Football Related Random Thread - PART 2

[BuntonRules]

Think of how many good years you had, McM. Heartfelt condolences.

 

[Saucery]

Hi Peeps, I haven't been around for a while and this is most probably in the wrong thread, I'm not thinking too straight right now, so forgive me please...

...you see, I said goodbye to my darling Mr MM 10 days ago and his funeral was last friday. Its been a 6mths. He had his first indication something was

very wrong the night before mums funeral, was so sick he couldn't go to it. I buried mum then came home to Mr MM getting sicker by the day. He had

oesophical cancer which spread to his liver. Docs gave him 6 - 18mnths. Its been horrible to see him go down like he did. In the end he went suddenly

when his heart gave up with all the treatment. He was as weak as a kitten. He hated being like it. He collapsed at home and its something I''l never forget.

I now realise he went the best way, before he got to the long drawn out painful stage..

..one of the saddest parts was when he said to me only a couple of days before he died "I"m not going to see a Saints Grand Final am I" (that part was hard to write)

Im ok.Im getting there.... just little things get to me like writing that last bit. Watching Saints games will be sad, not sure how I'll go.... in fact not sitting side by side in our chairs watching our games will be tough..

My family have been fantastic, they've been coming and going since the night he died. None of them live in Melb. In fact my granddaughter and her family arrived on the night at 2.30am after a 5hr drive to get here..

Im spending Xmas at her place..

I just wanted to wish you all a happy and safe Xmas. Hold your loved ones tight.

Made me tear up, went and hugged my wife and gave her a kiss.

She asked what was that for and I just shrugged.

Perhaps we could refer to Lion's vs Saint's games as Mr MM round in the future as a fitting tribute?

If MacMum is OK with that?

 

[MacMum]

To each and every one of you out there who have posted such lovely thoughts and those that "liked" my post...a big thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means a lot..

I was just thinking how great a "family" we Lions are when someone needs a lift in spirits. We may argue and disagree at times, but we always come to the party when we need to....as you people have for me today.

Mr MM was a wonderful and good man, very quick witted, loved a joke but could be contankerous at times and I'd tell him he was being a pain in the a.r.s.e, as quick as lightning he'd say "yes, but I'm your pain the a.r.s.e" with a big grin.

He loved music, he'd play poker on the computer and play music all day most days before he got sick..and of course, his Saints and horse racing.

Footy season and Spring Carnival wont be the same, it will be lonely without him beside me......but others have been through this and had to cope, so will I eventually.

Much love to you all

 

[McIvor]

So sorry MacMum - sending my thoughts and love to you in this challenging time .

Take the best of care - McIvor

 

[Lazza16]

I have enjoyed your banter about MM over the last couple of years........he will always live in your heart and there is no need to stop your comments......not the greatest timing but I am sure your family will take good care of you over this difficult period. A wonderful year lays ahead for the Mighty Lions so hope the new year brings you happiness and good health to cheer the Lions on.

 

[Section 5]

Email from the club stating a profit for the year

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The financial year ended 31 October 2022 and has seen another strong financial performance from the Brisbane Lions, with the Club recording an operating profit of approximately $2.4m. This operating profit has been invested in the completion of Brighton Homes Arena as the Club saw significant increases in construction costs during the period between design completion and commencement of construction, the costs of which still need to be funded. We will continue to operate our fund-raising initiatives to ensure we can put the final finishing touches to Brighton Homes Arena and then move into a debt reduction phase.

 

[Section 5]

I have mentioned before i am not in favor of Tasmania being granted a license as the 19th team in the AFL.
If they can get an existing Melbourne team to relocate that is fine with me but doubt any will be willing
The business case for a new stadium has been released, and the link below has more details

MSN

www.msn.com

The Federal Government should state categorically they will not fund their large portion required for the project
In my opinion they would be crazy to even consider this project

The total stadium costs have magically reduced, and the Commonwealth is only required to provide $240 million instead of $350 million
However, now another $85 million is yet to be funded
They also changed the wording of the precinct. Politics comes into everything
From ("arts, entertainment and sporting precinct" into the Macquarie Point "urban renewal project".)
Albanese when asked today said close to this "any urban renewal project we will have a look at"

In the business case there are positives outside the stadium as there should be with this much money being spent

Some paragraphs below from the business case
................
it leaves $85 million remaining, which the state government argues will come from borrowings against land sale, or lease for commercial uses.

Hobart's stadium would have a similar roof structure, with a north-facing clear roof, and a solid component at the southern end, but with a smaller capacity of 23,000.

and construction complete by mid-2028, meaning the Tasmanian AFL team would need to play its first two seasons at Bellerive Oval and Launceston's York Park.

About 10,000 cubic metres of contaminated material will need to be removed, existing warehouses demolished, and a brewery relocated as part of the enabling works.

The site has already had 67,000 tonnes of soils removed, along with 2.3 million litres of contaminated groundwater, underground tanks and mechanics pits.
The majority of the land was described as "remediated to a point where it can be safely capped/sealed" to minimise vapour risks.

This included a prediction that seven regular season AFL matches would average crowds of 20,000, that three A-League and two Super Rugby matches would get 7,500 each, and the Big Bash League would average 10,000 across four matches.

Minimal transport network changes were proposed, but the business case assumed the northern suburbs transit corridor would be developed for transport uses by 2029. The stadium would sit at the end of this corridor.

But Mr Rockliff said his meeting with Mr Albanese on Thursday was not just about the stadium, but about all infrastructure priorities for Tasmania.

The government faces a challenging political sell, with Labor-commissioned polling showing 67 per cent of Tasmanians oppose the idea.

Tasmania's federal Liberals have also voiced opposition, including Bass MP Bridget Archer, Braddon MP Gavin Pearce, and senators Jonathon Duniam, Wendy Askew and Claire Chandler, but senator Richard Colbeck has spoken of his support.
..........................
A nice photo also helps the case

 

[Big Sauce 21]

Can they just throw this idea in the bin already.

 

[Saucery]

Can they just throw this idea in the bin already.

As a Taswegian I wish they would, and I'm not alone.

"The government faces a challenging political sell, with Labour-commissioned polling showing 67 per cent of Tasmanians oppose the idea."

Tasmania makes its case to Albanese that $715 million Hobart AFL stadium is a winning idea

The Tasmanian government reveals its business case it hopes will convince the federal government to shell out $240 million to help pay for a brand new stadium in Hobart, which will in part be modelled on a yet-to-be-finished project in New Zealand.

www.abc.net.au

There are far more pressing issues here than footy and most already support their own AFL teams, if they are into it.

Unless the AFL are so keen on the idea they stump up properly like GWS or GC, but an accountancy firm like the AFL and the existing clubs never will.

And the stadiums model seems to be a bit of a blow out!

Troubled Kiwi stadium cited as 'benchmark' for proposed Hobart AFL arena

A yet-to-be completed stadium in New Zealand being used as a "benchmark" for the proposed Hobart AFL arena has been plagued with cost blowouts, construction delays and public opposition to the project.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Saucery]

The outcome of this may prove a precedent the AFL cannot ignore.

Ex-British & Irish Lions stars join brain injury legal action

 

[KissKiss]

I have mentioned before i am not in favor of Tasmania being granted a license as the 19th team in the AFL.
If they can get an existing Melbourne team to relocate that is fine with me but doubt any will be willing
The business case for a new stadium has been released, and the link below has more details

MSN

www.msn.com

The Federal Government should state categorically they will not fund their large portion required for the project
In my opinion they would be crazy to even consider this project

The total stadium costs have magically reduced, and the Commonwealth is only required to provide $240 million instead of $350 million
However, now another $85 million is yet to be funded
They also changed the wording of the precinct. Politics comes into everything
From ("arts, entertainment and sporting precinct" into the Macquarie Point "urban renewal project".)
Albanese when asked today said close to this "any urban renewal project we will have a look at"

In the business case there are positives outside the stadium as there should be with this much money being spent

Some paragraphs below from the business case
................
it leaves $85 million remaining, which the state government argues will come from borrowings against land sale, or lease for commercial uses.

Hobart's stadium would have a similar roof structure, with a north-facing clear roof, and a solid component at the southern end, but with a smaller capacity of 23,000.

and construction complete by mid-2028, meaning the Tasmanian AFL team would need to play its first two seasons at Bellerive Oval and Launceston's York Park.

About 10,000 cubic metres of contaminated material will need to be removed, existing warehouses demolished, and a brewery relocated as part of the enabling works.

The site has already had 67,000 tonnes of soils removed, along with 2.3 million litres of contaminated groundwater, underground tanks and mechanics pits.
The majority of the land was described as "remediated to a point where it can be safely capped/sealed" to minimise vapour risks.

This included a prediction that seven regular season AFL matches would average crowds of 20,000, that three A-League and two Super Rugby matches would get 7,500 each, and the Big Bash League would average 10,000 across four matches.

Minimal transport network changes were proposed, but the business case assumed the northern suburbs transit corridor would be developed for transport uses by 2029. The stadium would sit at the end of this corridor.

But Mr Rockliff said his meeting with Mr Albanese on Thursday was not just about the stadium, but about all infrastructure priorities for Tasmania.

The government faces a challenging political sell, with Labor-commissioned polling showing 67 per cent of Tasmanians oppose the idea.

Tasmania's federal Liberals have also voiced opposition, including Bass MP Bridget Archer, Braddon MP Gavin Pearce, and senators Jonathon Duniam, Wendy Askew and Claire Chandler, but senator Richard Colbeck has spoken of his support.
..........................
A nice photo also helps the case

Money aside, from my limited knowledge of Hobart (have family there but havent been down much in the last 10 years), that would seem like a sweet spot for a stadium

 

[Saucery]

Money aside, from my limited knowledge of Hobart (have family there but havent been down much in the last 10 years), that would seem like a sweet spot for a stadium

Agreed, bigger population and wealth than the north.

But the north/south divide here is as strong as say in the UK.

Few from the north of the state will change their allegiance from their current side (speaking for myself at least) to a Hobart centric club.

 

[BrainOfMorbius]

If it calls itself Tasmania, and splits its games fairly between south and north, that won't be an issue within a generation, surely. The vast majority of the kids growing up will follow the local team.

 

[lionraven]

The AFL doesnt want a Tasmanian team to happen anytime soon. 550,000 people spread over 2-3 population centres is going to be a tough sell for home games. We have people here debating on whether they would be able to travel down to Metrocon if the Lions become stranded there during the Olympics. It would be a hard sell to convince Launceston folks to get down to Hobart every second week for home games. There is no way that if this boodoggle project of a new stadium in Hobart gets approved, that they would then decide to hold any games at lesser stadiums around Tasmania. Tasmania also doesnt have huge corporate dollars that could compensate for a lack of public attendance to games. It would rely on the government funding a lot of this and there is very little appetite it seems amongst the Tasmanian public to fund this venture with their tax dollars. The AFL has thrown up this insurmountable barrier for a team. The State government is going to cry poor and ask for Federal help. No Federeal politician is going to stick their neck out and back an obvious boondoggle project given how divided Tasmanian politics is and how divisive it would be to give corporate handouts when there is huge cost of living pressures and a looming recession. Its just going to slowly fall off the public agenda after a couple of election cycles.

 

[western royboy]

The AFL doesnt want a Tasmanian team to happen anytime soon. 550,000 people spread over 2-3 population centres is going to be a tough sell for home games. We have people here debating on whether they would be able to travel down to Metrocon if the Lions become stranded there during the Olympics. It would be a hard sell to convince Launceston folks to get down to Hobart every second week for home games. There is no way that if this boodoggle project of a new stadium in Hobart gets approved, that they would then decide to hold any games at lesser stadiums around Tasmania. Tasmania also doesnt have huge corporate dollars that could compensate for a lack of public attendance to games. It would rely on the government funding a lot of this and there is very little appetite it seems amongst the Tasmanian public to fund this venture with their tax dollars. The AFL has thrown up this insurmountable barrier for a team. The State government is going to cry poor and ask for Federal help. No Federeal politician is going to stick their neck out and back an obvious boondoggle project given how divided Tasmanian politics is and how divisive it would be to give corporate handouts when there is huge cost of living pressures and a looming recession. Its just going to slowly fall off the public agenda after a couple of election cycles.

The Numbers have never and will never stand up - it’s should have been knocked on the head once covid hit. AFL has zero $$$ at community level…absolute zero it cannot and will not fund a new stadium - I cannot see why the Feds would either.

I doubt Tasmania’s would accept a relocated team. All in all it’s a shit show

 

[BuntonRules]

If it calls itself Tasmania, and splits its games fairly between south and north, that won't be an issue within a generation, surely. The vast majority of the kids growing up will follow the local team.

What is the point of the Hobart stadium if this is to happen? The 2 posts above give a better indication of the reality, IMHO.

 

[rye]

i dont think tasmanians would want a relocated victorian club either, but i personally wouldnt be fussed if they just revoked a team like north or st kildas license to make way for tasmania to be the 18th side

 

[MSB ROYS]

i dont think tasmanians would want a relocated victorian club either, but i personally wouldnt be fussed if they just revoked a team like north or st kildas license to make way for tasmania to be the 18th side

Or GWS.

 

[dlanod]

Or GWS.

I know I'm biased, but GWS actually covers their costs in sponsorships and increased TV rights into western Sydney, especially compared to the lower half of the Victorian clubs.

Their crowd numbers are arse though.

 

[MSB ROYS]

I know I'm biased, but GWS actually covers their costs in sponsorships and increased TV rights into western Sydney, especially compared to the lower half of the Victorian clubs.

Their crowd numbers are arse though.

My post was a bit tongue in cheek and as I never really supported GWS and GC's introduction. GWS seem to be successful off field, but they need to start converting people into paying supporters. Penrith's dominance of the NRL, Parramatta doing well and Canterbury's likely rise next year will make it difficult to get youngsters fully invested as well.

 

[MSB ROYS]

A stand alone Tasmanian team will just be another opportunity for the big Victorian clubs to pick players like GWS, GC, Freo and until recently the Lions.

 

[BuntonRules]

My post was a bit tongue in cheek and as I never really supported GWS and GC's introduction. GWS seem to be successful off field, but they need to start converting people into paying supporters. Penrith's dominance of the NRL, Parramatta doing well and Canterbury's likely rise next year will make it difficult to get youngsters fully invested as well.

IMO a bigger hurdle is soccer, and the Wanderers.

 

[dlanod]

My post was a bit tongue in cheek and as I never really supported GWS and GC's introduction. GWS seem to be successful off field, but they need to start converting people into paying supporters. Penrith's dominance of the NRL, Parramatta doing well and Canterbury's likely rise next year will make it difficult to get youngsters fully invested as well.

COVID has massively hit them for a six. They were making up adequate (not stellar) crowd atmosphere and numbers before, but a lot were always newbies coming along to try it out. When all of a sudden going to a crowded stadium is a COVID risk, the newbies and casuals just stop going - not worth the risk to them. It'll be interesting to see if there's a bounce back this year now that the world is pretty much back to normal.

 

[BuntonRules]

well worth the read, especially pages 2 & 3

Every club's biggest 'what if' moment of the AFL era

Every club's biggest 'what if' moment of the AFL era

In this five-part series, we seek to get to the bottom of the league's biggest sliding door moments since 1990👇

www.zerohanger.com

 

[Section 5]

Former AFL forward Daniel Menzel says Joe Daniher is the Lion under the most pressure heading into the 2023 season, but believes the key target still has the potential to be among the league's elites

“He could be as good as Buddy Franklin”: Menzel holds high hopes in key forward's potential

“He hasn’t reached his heights yet and he could be anything in the comp.”

www.sen.com.au