Roast Has Opening Round been totally botched?

[Defabs]

The GWS v Coll opener was a missed opportunity for the AFL.

If anything, it should have been played at the G as the season opener for Collingwood.

Collingwood could have unfurled the premiership flag before the game.

It would be a rematch of that classic PF where there was a crowd of 97.5K. Never in my life have I experienced noise like I did in that PF. There is no doubt bit of rivalry between the two teams.

You would get a crowd of 95K for sure. Under no circumstances would the giants ever get a crowd like that in a H&A game. Even the pies hosting GWS later in the season would struggle to get 65K.

Massive missed revenue opportunity for the AFL.

 

[Vindicater]

It looks like all four games are going to sell out (or very close to it) in the three northern markets that the AFL is desperate to expand into and the NRL doesn't get the headstart that they have had in years goneby. The first AFL game in Sydney this year will be played on Thursday night - the first NRL game in Sydney this year will be played on Saturday night. The first AFL game in Brisbane this year will be played on Friday night - the first NRL games in Brisbane this year will be played on Sunday arvo. The first AFL game on the Gold Coast this year will be played on Saturday arvo - the first NRL game on the Gold Coast this year will be played on Saturday night. Level pegging (arguably better time slots for the AFL) at the beginning of the season in all three markets for the first time ever.

How can this be viewed objectively as anything other than a success for the AFL? Just because there are no games in Victoria this weekend doesn't mean it's a flop of a concept.

It is a flop of a concept because over half the teams are not playing in the opening round.

 

[boncer34]

40k.

The NRL got that once in NSW last year. Seems to have worked.

Edit: And that was the ANZAC day clash.

 

[RUNVS]

40k.

The NRL got that once in NSW last year. Seems to have worked.

Also not many Richmond/Carlton games over the last decade were better than todays game, though admittedly the first half was not great. Game got better after half time though.

 

[boncer34]

Also not many Richmond/Carlton games over the last decade were better than todays game, though admittedly the first half was not great. Game got better after half time though.

This game wasn't about the quality though. It was about trying to get a big crowd through the door.

Bigger crowd than all NRL H&A games last season with the exception of ANZAC Day. Can't see how anyone can argue it was botched.

 

[boncer34]

I highlight this concept as classic example of how AFL revolutionary wannabies like Eddie and Hutchy are dangerous for the game. They were talking this up as a great idea (like it was their own) so much last year and it's been a complete flop, like most of their ideas. Who gives a sh$t if League starts a week earlier. It hasn't helped them in the past.

How?

 

[RUNVS]

I highlight this concept as classic example of how AFL revolutionary wannabies like Eddie and Hutchy are dangerous for the game. They were talking this up as a great idea (like it was their own) so much last year and it's been a complete flop, like most of their ideas. Who gives a sh$t if League starts a week earlier. It hasn't helped them in the past.

How do you figure? 40,000+ people, a close game, stuff to talk about. Was much better than most Carlton/Richmond games.

 

[Kappa]

I highlight this concept as classic example of how AFL revolutionary wannabies like Eddie and Hutchy are dangerous for the game. They were talking this up as a great idea (like it was their own) so much last year and it's been a complete flop, like most of their ideas. Who gives a sh$t if League starts a week earlier. It hasn't helped them in the past.

Please explain how it was a complete flop?

 

[PP34]

How do you figure? 40,000+ people, a close game, stuff to talk about. Was much better than most Carlton/Richmond games.

There were 41k at a round 24 game at the SCG last season.

So revolutionary man.

 

[JohnZ]

Follow the money

One extra Thursday and Friday night game for Ch7

Hardly any Sunday arvo games on Ch7 in the first 11 weeks

Byes and PHs spread throughout first 8 weeks give AFL plenty of Thursday games without 5 day breaks (AFLPA rules)

Fox get 1pm/4pm/7pm games with no overlap on Sundays all exclusive to them ($$$). Only two games overlap on a Sat night most weeks.

NSW/QLD clubs feel like AFL HQ support them and want to grow the game up north

The only losers here are the VFL fan boys who pine for the good old days of standing and sinking a slab.

 

[GC2015]

I think alot more promotion could have been done. Seems like the AFL are just playing catch-up with the NRL.

Out of interest, are you aware of corporate AFL lunches/functions this week in Sydney and Brisbane leading up to this round?

Not sure what it’s been like in Sydney and Brisbane, but I was surprised the 1st game of the season is actually on tonight.

Considering all four games are sell outs, that's probably a fair indication that the right amount of promotion took place. Maybe it just wasn't promoted as heavily where you live? Makes sense considering they'd rather focus the season launching promotions in Victoria on round 1 where there will be games played in that state.

The AFL held an official season launch in Sydney on Wednesday (check it out here) and I'm sure there were other functions/events held in Sydney as a result. Keep in mind, only playing games in Queensland and New South Wales this weekend ensures the footy media shines the spotlight on those teams and those markets. Theoretically, that means QLD & NSW teams will receive 50% of the media coverage over the next few days compared to the approximate 22% coverage they would have received in a full opening round. Lots of footy journos & media members would have/will fly up for these games this weekend and many of those same media members would have otherwise stayed in Melbourne to report on the local AFL game/s under normal circumstances. Increasing media coverage is crucial for growth in the northern markets.

Again, the fact that you were surprised the first game of the season was taking place last night probably speaks to the audience they targeted for the promotion of this round. You don't get all four games selling out in expansion markets unless you do a fair amount of promotion within the local market. Obviously not as much promotion took place in the southern states and that's left a lot of footy fans down there confused by the concept.

I get all that but it needed to be an extra full rd.
It’s just got us further away from a fair and equitable fixture

Disagree. The footy media is essentially based in Melbourne (loosely Adelaide & Perth as well) and by not holding games in those markets it forces the footy media to shine the spotlight on Queensland and New South Wales. Also, by holding the games this week it gives the local media in the northern states an opportunity to provide more AFL coverage before the NRL would typically dominate the headlines in years goneby.

The Swans pulled over 40k to the SCG for a Thursday night game (that would have been the second most attended H&A NRL game last year) and have kickstarted their season in perfect fashion by beating the Dees. They did all that before the NRL has even played a single game in Sydney this year! It's a great launchpad for the Swans to build local momentum/fans throughout 2024 instead of having the NRL teams getting several weeks headstart that they've always had in the past. Now we see if Brisbane, Gold Coast and GWS can follow their lead.

As for the equitable fixture point, that's never going to be the case. We all know it will be compromised in one way or another. By round 5 the ladder will be equal again with no teams having a game in hand, so it's a minimal disruption in that regard.

 

[Daka]

It was botched the game was boring for 70mins, it opened up a little in the last quarter but anyone saying that was a good game is clueless.

 

[Tiger_man322]

 

[RonnieRaven]

Considering all four games are sell outs, that's probably a fair indication that the right amount of promotion took place. Maybe it just wasn't promoted as heavily where you live? Makes sense considering they'd rather focus the season launching promotions in Victoria on round 1 where there will be games played in that state.

The AFL held an official season launch in Sydney on Wednesday (check it out here) and I'm sure there were other functions/events held in Sydney as a result. Keep in mind, only playing games in Queensland and New South Wales this weekend ensures the footy media shines the spotlight on those teams and those markets. Theoretically, that means QLD & NSW teams will receive 50% of the media coverage over the next few days compared to the approximate 22% coverage they would have received in a full opening round. Lots of footy journos & media members would have/will fly up for these games this weekend and many of those same media members would have otherwise stayed in Melbourne to report on the local AFL game/s under normal circumstances. Increasing media coverage is crucial for growth in the northern markets.

Again, the fact that you were surprised the first game of the season was taking place last night probably speaks to the audience they targeted for the promotion of this round. You don't get all four games selling out in expansion markets unless you do a fair amount of promotion within the local market. Obviously not as much promotion took place in the southern states and that's left a lot of footy fans down there confused by the concept.


Disagree. The footy media is essentially based in Melbourne (loosely Adelaide & Perth as well) and by not holding games in those markets it forces the footy media to shine the spotlight on Queensland and New South Wales. Also, by holding the games this week it gives the local media in the northern states an opportunity to provide more AFL coverage before the NRL would typically dominate the headlines in years goneby.

The Swans pulled over 40k to the SCG for a Thursday night game (that would have been the second most attended H&A NRL game last year) and have kickstarted their season in perfect fashion by beating the Dees. They did all that before the NRL has even played a single game in Sydney this year! It's a great launchpad for the Swans to build local momentum/fans throughout 2024 instead of having the NRL teams getting several weeks headstart that they've always had in the past. Now we see if Brisbane, Gold Coast and GWS can follow their lead.

As for the equitable fixture point, that's never going to be the case. We all know it will be compromised in one way or another. By round 5 the ladder will be equal again with no teams having a game in hand, so it's a minimal disruption in that regard.

Considering all four games are sell outs, that's probably a fair indication that the right amount of promotion took place. Maybe it just wasn't promoted as heavily where you live? Makes sense considering they'd rather focus the season launching promotions in Victoria on round 1 where there will be games played in that state.

The AFL held an official season launch in Sydney on Wednesday (check it out here) and I'm sure there were other functions/events held in Sydney as a result. Keep in mind, only playing games in Queensland and New South Wales this weekend ensures the footy media shines the spotlight on those teams and those markets. Theoretically, that means QLD & NSW teams will receive 50% of the media coverage over the next few days compared to the approximate 22% coverage they would have received in a full opening round. Lots of footy journos & media members would have/will fly up for these games this weekend and many of those same media members would have otherwise stayed in Melbourne to report on the local AFL game/s under normal circumstances. Increasing media coverage is crucial for growth in the northern markets.

Again, the fact that you were surprised the first game of the season was taking place last night probably speaks to the audience they targeted for the promotion of this round. You don't get all four games selling out in expansion markets unless you do a fair amount of promotion within the local market. Obviously not as much promotion took place in the southern states and that's left a lot of footy fans down there confused by the concept.


Disagree. The footy media is essentially based in Melbourne (loosely Adelaide & Perth as well) and by not holding games in those markets it forces the footy media to shine the spotlight on Queensland and New South Wales. Also, by holding the games this week it gives the local media in the northern states an opportunity to provide more AFL coverage before the NRL would typically dominate the headlines in years goneby.

The Swans pulled over 40k to the SCG for a Thursday night game (that would have been the second most attended H&A NRL game last year) and have kickstarted their season in perfect fashion by beating the Dees. They did all that before the NRL has even played a single game in Sydney this year! It's a great launchpad for the Swans to build local momentum/fans throughout 2024 instead of having the NRL teams getting several weeks headstart that they've always had in the past. Now we see if Brisbane, Gold Coast and GWS can follow their lead.

As for the equitable fixture point, that's never going to be the case. We all know it will be compromised in one way or another. By round 5 the ladder will be equal again with no teams having a game in hand, so it's a minimal disruption in that regard.

WWE is selling out shows that’s a good indication that it’s a growing sport.
I love sport I don’t give to hoots about the business.
You gave me a lot of business which is the AFL.
Unfortunately sport has been lost.

 

[boncer34]

WWE is selling out shows that’s a good indication that it’s a growing sport.
I love sport I don’t give to hoots about the business.
You gave me a lot of business which is the AFL.
Unfortunately sport has been lost.

How was sport lost by playing a game in Sydney last night?

 

[RonnieRaven]

How was sport lost by playing a game in Sydney last night?

this rd it’s fine,
rds 1 to 4 you have teams play their first game against a team that’s ironed out it’s creases.
teams getting a rest for early season niggles being fresh for the mid year slog
There’s a reason why the epl is a massive sporting Competition.
They have a home and away draw
Shouldn’t we be aiming to move closer to that instead of an AFL fixture for dollars not competition

 

[boncer34]

this rd it’s fine,
rds 1 to 4 you have teams play their first game against a team that’s ironed out it’s creases.
teams getting a rest for early season niggles being fresh for the mid year slog
There’s a reason why the epl is a massive sporting Competition.
They have a home and away draw
Shouldn’t we be aiming to move closer to that instead of an AFL fixture for dollars not competition

1 extra game by round 4 is why some teams will be better than others?

 

[SC_Power]

imagine if they opened this stain of a round at the MCG.

Come to the G,round zero.

(Yes, that joke was intentionally as bad as this concept)

 

[RonnieRaven]

1 extra game by round 4 is why some teams will be better than others?

We should minimise advantages
if we want byes it should be all clubs if we want to hit the northern market have marquee fixtures of rd 1 up north or another gather round.

 

[Jim Prideaux]

I really don’t get all the angst. 4 sell out games, footy starts sooner. Good all round.

 

[powerrrrrrrrrrrr]

I don’t see how last night was a sellout. There was empty seats everywhere all game. Unless there was 10k people in the stands at all points or a lot of people didn’t turn up, I don’t see how that was a sellout.

 

[mblack42]

I don’t see how last night was a sellout. There was empty seats everywhere all game. Unless there was 10k people in the stands at all points or a lot of people didn’t turn up, I don’t see how that was a sellout.

If they sell all the allocated tickets, then it's a sell out.

That's why it's important to acknowledge the difference between a sell-out and a full house. Factor in Swans members who couldn't make it, people with tickets who were last minute no shows (maybe cause of sickness, work or family emergencies etc) and probably weren't able to give their ticket to someone else, plus the people moving about, then it sounds about right.

Very few games are complete full houses, probably the Grand Final is the only one.

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

I think it is worth persevering with.

4 sell out games in expansion areas of the country can only be a good thing.

The quality of the game last night wasn’t great but that is due more to the season starting one month earlier than anything.

Hopefully all of the whingeing stops next week but I’m not holding my breath.

 

[btdg]

The GWS v Coll opener was a missed opportunity for the AFL.

If anything, it should have been played at the G as the season opener for Collingwood.

Collingwood could have unfurled the premiership flag before the game.

It would be a rematch of that classic PF where there was a crowd of 97.5K. Never in my life have I experienced noise like I did in that PF. There is no doubt bit of rivalry between the two teams.

You would get a crowd of 95K for sure. Under no circumstances would the giants ever get a crowd like that in a H&A game. Even the pies hosting GWS later in the season would struggle to get 65K.

Massive missed revenue opportunity for the AFL.

Agreed. Or if they were committed to starting in queensland, why not a premiership rematch in Brisbane to start the season yesterday, then Coll vs GWS next weekend at the MCG on Friday night (with GWS hosting Essendon or Hawthorn tonight)

 

[Head Selector]

It was botched the game was boring for 70mins, it opened up a little in the last quarter but anyone saying that was a good game is clueless.

Yep , boring as batshit .