

I tell ya what, not many people have started such WELL discussed threads with a debut post...

 

[Rooboy 96]

disagree.
blind loyalty to the club is not right. surely blind loyalty has the capacity to breed complacency?
people spend a lot of cash when they choose to support the north melbourne football club and receiving that cash is not a divine entitlement of the club.

now there is the difference... I had no choice it was North or the streets... so for the few hundred bucks a year... North give me enough enjoyment for those 22 rounds and hopefully a few finals...

but then if you want to worry about the politics of footy so be it...

I have really enjoyed my football alot more since I just worried about what happens on the ground... the only thing that does stress me is watching your name sake act like a princess... lets hope that changes in 2005...

 

[Roobunny]

Dear Geoff,

I am quite sure you will read this- as it is a thread begun by you (or on behalf of you) I just want to know, what it happening with Roo Ruckle? Will we ever see him again?

I believe that Roo Ruckle should return to the face of merchandise- and to all our games- he is brilliant, a smug, funny, tough kangaroo. I think changing our mascot would be a huge mistake- Roo Ruckle is one to love- and replacing him would be foolish- no matter how tattered Roo Ruckle may look, he is adored.

Thanks for your time, please keep in mind that the actions of Roo Ruckle don't go unnoticed, and should therefore be valued.

Go Roos
GO ROO RUCKLE
(I'd appreciate an answer- the above may sound like a joke, but I am serious)

I actually agree with you Tash!

 

[Rooboy 96]

Tas's original post summed it up perfectly - it is all about faith.

The club took my faith to Sydney and has yet to win it back. Last I was a member I had no voting rights (how much value do they add to hawthorn memberships?) and my only voice was to hit them in the pocket. I wasn't a member to fund their stupid decisions and people are not members now to have their $$$ spent on poor service. I'm not jumping back on because they couldn't make a success of the sydney venture, **** that. Show some faith in melbourne supporters and change the name back. I would buy each missed membership (maybe more depending on $$) - it ain't gonna happen though. Maybe it shouldn't maybe they have done the numbers and there are sfa people like me. Tas has dropped back to basic membership, others know people who won't sign up due to lack of faith. How many are there?

I'm not too fussed about Canberra - In some ways I think it is good that North takes games to people outside of melb. As long as they are against sydney, freo etc but don't under estimate the effect this might have on the club - as someone mentioned there have been some long breaks between melb games and you need to stay fresh in some peoples minds. Actually why not just play sydney there twice a year. Playing the bulldogs there was plain dumb and disrespectful.

I won't be jumping on when we are winning flags again (soon), I'll put my faith in the scalpers which I had to do as a member anyway.

all valid points... but if all it would take is for them to change the name back??? check out this website when you search Kangaroos in the white pages
so fork it over racehorse27... and don't forget all those years you missed...

 

[Hearts to hearts]

After lstening to all the Bulldog crowing this morning, I couldn't help wondering how much the lack of certainty around the home ground issue affects potential members?

Even if we can't suck enough money out of govt to build up Arden Street, at least we should commit and settle somewhere - the last few years has seen chopping and changing on so many fronts maybe people feel a bit rootless, and the home ground thing just keeps hanging. Would they feel more confident in the future if the club just acknowledged that Arden St can't be saved and came up with a new venue that we knew they would be able to stick with? Or would leaving Arden St just be another reason to stay away, if they are narked about the name change already?

It seems like our club has done everything right in turning around poor decisions from the past few years and getting the finances back on track, and in good recruiting of exciting players. I'm happy that we went with a talented younger coach rather than a name, too. But it seems like the choice of coach and the home ground thing have given a lot of Bulldog people the push to become members.

I have no idea, just wondering out loud. My loyalty is to the players who pull on the blue and white each year, and I'll sign myself and my son up regardless of what anyone says or does. I imagine how I'd feel if the club had to fold just for the want of money and it doesn't feel good, so I'll say if I have any protests but join up anyway.

Hope today's ladder reminds a few potential members that they do make a difference.

 

[mighty mick]

Dear Geoff,

I am quite sure you will read this- as it is a thread begun by you (or on behalf of you) I just want to know, what it happening with Roo Ruckle? Will we ever see him again?

I believe that Roo Ruckle should return to the face of merchandise- and to all our games- he is brilliant, a smug, funny, tough kangaroo. I think changing our mascot would be a huge mistake- Roo Ruckle is one to love- and replacing him would be foolish- no matter how tattered Roo Ruckle may look, he is adored.

Thanks for your time, please keep in mind that the actions of Roo Ruckle don't go unnoticed, and should therefore be valued.

Go Roos
GO ROO RUCKLE

(I'd appreciate an answer- the above may sound like a joke, but I am serious)

well stated tashi and many here will definitely be waiting for some sort of response, we dont need any violently named mascot to show the opposition we can play. the mascot is largely there for the kids and BARRY THE BRUISER does not sound to inviting to me.

bring back roo ruckle

 

[Event Horizon]

After lstening to all the Bulldog crowing this morning, I couldn't help wondering how much the lack of certainty around the home ground issue affects potential members?

Even if we can't suck enough money out of govt to build up Arden Street, at least we should commit and settle somewhere - the last few years has seen chopping and changing on so many fronts maybe people feel a bit rootless, and the home ground thing just keeps hanging. Would they feel more confident in the future if the club just acknowledged that Arden St can't be saved and came up with a new venue that we knew they would be able to stick with? Or would leaving Arden St just be another reason to stay away, if they are narked about the name change already?

It seems like our club has done everything right in turning around poor decisions from the past few years and getting the finances back on track, and in good recruiting of exciting players. I'm happy that we went with a talented younger coach rather than a name, too. But it seems like the choice of coach and the home ground thing have given a lot of Bulldog people the push to become members.

I have no idea, just wondering out loud. My loyalty is to the players who pull on the blue and white each year, and I'll sign myself and my son up regardless of what anyone says or does. I imagine how I'd feel if the club had to fold just for the want of money and it doesn't feel good, so I'll say if I have any protests but join up anyway.

Hope today's ladder reminds a few potential members that they do make a difference.

I agree with this assessment and I've been saying it in my previous posts in this thread. I think it's not just the knowledge of where our home is, but also being able to visit it and feel part of it. The TD social club is part of the same problem. All this doesn't stop me personally from buying a membership, but it leaves a sour taste in the mouth. For some, it may be enough of a reason not to join.

The positives under current administration are obvious, make no mistake about that. It's big things like the financial turnaround, and the little things like the Roos news getting better all the time. But some key issues are still not being addressed. Melbourne members must feel they are definitely part of a fully Melbourne based club that has a future. It has to be a club they can "touch", not some organisation that plays everywhere, on behalf of everyone like a touring gypsy band. We do have a small supporter base but if run properly, should be able to survive with 20K + members.

I can imagine this new image for the club in my head. It includes a small but tidy Arden St with small but brand new gym and recovery rooms. A small social club where one can have a meal and view exibits from our interesting history, and player rooms that are not flashy, but clean. Everything is in club colours and very indearing to our hearts to the point that we can't drive past Arden St without dropping in for a quick look. The shop is similar to the current one (nothing needs changing on this front) and the player group is just as tough and fearsome as it has been for the majority of our history.

We are called North Melbourne Kangaroos, and we are assured of our future as we run a small but successful operation that is renowned through out the football community as the one which all players want to play for.

Are we far away from that at the minute? Not really in some respects, and miles away in some...

 

[Kimbo]

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.

Firstly, as a long time supporter of the club and past member, let me say how surprised and delighted I am to hear from you! I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you have taken to respond to the concerns and criticisms expressed by a number of us in recent times. It is refreshing to have some management input and enlightening with respect to some of the facts you’ve shared with us.

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.

Geoff, I haven’t yet joined up as a member in 2005 and was disappointed to hear you make your listening conditional in this way. I interpreted this as either dismissive or moralistic or both. I hope you didn’t mean it this way? Just as you are responsible for managing your budget — and it seems you are doing a great job here by the way — so too am I responsible for managing mine. I ask you to accept my decisions and don’t limit your listening by minimising or dismissing my input.

Geoff, as I do every year, I make a conscious decision about whether a NMFC membership is a good use of my money given everything else I must pay for every year (eg council rates, insurance for car and home, airfares to bring my son over from Canberra to visit me etc) and average a membership every second year.

On this subject, I welcome Darky’s response that “I think the contributions of former members and sporadic members are as important as, if not more so than, current members. To get them to re-sign, we have to endeavour to find out why they lapse in the first place. Any constructive thoughts are encouraged here, regardless of member status.

I believe constructive criticism and insight are vital to improving any organisation, be it a footy club, retail business, shared household, online forum or fantasy footy comp. It is not tantamount to treason or slagging the club. Without identifying the things that are wrong, you can't make them right.” Thanks Darky!

A decision on membership for me is not as straightforward as it might be if I resided in Melbourne. I am a WA resident and consider my membership more of a charity donation than a payment for a valued service. The value for money for an Aussie Roos package is negligible as I can only see one game per year and any discount on entry doesn’t come close to outweighing the cost of my membership, plus I still need to pay for a seat. If I was making a real value-for-money decision on the basis of what expenditure will best help my interest and passion for the Roos, it would unfortunately probably be Fox Footy subscription. (Don’t get me started on the TV rights issue!) IDEA: How about linking the two somehow?

So Geoff, I invite you to reflect on these comments about my own decision-marking rationale as additional information to consider when asking “What value do we provide to our interstate members and what would prove valuable for them?” I might add, however, despite my concerns I believe the Aussie Roos package is at least a better option than the old “Country Victoria” membership which was the only other choice at the time. Better still might be to recognise that the package suits Canberra and Sydney members who can see games in their city, or travel to the other and perhaps to Melbourne, but not so much for Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth or Hobart, not to mention elsewhere in Australia. IDEA: In marketing parlance, how about segmenting your non-Melbourne membership more sharply?

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.

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 appreciate your focus on what is working and can’t argue with your perception that things have improved here. It’s your perception after all! AND, I appreciate hearing you also listen to individual complaints. I don’t sincerely think you can ignore the fact that the perception of some (intelligent and articulate) customers who care suggests the need for a further improvement in standards.

How you choose to interpret their perceptions is up to you, however, your comment that GoNorth’s comment about a “girl working for the club who doesn’t barrack for North” as a “throw away line” that is “misleading and mischievous” concerns me. The real issue being raised was the apparent indifference and lack of professionalism which too many on this Board appear to encounter.

You can see these as “individual hiccups” or “vital clues” for how things can and might need to be taken to a new level. Personally, I’d be disappointed if you dismissed them as “the exception rather than the rule”. I’d love it if you treated them “as if” they were a sign of something serious to be addressed. Doesn’t the theme of many posters concern you and provoke you to ask “What are these people observing that we are not? Wouldn’t this activate a drive towards the exceptional not matter what the current base is, or how it is perceived?

Geoff, I know you want posters here to recognise what is working. My own assessment is that the feedback on this Board is outstandingly balanced, either within the posting of individual posters, or on balance ‘across the Board’. With their comments, people here didn’t know you’d be listening and their primary motive was to express concerns based on personal experiences, and to express a combination of frustration about this as well as curiosity about how to go about getting heard.

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.

I haven’t been available to respond earlier, but I think this is one of the reasons why I got a mention. I was the one who suggested organising a group of us to attend the AGM and to do so in numbers that could not be ignored. In short, let me say I think that I am glad I did as it appears that this may have got your attention. Yes?

Geoff and others who are concerned with “criticism of management”, I believe that just as healthy opposition is important in government so too is healthy criticism in business, whether that is from staff, suppliers, allies or customers. It’s called feedback and is also a check on unilateral decision making. In fact, in the Westminster system of government the Opposition are known as “Her Majesty’s loyal Opposition” which I think highlights that “opposition” need not be seen as “disloyal” to those in power. (Michele, take note.) I’m pleased to hear that, on the whole, you appear to have recognised this.

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.

Geoff, all of the results you’ve listed are tremendous and the sign of good, disciplined management control and planning. Well done!! The financial turnaround on the Balance Sheet is simply fantastic and I have no doubt you have been personally instrumental in this. Congratulations to you and your team for achieving such wonderful results; you deserve it! I have, like you, been impressed with the management of the TPP and the football department, balancing off-field necessities with on-field performance and development. It’s not an easy one and while the on-field side of things has yet to bear fruit, I have some confidence that at least you’ve managed things responsibly.

The increase in membership numbers is also impressive (and somewhat surprising to me personally) and I would be interested to know, how does the percentage increase compare to other clubs? Has this resulted in a commensurate increase in membership revenue? What assessments have been done in analysing the reasons behind the increases (re-signing lapsed members, new members and whether they are the “inevitable” flow through from 90s success?)

In response to the assertions that the Management team is less than capable…

Firstly, let me say my comments that we need an injection of new blood at management level was unconnected to the AGM attendance issue. I wasn’t proposing a Richmond/Hawthorn like insurrection, though I have a secret admiration for the passion which their public spats imply.

I imagine you might also have read my comments concerning you and Dr Aylett in which I offered the opinion that I thought your style was pedestrian and that Alan was perhaps living in the 70s (apologies to Skyhooks). You never know who might be listening, do you?

Geoff, while I could have been more gracious in my choice of words (sorry) I stand by the essence of my comments and I’d like to elaborate. The model I’m working on is similar to Michael Gerber’s distinction of “Manager” and “Entrepreneur” in his book, “The E-Myth Revisited”. To me you are a Manager. You need to be, and you’re doing a good job with this role. You are planning, implementing management systems, controlling, evaluating etc, and all the while doing some of the inevitable external liaison required of a CEO. You’ve done this also whilst handling poor management legacies of the past. I applaud you for this!

However, what I and some others think is needed is more “entrepreneurial” spirit, best exemplified at the present, by Eddie Maguire (as much as it pains me to say), and best reflected on this thread by Tas. (Great work Tas — your big picture thinking, creativity, lateral thinking, optimism, sense of possibility is great!!)

I don’t see this as a sign that you aren’t doing a good job; only that I think our management needs something more. Geoff, feel free to contact me when you’re over if you’d like to discuss my thoughts on this further. Feel free to PM me.

 

[Tas]

Was going to edit this but it has already been quoted. After re-reading Tas dropped off for maybe a year? I do not know the level of current membership and its not important, just thought i'd correct myself.

I lost interest in football for a few years at the time North decided to try and relocate to Sydney. I not only did not buy a membership during this period but didn't go to any games and didn't watch much football in general. It was not just because of that decision, although it was a fair chunk of the reason. Another problem was everyone I went to the football with also lost interest, were very disappointed with the club because it had and still continues to pass up options based in Melbourne/Victoria for interstate options.

I only started to renew my membership again when Aylett returned to the club, and will again just get a regular membership ticket and other than my brother I do not know of any other North Melbourne member who continues to buy a membership ticket. If all the members know a bunch of people that have lost faith and not renewed then that represents a significant number of memberships.

The only reason I changed my membership to get a pagan's patron membership at the time was to avoid the tin can shaking that teams like Fitzroy and Richmond had to resort to because of mismanagement. It was never a membership I utilised or got much out of. I was in NSW for the large majority of the period I had that level of membership so I believe paying $300 odd dollars for seeing one or two games a year was more a donation than anything else.

In recent years North has shown it is more a business than a club, it does not really consult with the members when it comes to major decisions, they are just made based on economic reasons alone. While I still wish them all the best and still follow the team there is still little doubt in my mind that the club will be gone as soon as they get a good enough offer so I do not feel it is the responsibility of me or any other supporter to prop up the company until that occurs.

As far as I am concerned the Kangaroos offer us a membership which grants us entry into the game to see 8 games and nothing more. I accept that and buy a membership to see the games.

It is my opinion that the opinions of supporters that are NOT members is far more valuable feedback than those that are. Backslapping is not what you need but feedback as to why you are not converting supporters to members is far more important.

People can think I am not a good supporter because I have a crappy attitude when it comes to the club administration but that is only because they have given me cause to lose the level of respect and dedication that I once had and I can not feel the same way as I once did. I still love the team and will continue to support it but do not have the same attachement to a company that I did for the club.

I do think it is great we play some games outside melbourne, it is good for the supporters that are not in melbourne. It also makes economic sense at present. But the club is still a very long way from repairing the damage done by the previous administration or proving the club is to be permanently a melbourne based club.

Why not drag a non WA teams to Subiaco to play one game a year for the WA supporters or play one game at AAMI a year for the SA supporters or to drum up more supporters from those states? See what deals we can get with the state governments, the ground owners. Reduce the cost of admission significantly just to get people in, hell, give away several thousand free tickets in promotions and the like to generate support for those games and to ensure they get a decent number at the game for the caterers, etc. We would need to convert a massive proportion of Canberra's population as members to make it a viable long-term prospect. Playing lots of games to poor attending crowds damages our image, it is an image reinforced by the media when they complain about our great games watched by a feeble audience.

Change the articles of association or whatever that will say under no circumstance will the club relocate out of Melbourne and will play the majority of home games in melbourne and then I would believe that the club is not just buying time until it can relocate.

 

[mighty mick]

Footy is back at the Captains Bar
The Captains Bar
kangaroos.com.au
8:34:05 PM Wed 9 February, 2005

It has been a long time coming but the footy season is back! The Kangaroos first hit-out is against one of last years prelim finalists – Geelong. The match is being played at the club’s home away from home at Manuka Oval in Canberra next Sunday the 19th of February and you can catch all the action live on the super screen at the Captains Bar at Telstra Dome.

Why not watch the game with plenty of other Kangaroos supporters and support the club at the same time!

The Captains Bar will be open from 12:30pm with ‘Happy Hour’ starting at 1:00pm. ($1.50 Pots of Beer, $4.50 Basic Spirits, $3.50 Wines & FREE soft drink for kids!).

The game commences at 2:40pm.

The Captains Bar wishes to advise of the following important information:

** Bourke Street Gate 2, Entry via LiveWire automatic glass doors.
** Access from car park via LiveWire Lift ONLY
** Patrons wishing to attend the Roos function will NOT be permitted to enter via the turnstiles.
** Entry must be via automatic doors, concourse level, gate 2 Bourke street entry, Telstra Dome.
** NMFC patrons will be directed to level 2 via the LiveWire lift to the Captains Bar

Please Note: This screening is free to enter, however, their will be a ticketed AFL match on from 17:10 onwards. This will mean patron wishing to access the stadium outside designated Captains Bar perimeters MUST purchase a valid event day ticket.

this is the type of situation that has me angry at the club, because our own so called social club becomes off limits after screen games