A message from Kangaroos CEO Geoff Walsh

[Wild Kangaroo]

Havent signed up as member yet. Due to financial constraints.

But I will next week.

Whats going on down at North.

the Bullodogd have more members, what the hell is going on

c'mon and sign up, be part of The ROO Generation.

I know I will.

Why do we play Essendon again as an away game??

PS. Lets stick it to People like Caroline Wilson. ( She's just cant handle the fact that a club that is well supported like hers has the poorest finals record of the Victorian clubs of the last 25 years, and that North has beaten Richmond more times in that period than what Richmond have beaten North)

 

[Cororoo]

Some food for thought?

One of the topics on tonights drive home show on SEN was about footy club memberships ,have you joined ? , if not , why not?

I thought I recognised the voice of one of the callers and sure enough , it was my Collingwood supporting older brother.........He (along with other Scum supporters) stated that is costs over $1000 to get a Collingwood membership for himself (adult)and his son (concession / student)for a home game ticket with a reserved seat.........No Grand Final entitlement (not that they are likely to make it anyway).

A quick check of the Roo Generation brochure and standard 8 game costs $420 for the same entitlements (total cost for 1 adult /1 concession that is).....14 game standard membership with reserved seat 6MCG and 2 Docklands lvl 1 $580 (total cost for 1 adult 1 concession)

At these rates it is clear that the North Melbourne membership is one of the cheapest in the AFL..............

As a value for money package , I can't fault the efforts of the North Melbourne Football Club administration.....

I have never had any problems with the Roo Shop staff or receiving things that I have purchased online or mail order . The 2005 polo shirt was delayed but that wasn't the end of the world for me.The Club kept me informed and offered to provide a certificate if the shirt was a Christmas present (which it wasn't)

There was one time I had a misunderstanding with the membership renewal area.However , I quickly discovered that at the time I was talking to a lady in an AFL call centre dealing with membership queries for ALL AFL Clubs.

In my opinion these are minor issues when we consider how important it is for the Club to have members renew every year , regardless of what they (as members)get in return......

Afterall it could be worse....You could be spending a lot more for the privelidge and having to put up with Collingwood.

 

[Briedis]

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

I agree. I think most would pay the extra cost for he membership without any issues. And I also think that 15,000+ Melbourne based members paying an extra $40-50 for their memberships is more revenue for the club isn't it?

I also think that only playing 8 Melbourne games is turning some Melbourne-based supporter onto other clubs as they get to see their team more often.

The club has to decide whether we move to Canberra or stay in Melbourne and try to open up new markets like Casey.

We should have learnt from Sydney that having your finger in two pies ends up just annoying everyone.

Firm direction is required.

 

[racehorse27]

While I do not want to distract anyone from their duties, I will buy 2x 2005 memberships just for a definitive answer to the following questions from Geoff or the club.

1. Does the club have any intention to change the name back to North Melbourne? If yes - when will it happen or why can't it happen despite the intention? If no - why not? If the answer is we are still North Melbourne marketed as the Kangaroos blah blah blah - don't bother.

2. Has changing the name back to North Melbourne been discussed at board level or with the AFL? What came of it?

3. Has any research gone into the effect it would have on membership numbers? if yes can we have a copy of the data/report posted here?

4. What's the deal with the carrot? (optional)

 

[sross]

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

MM, nowhere does it say the social club is off limits. What it says is that if you wish to go outside the designated social club area you must buy a ticket. This is fair enough, otherwise I can imagine stacks of ratty Essendon and Carlton supporters in there just so they can get free entry to the Wizard cup game.

Hopefully the area will be set aside so we can watch the game in peace. Our game starts at 2.40pm and theirs at 5.10pm. We don't want early arrivals interrupting the pleasure of watching our team.

However, I hope we do not see a repeat of last year when in a like situation, even though there were not many of us, we were forced to leave as soon as the game finished. We should be allowed to have a quiet one or two and discuss the pros and cons of the game. If we are forced to leave then I am total agreement with you.

Cheers, and hope to see you all there.

 

[Daphne]

While I do not want to distract anyone from their duties, I will buy 2x 2005 memberships just for a definitive answer to the following questions from Geoff or the club.

1. Does the club have any intention to change the name back to North Melbourne? If yes - when will it happen or why can't it happen despite the intention? If no - why not? If the answer is we are still North Melbourne marketed as the Kangaroos blah blah blah - don't bother.

2. Has changing the name back to North Melbourne been discussed at board level or with the AFL? What came of it?

3. Has any research gone into the effect it would have on membership numbers? if yes can we have a copy of the data/report posted here?

4. What's the deal with the carrot? (optional)

North Melbourne -Kangaroos what the hell, everyone knows who we are, they are our boys, they wear the blue and white jumper, they play for us, does it really matter. I buy my membership every year when I can afford it (usually the end of February ) as does other members of my family. I buy it, I enjoy my football and leave the rest of it to the people who have been employed to look after the club. When and if I see it self destructing (as I have been told for years and years that it is going to) then I will try to help out.

 

[Hearts to hearts]

North Melbourne -Kangaroos what the hell, everyone knows who we are, they are our boys, they wear the blue and white jumper, they play for us, does it really matter. I buy my membership every year when I can afford it (usually the end of February ) as does other members of my family. I buy it, I enjoy my football and leave the rest of it to the people who have been employed to look after the club. When and if I see it self destructing (as I have been told for years and years that it is going to) then I will try to help out.

Hi Daphne, nice to see you back. I haven't been around the club nearly as long as you have, but I feel the same way. Whatever else goes on behind the scenes and how I feel about it, doesn't mean a thing when they run out to start the game - I want to feel as much part of that as I can.

 

[Roobunny]

Well I've re-signed up this morning. And in case anyone is curious it's more because today is payday than because of the ladder in the papers! (Joining was always going to happen I just had to wait till I could afford to amongst other bills etc.)

I'd like to echo Kimbo's comments regarding the Aussie Kangaroos membership. As an Adelaide based supporter I get very little opportunity to see/interact with the club and would like perhaps a bit more focus for interstate supporters - not expecting much, but maybe a function for members (outside of the drinks after a game) where one or two players come and speak.

 

[Daphne]

Hi Daphne, nice to see you back. I haven't been around the club nearly as long as you have, but I feel the same way. Whatever else goes on behind the scenes and how I feel about it, doesn't mean a thing when they run out to start the game - I want to feel as much part of that as I can.

Thanks Hearts to hearts. I do as much for the club as I can and as I said. when there is a real threat to the club then I will step up as I know all North/Kangaroo supporters will. I cant believe that the ones in charge dont have only the best intentions for our club. This year will probably tell us a lot about how we are travelling on and off the field, so no use getting our knickers in a knot just yet.

 

[Event Horizon]

Judging by what's going on on this board at the moment there is a worrying trend. Too many people are saying they won't resign for various reasons. There ways the club can improve - that's been discussed here enough times. But how can we be so short sighted as to feel that we can avoid buying a membership just because the family day was moved, or some other silly reason?

For God's sake people - our club needs EVERYONE to join! We can't afford a 5% drop. There are other ways of expressing your gripes.
Posting them here is a good thing - good feedback for the club, but not buying a membership is just silly.

I have joined before Xmas, but now I about to buy one for my wife and a 2months old son both of whom won't attend games this season.

C'mon folks - lift your game!

 

[dus]

Its great to see the passion showed by Geoff in posting on here, getting stuck into the newspapers, and getting in the media and calling for more members. I think he is genuinely concerned about our low membership figure of the club, and is showing some initiative and doing something about it.

Great to see, top stuff Geoff.

I would also love to see Dr. Aylett become involved as Geoff has, as we dont hear very much from the Doc, but when he speaks everybody listens. If he was out promoting the club a little more (please correct me if has has been but i did not see) then past members should feel compelled to join as he is such a strong voice amongst the North community.

I like many on here live in Perth, and also buy an membership every year. Without Bigfooty i would get no info about North, which is why in addition to my membership i wanted to join the bigfooty sponsors. I dont care what we are called, i still call us North. I would also rather the club stay at Arden Street, however the few times i have been there the last few years it really is looking run down (grandstand especially) and it will be dissappointing if we cant get funding to do it up, and have to move. Thats when we begin to loose our identity, not when our name changes.

 

[racehorse27]

North Melbourne -Kangaroos what the hell, everyone knows who we are, they are our boys, they wear the blue and white jumper, they play for us, does it really matter.

What happens when they stop wearing blue & white? What do you identify with then? That away jumper looked great last year though a tad too much like the bulldogs from the back.

I will extend my offer to 10 years of membership regardless of the answer being yes or no. The issue has never been addressed as far as I know, it's getting to the stage of now or never. I'm guessing it is not in the clubs interests to make it an issue as they like the best of both worlds.

The club is begging for members but I can think of no better marketing than 'North Melbourne 2006 - they're back' (in a poltergeist sorta way just to scare those essendon teeny boppers).

Here is an idea(might get shot to pieces). Announce a referendum this year where all members get to vote on the name of the club. Maybe even put a condition on it that if we get to 30,000 members this year then they will hold a referendum.

Sit back and watch the numbers rise.

 

[Woodson]

The club is begging for members but I can think of no better marketing than 'North Melbourne 2006 - they're back' (in a poltergeist sorta way just to scare those essendon teeny boppers).

Here is an idea(might get shot to pieces). Announce a referendum this year where all members get to vote on the name of the club. Maybe even put a condition on it that if we get to 30,000 members this year then they will hold a referendum.

Sit back and watch the numbers rise.

That's one heck of an idea. NORTH MELBOURNE - back in business !!

 

[Harvs29]

I would also love to see Dr. Aylett become involved as Geoff has, as we dont hear very much from the Doc, but when he speaks everybody listens.

Of course Dus, maybe it is the case that everyone listens because we don't hear very much from the the doc...

 

[dus]

Of course Dus, maybe it is the case that everyone listens because we don't hear very much from the the doc...

Yep thats the point. So if the Doc got out there in the media, calling on all the North supporters who have been members over the past seasons but havent resigned yet, to get on board, then maby the clubs cries wont be heard on deaf ears.

Easy for me to say this from here i know, but its just my impression.

When i went to the pre game function before the Dockers game last season (Wellsy goal OMG!!!!!) when the Doc spoke the room stopped. Not only because of the respect he holds, but when he speaks its usually with vision, confidence and substance. People absord what he says. Get out and have a crack Doc!!!

 

[mighty mick]

However, I hope we do not see a repeat of last year when in a like situation, even though there were not many of us, we were forced to leave as soon as the game finished. We should be allowed to have a quiet one or two and discuss the pros and cons of the game. If we are forced to leave then I am total agreement with you.

Cheers, and hope to see you all there.

that is what i mean we are not even treated as if the social club is ours when we are forced to leave rather than being unable to stay on and drink.

unfortunately cant make it though as weekend work is becoming harder to get out of.

 

[Rooboy 96]

The club is begging for members but I can think of no better marketing than 'North Melbourne 2006 - they're back' (in a poltergeist sorta way just to scare those essendon teeny boppers).

don't you mean Ghostbusters II???

 

[Daphne]

What happens when they stop wearing blue & white? What do you identify with then? That away jumper looked great last year though a tad too much like the bulldogs from the back.

Why are you assuming that that is going to happen?, are you not worring about something that has a 99% chance of NOT happening?. Again we hear all of these things every year, it is just not going to happen. You are saying these things in here and making it sound like it is something that will be. I dont understand why you are bringing all this crap up.

 

[Roobunny]

I grew up supporting North Melbourne. I still call them North Melbourne. I'm an interstate fan, I don't feel isolated or aggrieved because my club has the name of a Melbourne suburb, instead I feel the change of the name has lost some of the club's identity.

I'd love the name back and I love Racehorse's member slogan, but I'm also not going to refuse to renew a membership over it.

 

[Michele]

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.

I pondered whether to respond to this post.

You are not a 'North' person. You have no idea just how hard it is to maintain and run a football club.
You don't have any 'voting rights' because you didn't mortgage your house or go into personal debt to save this club from predators.

And what do they get for the 'privilege' of running a club? Supporters who are ********ed off with the 'service'.

If you want 'service' go to Myers, a club or a restaurant.

And schucks, I bet Geoff Walsh never thought of playing most games in Melbourne. Or of 'asking' the AFL would they mind awfully, if North played a few Friday night games, some on public holidays etc. No, Geoff hasn't thought of that. I think you should email him.

And you will use scalpers to get to the GF.

You should be ashamed to use the username 'racehorse'


VLAD,

You strike me as a little bit more intelligent than 'racehorse'. Arden St is owned by the Melbourne City Council.
Do you really think those pretentious idiots would look anywhere remotely North of the Yarra? They are to busy redesigning their office space and the menus.
North need someone with major clout eg Ron Walker, Steve Vizard, . Not just finacially, but with connections - network. For major redevelopment to take place that would have to involve the councillors and the State Government.

 

[Passmore]

Michelle,

I don't always agree with your posts, but I'm 100% behind you on this one. It always seems to me that some North "fans" looks for reasons NOT to SUPPORT the club. I don't like this or I don't like that. Bloody WEAK.

If they truly loved the club, they would realise this stance is basically cutting off your nose to spite your face. If they really LOVED the club, how would it help if every supporter took this attitude.

We would be dead.

I'm sorry Racehorse, but "fans" like you make me sick. I'm tipping no matter what the club did, you would find an excuse not to get a membership."Fans" like you are the reason that we have the least in the comp.

I fail to understand how not becoming a member is helping the club.

 

[Michele]

Michelle,

I don't always agree with your posts, but I'm 100% behind you on this one. It always seems to me that some North "fans" looks for reasons NOT to SUPPORT the club. I don't like this or I don't like that. Bloody WEAK.

If they truly loved the club, they would realise this stance is basically cutting off your nose to spite your face. If they really LOVED the club, how would it help if every supporter took this attitude.

We would be dead.

I'm sorry Racehorse, but "fans" like you make me sick. I'm tipping no matter what the club did, you would find an excuse not to get a membership."Fans" like you are the reason that we have the least in the comp.

I fail to understand how not becoming a member is helping the club.

That is my whole point. Either you love and therefore support the club and become a financial member IN ANY CAPACITY or take up netball or hurling.

I buy a membership every year, whether we are Premiers or last on the ladder. I am supporting my team. The membership was ordered before Christmas, but I didn't receive it until late Jan. So what. I knew it would come and when it did arrive, I was very happy. I liked the coin.

If I bought a plasma screen TV from Myer and it didn't live up to expectations, then I might complain about the service and whether the outlay was justified.

I buy a North membership because I love the club and trust that the board will do the best for all.
After all, they don't have much margin for error, so I don't think complacency will be a problem.

And if all or most barrackers became MEMBERS, then the AFL would have to listen to us because there is strength in numbers.

 

[Kimbo]

Either you love and therefore support the club and become a financial member IN ANY CAPACITY or take up netball or hurling.

I buy a membership every year, whether we are Premiers or last on the ladder. I am supporting my team. I buy a North membership because I love the club...

To misquote Groucho Marx, "I wouldn't join any club that would have you as a member." Well, actually, I would, but under increasing sufferance the more I hear sermonising like this. Netball? Hurling? Let's face it, non-members will go straight to hell (without passing "GO"). It's bad enough coming from the CEO's pulpit, now the lay readers are on the evangelical warpath. On your knees brothers and sisters!

Michele, I have a better idea... how about just sending the boys around to collect my subscription? In fact, why don't you do that to all barrackers until they become members since the congregation just don't seem to be listening.

No one is saying its easy, and everyone wants an increase in membership. Its just that some people are suggesting prospective members may be deterred by poor service or a failure to be captivated by our brand and it might pay to consider how this might help.

If you want 'service' go to Myers, a club or a restaurant. If I bought a plasma screen TV from Myer and it didn't live up to expectations, then I might complain about the service and whether the outlay was justified.

The failure to view memberships as a payment for a service will be the death of not just the NMFC, but other clubs too. There will always be people like you who just join up for the love of it, period. And there will be an increasing number of educated consumers wanting value-for-money. The pleasure of watching/supporting the Roos? I can get that without buying a membership. So, other than a warm rosy glow, what is the value the NMFC is offering?

I...trust that the board will do the best for all. After all, they don't have much margin for error, so I don't think complacency will be a problem.

I don't think they'll be complacent, and can't recall anyone saying they have been. A few of us think they could do better in some regards and have had the audacity to say so. Treasonous isn't it! Grow up Michele, those on our Board and management, like every other, aren't infallible. It is possible to have a basic confidence in those who run the club AND hold the view that small or even radical shifts might be needed.

 

[Harvs29]

nice posting Kimbo.

most people on here, i am guessing, are members and surely we would like more people to be members but, surely by ostracising those who barrack for the club but are not members is not the way forward.

as the saying goes, you can lead a racehorse to water but you cannot make him drink.

 

[NeoBlaze]

We need more people like Michele, she reminds me of Collingwood and Essendon supporters who will back the club to the hilt no matter how wrong they are or irrational they sound. They'll keep forking out the money every year and if we had 20,000 people like Michele we'd have 30,000 members by now.