News Gabba Upgrade & Olympics News

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Seems a bit silly to put so much money into the Cross River Rail station outside the Gabba if you plan on not using it in a few years from now, but hey, a new stadium would be a better overall outcome for all involved IMO.
The government wants 24 000 more residents and 34 000 more jobs in the area around the railway station. It'll get a massive amount of use whether there's a stadium next door or not.
 
Fair enough. I suppose if private investment is involved then that will be a game changer in terms of the end cost for the government.

Seems a bit silly to put so much money into the Cross River Rail station outside the Gabba if you plan on not using it in a few years from now, but hey, a new stadium would be a better overall outcome for all involved IMO.
Agree with Johnny Bananas that the Wooloongabba area will have a vast bigger population heading into 2032.

As you mentioned a new stadium somewhere else will be a better overall outcome.
In that scenario The Gabba stays till after 2032 so the rail station will get good use while the population in the area increases. Then The Gabba site comes down after the Olympics.
That site will become a very sort after area for unit towers/housing/hospitality and greenspace. That will push up the population again when completed.

I would like to see Brisbane Arena moved to the CRR site and that will fill an entertainment void when/if The Gabba is demolished. That would assist all the hospitality business in the area that may be affected when/if The Gabba comes down.
 

AOC appoints Odgers Berndtson for CEO search​

  • Saturday, 14 December 2024
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) this week announced the appointment of a global executive search firm to find a successor to Matt Carroll, who will step down from his role in May 2025. Odgers Berndtson, will be tasked with leading the nations sport towards the 2032 Games in Brisbane.
AOC President Ian Chesterman said the selection of the organization's next CEO comes at an exciting and critical time for the Olympic Movement in the country. Carroll will step down from his role following the organisation's Annual General Meeting in May 2025.

"We are delighted to be working with the team at Odgers Berndtson in the search for a new CEO to help us maximise the opportunities ahead of Brisbane 2032 and beyond," said Chesterman, as quoted on the AOC's official website. "We anticipate strong interest in the role and Odgers Berndtson will conduct a comprehensive international search to help us identify the best possible candidate to lead the AOC into the next decade," he added.

"This is a role that will allow the successful candidate to make a significant impact on Australian sport and contribute to the success of a home Olympic Games," Chesterman concluded. Odgers Berndtson chief Tom Mutch also welcomed the announcement. "It is a real privilege for our global sports practice to be working with the AOC once again," said Mutch.

"The breadth and depth of our Olympic and Paralympic experience around the world positions us well to support the AOC in this important appointment," he noted. The post will be formally advertised early next year, ensuring that the selected candidate will be known by the time of the May General Assembly.
 

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We are all hoping for a new stadium preferably Victoria Park, so the Lions won't be displaced for 5 years.
If that happens a new home for Equestrian cross country and BMX will have to be found.
Quirk suggested Toowoomba for Equestrian cross country.
It looks like The Gold Coast will put in a submission for Equestrian events along with Toowoomba.
If the RNA has not resubmitted something to the 100-day review i guess they will need to further push their case as i think they thought, it was going their way.
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“Nobody else can do it’: Why Gold Coast should host 2032 equestrian”
The Gold Coast Turf Club is making an audacious pitch to beat Toowoomba to the hosting rights for equestrian events at the 2032 Olympics. FIND OUT WHY
Let's run through the options on the table for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, including the latest offering, a second Gabba stadium right next door.
The Gold Coast Turf Club is making an audacious pitch to beat Toowoomba to the hosting rights for equestrian events at the 2032 Olympics.
Club bosses are developing a Games masterplan which would see its Bundall complex become the host for showjumping and dressage events, while the Aquis Park Elysian fields Equestrian Centre at Canungra would be used for eventing, training and quarantine.
It will be presented to the Games Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and state government in early 2025.
Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said the Gold Coast was the “perfect location” for the events.
“We believe there are no other venues in Queensland that can economically and effectively provide world-class venues which will also showcase the incredible tourism assets of the Gold Coast and its hinterland,” he said.

t6lwqRH.jpg
“The showjumping and dressage events under the new incredible Gold Coast Turf Club lights would provide worldwide exposure of the magnificent Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach skyline as a backdrop while the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland would be showcased through the eventing at Aquis Farm.”

AQUIS FARM
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Mr Lines said the proposal had “already received substantial stakeholder support” and he expected “further endorsements in the coming weeks”.
The equestrian events are currently earmarked for Brisbane but, like all other aspects of the Games, are part of the new state government’s 100-day review of the Olympics

The turf club is fresh off spending $73m to upgrade its facilities for night racing, including state-of-the-art lights, a new tunnel and an improved track.
Mr Lines said the Gold Coast’s proximity to Brisbane, plus the planned athletes village at Robina, made the city the logical choice.
“Imagine world-class equestrian events in superior locations and with the capacity for both those locations to provide supporting world-class entertainment events for the greater spectator event enjoyment,” he said.


“Put simply, no other proposal will be better for the athletes and spectators in addition to being the cheapest for taxpayers … and the cheapest by the length of the Gold Coast racecourse straight.”
It comes as Toowoomba is developing its own push to host the equestrian events.
State Treasurer David Janetzki, who is the MP for Toowoomba South, has backed the idea, which would see the planned Toowoomba Equestrian Centre become the Olympics’ horseflesh hub.
A submission is also being developed to be presented to the government. “I support the reassessment of the Toowoomba Showgrounds,” he said earlier in December.
“We have a rare chance to align Olympic opportunity with the character of our region. I will be submitting as a local MP to the 100-day Olympic infrastructure review supporting the RASQ’s (Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland) position.”
“I want Toowoomba to share in the Olympic legacy and will be working towards that goal.”
 
I do not know anything about AFL Footy 9's.
Had a look at the video below that has 3 Motlops' playing Steve, Darren & Aron.
Don't know the rules but i assume they are similar to AFL.
I picked up it is 1 point for a goal, and you can't kick the ball off the ground + last touch is a turnover.
I think they are no chance to get admitted to the Olympics though.
Just not anything to excite the viewer even with better players in my opinion.
However, i think the sport is a chance for the AFL to get into Rugby League and soccer territory by being able to use existing fields.
Also, teachers/coaches don't have to round up 25 kids to get a team. Should be able to round up a team at most schools.
Anything getting kids involved in AFL would be a positive.




FOOTY 9s AT THE OLYMPICS
AFI’s (Australian Football International) long-term objective is to secure the inclusion of Footy 9s in the 2040 Olympic Games.
Further, the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane are a tremendous opportunity to see Footy 9s included as a demonstration sport.

AFI EVENTS
Australian Football International (AFI) runs a number of exciting events, both in Australia and internationally.

UPCOMING EVENTS – AUSTRALIA
2025

World 9s (8 February, Melbourne)
Masters 9s (22 February, Melbourne)
AFL Footy 9s Carnival (15 March, Melbourne)
Touch Footy World Cup (15 March, Melbourne)
Harmony Cup (30 March, Melbourne)
Darwin 9s (August, date TBC, Darwin)
 
I do not know anything about AFL Footy 9's.
Had a look at the video below that has 3 Motlops' playing Steve, Darren & Aron.
Don't know the rules but i assume they are similar to AFL.
I picked up it is 1 point for a goal, and you can't kick the ball off the ground + last touch is a turnover.
I think they are no chance to get admitted to the Olympics though.
Just not anything to excite the viewer even with better players in my opinion.
However, i think the sport is a chance for the AFL to get into Rugby League and soccer territory by being able to use existing fields.
Also, teachers/coaches don't have to round up 25 kids to get a team. Should be able to round up a team at most schools.
Anything getting kids involved in AFL would be a positive.




FOOTY 9s AT THE OLYMPICS
AFI’s (Australian Football International) long-term objective is to secure the inclusion of Footy 9s in the 2040 Olympic Games.
Further, the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane are a tremendous opportunity to see Footy 9s included as a demonstration sport.

AFI EVENTS
Australian Football International (AFI) runs a number of exciting events, both in Australia and internationally.

UPCOMING EVENTS – AUSTRALIA
2025

World 9s (8 February, Melbourne)
Masters 9s (22 February, Melbourne)
AFL Footy 9s Carnival (15 March, Melbourne)
Touch Footy World Cup (15 March, Melbourne)
Harmony Cup (30 March, Melbourne)
Darwin 9s (August, date TBC, Darwin)


This is definitely a good alternative form of the game. Not necessarily for watchability, but more so it's important that people don't only have the one option of 120 mins, 18 v 18 if they wanna play.

Like you said it's also handy with the shortage of footy fields in the northern states to have these other alternatives. It actually looks fun to play, easier to get the ball, less contact, more open and less toll on the body.
 
I do not know anything about AFL Footy 9's.
Had a look at the video below that has 3 Motlops' playing Steve, Darren & Aron.
Don't know the rules but i assume they are similar to AFL.
I picked up it is 1 point for a goal, and you can't kick the ball off the ground + last touch is a turnover.
I think they are no chance to get admitted to the Olympics though.
Just not anything to excite the viewer even with better players in my opinion.
However, i think the sport is a chance for the AFL to get into Rugby League and soccer territory by being able to use existing fields.
Also, teachers/coaches don't have to round up 25 kids to get a team. Should be able to round up a team at most schools.
Anything getting kids involved in AFL would be a positive.




FOOTY 9s AT THE OLYMPICS
AFI’s (Australian Football International) long-term objective is to secure the inclusion of Footy 9s in the 2040 Olympic Games.
Further, the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane are a tremendous opportunity to see Footy 9s included as a demonstration sport.

AFI EVENTS
Australian Football International (AFI) runs a number of exciting events, both in Australia and internationally.

UPCOMING EVENTS – AUSTRALIA
2025

World 9s (8 February, Melbourne)
Masters 9s (22 February, Melbourne)
AFL Footy 9s Carnival (15 March, Melbourne)
Touch Footy World Cup (15 March, Melbourne)
Harmony Cup (30 March, Melbourne)
Darwin 9s (August, date TBC, Darwin)

I played 9's in high school, they brought it in to get Queensland kids into AFL, less numbers and you could use rugby field also
 
I played AFL 9s for a year or two. It was terrible. Basically if the ball hits the ground it's a free kick - that's their idea for getting novices involved. Oh and on really small fields so theres no room for running the ball anywhere. You have no option but try to kick-mark up the field, and you either pinpoint a pass or you hope the defender spoils it. Yep, they even penalise the defenders for a good spoil, because it's the last touch before the ball hits the ground.
 
I played AFL 9s for a year or two. It was terrible. Basically if the ball hits the ground it's a free kick - that's their idea for getting novices involved. Oh and on really small fields so theres no room for running the ball anywhere. You have no option but try to kick-mark up the field, and you either pinpoint a pass or you hope the defender spoils it. Yep, they even penalise the defenders for a good spoil, because it's the last touch before the ball hits the ground.
Agreed on all of this. And requiring a kick/mark in a game where it's meant to be for newbies actually makes it more frustrating for newbies who can't kick (or mark). Half the time it was closer to force-em-backs - belt it as far as you can and hope you kicked it further than the turnover coming the other way.

Edit: this would've been the late '00s for me. They even had a season at the Giants a few years later where there'd be an AFL 9s game played in between the Auskick kids as a promo.
 
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Sounds like 9's has been around for a while. I lead a sheltered life.
A small poster sample size to go on but sort of confirms my one viewing of 9's that it is no chance for Olympics
It is good they have grand plans as without that you will go nowhere.

I still see it as an outlet in sections of the community that have an interest in AFL and only a League or soccer field.
I get that it is hard for newbies to play it as intended.
However, i have seen enough of the Auskick during half time to say the boys and girls are having fun and lack lots of skills
 
I played AFL 9s for a year or two. It was terrible. Basically if the ball hits the ground it's a free kick - that's their idea for getting novices involved. Oh and on really small fields so theres no room for running the ball anywhere. You have no option but try to kick-mark up the field, and you either pinpoint a pass or you hope the defender spoils it. Yep, they even penalise the defenders for a good spoil, because it's the last touch before the ball hits the ground.

Just to clarify, what do you mean if the ball hits the ground it's a free kick? I'm not contesting your claims on this, but the video I watched looked like normal footy apart from the goals and rectangle field. I agree if it hits the ground novices have no chance at all and I would have thought the whole point of this version is to engage the novice player.
 
Just to clarify, what do you mean if the ball hits the ground it's a free kick? I'm not contesting your claims on this, but the video I watched looked like normal footy apart from the goals and rectangle field. I agree if it hits the ground novices have no chance at all and I would have thought the whole point of this version is to engage the novice player.
Yeah that's definitely not the AFL 9's that's played socially at grounds and clubs around Australia during summer. The form of the game in the video has tackling and chaos play, neither of which is allowed in AFL 9's.

I didn't watch the whole video but was left wondering if you have to clear the crossbar to score a goal? Or is that just there because there's a big rugby game on there tomorrow and they couldn't be bothered mucking round with the posts? 😅
 
Yeah that's definitely not the AFL 9's that's played socially at grounds and clubs around Australia during summer. The form of the game in the video has tackling and chaos play, neither of which is allowed in AFL 9's.

I didn't watch the whole video but was left wondering if you have to clear the crossbar to score a goal? Or is that just there because there's a big rugby game on there tomorrow and they couldn't be bothered mucking round with the posts? 😅
I googled AFL 9's and watched two videos and it is very different as you have mentioned.
Did not like it at all but it is an activity so all good.
This international one is much better in my opinion.
In the international version i doubt anyone would bother playing on an AFL ground as you would have to do ground markings. You could use cones for borders and across the field for the 3 zones. Then you have to find 2 dodgy posts like in Auskick, but they lack height.

On Rugby Union & Rugby League fields: Over or under the cross bar without being touched and you get 1 point for the goal. That's what i picked up watching again.
On Soccer fields: It is different you have to get the ball between and under the post as in soccer. I am assuming a touched ball is no goal like the rugby fields but not sure.
A few other things not covered in the basics below i picked up.
2 x 15-minute halves.
Okay if you play multiple games in a day like they may do. But 2 x 20 would be better in one off games
No 50-meter penalty only 10 which is enough.
If you tap the ball on and it hits the ground, you can handball but are not allowed to kick.

They do have the AFL rules (basic) on the site
Who competes
AFL 9's men
AFL 9's women
AFL Touch footy 9's mixed teams. No tackling.
It looks like a touch is a tackle but not sure what happens possibly a ball jump. I saw somewhere that if touched and you handball or kick within 2 steps it is okay. That was a very old video though.

The 9's basic rules from there site.
THE BASICS

  • Footy 9s matches are played on soccer or rugby playing fields, using existing posts and field markings.
  • Each team consists of 9 players – 3 forwards, 3 midfielders and 3 backs.
  • The game starts with a jump ball in the middle of the field.
  • The ball is moved around the field by either a kick, handball or running with the ball.
  • A goal is scored when the ball is kicked through the posts.
  • If the ball hits the posts and continues through the posts, it is a goal.
  • If the ball hits the posts and comes back into the field of play, it is play on.
  • No kicking off the ground is permitted.
  • When the ball goes out of bounds by either foot or hand, the nearest opponent shall kick the ball back into play.
  • Players can go anywhere on the field and there is no off-side rule.
Below one video for a soccer field the other a rugby field



 

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I googled AFL 9's and watched two videos and it is very different as you have mentioned.
Did not like it at all but it is an activity so all good.
This international one is much better in my opinion.
In the international version i doubt anyone would bother playing on an AFL ground as you would have to do ground markings. You could use cones for borders and across the field for the 3 zones. Then you have to find 2 dodgy posts like in Auskick, but they lack height.

On Rugby Union & Rugby League fields: Over or under the cross bar without being touched and you get 1 point for the goal. That's what i picked up watching again.
On Soccer fields: It is different you have to get the ball between and under the post as in soccer. I am assuming a touched ball is no goal like the rugby fields but not sure.
A few other things not covered in the basics below i picked up.
2 x 15-minute halves.
Okay if you play multiple games in a day like they may do. But 2 x 20 would be better in one off games
No 50-meter penalty only 10 which is enough.
If you tap the ball on and it hits the ground, you can handball but are not allowed to kick.

They do have the AFL rules (basic) on the site
Who competes
AFL 9's men
AFL 9's women
AFL Touch footy 9's mixed teams. No tackling.
It looks like a touch is a tackle but not sure what happens possibly a ball jump. I saw somewhere that if touched and you handball or kick within 2 steps it is okay. That was a very old video though.

The 9's basic rules from there site.
THE BASICS

  • Footy 9s matches are played on soccer or rugby playing fields, using existing posts and field markings.
  • Each team consists of 9 players – 3 forwards, 3 midfielders and 3 backs.
  • The game starts with a jump ball in the middle of the field.
  • The ball is moved around the field by either a kick, handball or running with the ball.
  • A goal is scored when the ball is kicked through the posts.
  • If the ball hits the posts and continues through the posts, it is a goal.
  • If the ball hits the posts and comes back into the field of play, it is play on.
  • No kicking off the ground is permitted.
  • When the ball goes out of bounds by either foot or hand, the nearest opponent shall kick the ball back into play.
  • Players can go anywhere on the field and there is no off-side rule.
Below one video for a soccer field the other a rugby field





I kinda like the soccer one the ball hitting the back of the net, but shouldn't really be allowed a goal keeper. With the no tackling, I dunno why they don't just use the Gaelic and basketball style rules where you just hit the ball outta the opponents hands or corral them.
 
I kinda like the soccer one the ball hitting the back of the net, but shouldn't really be allowed a goal keeper. With the no tackling, I dunno why they don't just use the Gaelic and basketball style rules where you just hit the ball outta the opponents hands or corral them.
Not sure if teams will just play a goalkeeper in front of the nets position area as in soccer.
Once the center ball up is done players can go anywhere.
Makes sense for increasing chances for touching the ball and stopping a goal but with no offside rule that may not work.
Teams certainly could play a traditional soccer goalkeeper role but that leaves them one short matchup around the ground.

Regarding the Touch footy (no tackling) version.
Nothing stopping players corralling opposition or hitting the ball out of their hands just like in a normal AFL game.
Just a matter of whether that works in AFI 9's with or without the tackling version.
It appears players have 2 steps after being touched to dispose the ball if not it's a turnover.
 
Just for fun i have put together 2 teams playing State of Origin at Lang Park.
Drop that silly opening round focusing on the northern states.
This concept will get a better focus on AFL playing at Lang Park while league goes to Los Vagas. ;)
Sellout no problems after all we have 63k members and the Swans 73 k. Won't mention the other two
One million prizemoney. That being $650 k for the winner and $350 k to the loser.
Nothing for the McClelland that year which guarantees the Lions win it.

Queensland made up of Lions and Suns players. NSW with Giants and Swans.
Australian Football International Rules apply with a couple of changes. I found the full rules link below.

Seeing these guys are professional footballers and fitter it will be 2 x 35-minute halves (not 2 x 15)
In AFI 9's you can have up to 6 interchanges but i will keep that to 4

Picking a team was a bit hard as it looks like kicking accuracy is super important and so are running players that have good disposal. As usual taking a mark forward and in defense also important.

1735964615653.png

1735987461465.png


EDIT: I had Lukosius in the Queensland side but briztoon mentioned he has moved from the Suns. Replaced with King
 
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Just for fun i have put together 2 teams playing State of Origin at Lang Park.
Drop that silly opening round focusing on the northern states.
This concept will get a better focus on AFL playing at Lang Park while league goes to Los Vagas. ;)
Sellout no problems after all we have 63k members and the Swans 73 k. Won't mention the other two
One million prizemoney. That being $650 k for the winner and $350 k to the loser.
Nothing for the McClelland that year which guarantees the Lions win it.

Queensland made up of Lions and Suns players. NSW with Giants and Swans.
Australian Football International Rules apply with a couple of changes. I found the full rules link below.

Seeing these guys are professional footballers and fitter it will be 2 x 35-minute halves (not 2 x 15)
In AFI 9's you can have up to 6 interchanges but i will keep that to 4

Picking a team was a bit hard as it looks like kicking accuracy is super important and so are running players that have good disposal. As usual taking a mark forward and in defense also important.

View attachment 2197568

View attachment 2197567
Lukosius plays for Adelaide.
 
Just for fun i have put together 2 teams playing State of Origin at Lang Park.
Drop that silly opening round focusing on the northern states.
This concept will get a better focus on AFL playing at Lang Park while league goes to Los Vagas. ;)
Sellout no problems after all we have 63k members and the Swans 73 k. Won't mention the other two
One million prizemoney. That being $650 k for the winner and $350 k to the loser.
Nothing for the McClelland that year which guarantees the Lions win it.

Queensland made up of Lions and Suns players. NSW with Giants and Swans.
Australian Football International Rules apply with a couple of changes. I found the full rules link below.

Seeing these guys are professional footballers and fitter it will be 2 x 35-minute halves (not 2 x 15)
In AFI 9's you can have up to 6 interchanges but i will keep that to 4

Picking a team was a bit hard as it looks like kicking accuracy is super important and so are running players that have good disposal. As usual taking a mark forward and in defense also important.

View attachment 2197568

View attachment 2197567
Australian rules footy at Lang Park. That will do me 😅
 
Australian rules footy at Lang Park. That will do me 😅
I can come up with some crazy stuff and i don't even drink.

Actually, the Lions have been doing a version of this over the past few preseasons.
Playing some match sims across the ground and between the two 50-meter arcs with some cones used for boundary line.
At a guess there were about 14 a side number wise.
 
Man, they're such massive NIMBYs. "It's fine if it gets built somewhere else, we just don't want it in our suburb"

View attachment 2199019

If you can't build on massive parkland that was previously inaccessible to the public anyway (golf course), where the hell can you build without complainants?

Also there argument regarding close vicinity to a hospital, the mcg is right near the epworth and st Vincent's. I literally use to park in the epworth carpark for games 😅.

Screenshot_20250107-104616_Chrome.jpg
 
Man, they're such massive NIMBYs. "It's fine if it gets built somewhere else, we just don't want it in our suburb"

View attachment 2199019

Yeah let's disrupt areas that are currently inhabited unlike the ghost town that is Victoria Park. 🙃
 

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