Why has GWS done much better than Gold Coast?

[iameviljez]

GwS got better concessions, and coming after Gold Coast pushed out the picks Gold Coast got in 2011,2012,2013,2014 drafts.
Also Sydney is closer to Melbourne, means homesick players probably get to see their family a bit more ( cheaper to fly Melbourne to Sydney than Gold Coast to Melbourne).

I don’t think cost of flights is an issue for AFL footballers

 

[Colonial]

I don’t think cost of flights is an issue for AFL footballers

But it does add up.

 

[sydney_gws]

But it does add up.

And for their parents. For new players, their salaries aren't as high as other players.

 

[iameviljez]

But it does add up.

If you’re on $600k/year, the difference in cost between QLD and NSW in flights is not a factor.

 

[Colonial]

If you’re on $600k/year, the difference in cost between QLD and NSW in flights is not a factor.

It is though. It’s still money that can be used elsewhere than on flights.

600k a year isn’t the minimum wage either

 

[Rotayjay]

For some bizarre reason, the Gold Coast is the Bermuda Triangle of professional sporting clubs. They go in but don't come out alive.

GWS may have a few finals series and a granny under their belt, but even after 13 years of pretty good onfield performance they are still an abject commercial failure. Their crowds and membership numbers are SANFL and VFL-worthy.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

If you’re on $600k/year, the difference in cost between QLD and NSW in flights is not a factor.

Minimum AFL contract is closer to $100k, but once they have a choice of places that rises and cost wouldn't be a factor.
Do players get any personal flights subsidised as part of sponsorship deals? It wouldn't be a good look for Virgin as a main sponsor if AFL players are recognised flying Qantas for unofficial flights.

 

[iameviljez]

Minimum AFL contract is closer to $100k, but once they have a choice of places that rises and cost wouldn't be a factor.
Do players get any personal flights subsidised as part of sponsorship deals? It wouldn't be a good look for Virgin as a main sponsor if AFL players are recognised flying Qantas for unofficial flights.

Yes, it is, but the players who are in-demand enough to cop the go-home factor will be getting plenty more than minimum.

Anyway, seriously, the $300 difference between the two destinations for return flights that you might take three times/year just won't factor in. The mortgage repayments alone make a bigger difference, each week.

 

[iameviljez]

It is though. It’s still money that can be used elsewhere than on flights.

600k a year isn’t the minimum wage either

That's like saying that I'd choose my location of work based on whether the cheapest petrol station is on the way. The difference is a drop in the ocean.

 

[iameviljez]

GWS may have a few finals series and a granny under their belt, but even after 13 years of pretty good onfield performance they are still an abject commercial failure. Their crowds and membership numbers are SANFL and VFL-worthy.

GWS has 36,000 members and averages 12,000 attendees at home.

Every VFL and SANFL club would kill for those numbers.