Why isn't 2008 a 23 Round season??

[saintspremiers]

We all know this season (as in 2008) begins a week earlier than usual due to a very early Easter.....so the AFL have decided to have 2 mid-season breaks as such, one with a spilt round and the other with State of Origin.

So why couldn't they instead have a 23 Round season?

I know it would mean trying to extract a few extra dollars from the TV networks and perhaps pay the players a bit more, but the revenue generated on per round basis each season nowadays is massive.

I wonder if the AFL did any work around a one-off 23 round season for 2008?

It has never been discussed from what I remember by the media or anyone on here....

[saintly]

they wanted to start a week earlier as to give a week for the victoria against the rest.

[saint66au]

The only reason the season is starting a week early was to fit in some sort of State of Origin game in the Mothers Day weekend...traditionally a low-attendance weekend in Melbourne...plus give the players their now-normal bye-week off.

2009 will see a return to the 22 week season Id imagine

[saintspremiers]

they wanted to start a week earlier as to give a week for the victoria against the rest.

nope, I doubt that - have a look at the calendar - surely they'd want Easter included in the fixture???

Also, why couldn't you play the State of Origin in a one week off normal season?

If you are right, then the AFL don't value an Easter split round.

[saintly]

they wanted to start a week earlier as to give a week for the victoria against the rest.

nope, I doubt that - have a look at the calendar - surely they'd want Easter included in the fixture???

Also, why couldn't you play the State of Origin in a one week off normal season?

If you are right, then the AFL don't value an Easter split round.

because they normally have 1 week off in the middle of the season.

the 2nd week was to have state of origin. that was the only way the could do it this year.

[Eastern]

This is all about the AFL looking after the AFL. It's not about the players, its not about the fans, its not about the clubs. Its not about about State of Origin. THey want an extended round over Easter and still have the GF on the last Saturday in September

ITS ABOUT MAXIMISING THE PROFITS FOR THE AFL . THAT IN TURN ALLOWS THE AFL EXECUTIVES TO JUSTIFY THEIR OVER-INFLATED SALARIES !!

[plugger66]

This is all about the AFL looking after the AFL. It's not about the players, its not about the fans, its not about the clubs. Its not about about State of Origin. THey want an extended round over Easter and still have the GF on the last Saturday in September

ITS ABOUT MAXIMISING THE PROFITS FOR THE AFL . THAT IN TURN ALLOWS THE AFL EXECUTIVES TO JUSTIFY THEIR OVER-INFLATED SALARIES !!

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

[satchmo]

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Yes, there's a conspiracy to deny demetriou of praise.

[saintspremiers]

This is all about the AFL looking after the AFL. It's not about the players, its not about the fans, its not about the clubs. Its not about about State of Origin. THey want an extended round over Easter and still have the GF on the last Saturday in September

ITS ABOUT MAXIMISING THE PROFITS FOR THE AFL . THAT IN TURN ALLOWS THE AFL EXECUTIVES TO JUSTIFY THEIR OVER-INFLATED SALARIES !!

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Thanks for your thoughts Andrew!

[plugger66]

This is all about the AFL looking after the AFL. It's not about the players, its not about the fans, its not about the clubs. Its not about about State of Origin. THey want an extended round over Easter and still have the GF on the last Saturday in September

ITS ABOUT MAXIMISING THE PROFITS FOR THE AFL . THAT IN TURN ALLOWS THE AFL EXECUTIVES TO JUSTIFY THEIR OVER-INFLATED SALARIES !!

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Thanks for your thoughts Andrew!

My name is Adrian.

[rodgerfox]

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Best run for who?

[plugger66]

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Best run for who?

For the supporters but continue to knock it if you feel better.

[TimeToShineFellas]

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Best run for who?

For the supporters.

You must be kidding.

Supporters have lost so many traditions and things from the past that they used to enjoy. And no bloody chance for at least half to three-quarters of football club members to get a Grand Final ticket if their team gets to play off in the Grand Final.

So I ask you, in what way is it the best run for the supporters and how do they benefit more than say Rugby League fans?

[st_Trav_ofWA]

i gotta agree with plugger name me an australian sports code run better then the AFL ? dimwits a clown but hes got the game going in the right direction

[plugger66]

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Best run for who?

For the supporters.

You must be kidding.

Supporters have lost so many traditions and things from the past that they used to enjoy. And no bloody chance for at least half to three-quarters of football club members to get a Grand Final ticket if their team gets to play off in the Grand Final.

So I ask you, in what way is it the best run for the supporters and how do they benefit more than say Rugby League fans?

Because more games are on free to air than rugby league, bigger grounds for supporters, no one leaving to go overseas even though I know that is impossible, players leave clubs much less than RL. Need I go one but again keep knocking the AFL and one day you may be right there will be none and we can watch other sports all day.

[TimeToShineFellas]

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Best run for who?

For the supporters.

You must be kidding.

Supporters have lost so many traditions and things from the past that they used to enjoy. And no bloody chance for at least half to three-quarters of football club members to get a Grand Final ticket if their team gets to play off in the Grand Final.

So I ask you, in what way is it the best run for the supporters and how do they benefit more than say Rugby League fans?

Because more games are on free to air than rugby league, bigger grounds for supporters, no one leaving to go overseas even though I know that is impossible, players leave clubs much less than RL. Need I go one but again keep knocking the AFL and one day you may be right there will be none and we can watch other sports all day.

So bigger grounds are better for supporters? How? I see more packed stands at an NRL or an A-League Game than an AFL game played in Melbourne or Sydney or Brisbane between cellar-dwellers.

And free to air games? How does that benefit the supporter? Free-To-Air and Foxtel have conspired to screw all supporters - NRL, AFL, Super 12's, A-League. Try being a Hawthorn supporter last year and getting 1-5 games on FTA if you haven't subscribed to Foxtel

Hardly better - most of the things you mentioned have involved players and Clubs but not mentioned supporters.......

So why is the AFL the best run comp? Based on your arguments alone it doesn't hold up!

[plugger66]

I'd say it keeps all the clubs afloat but of course no one wants to say that because it would praise the best run competition in Australia by far.

Best run for who?

For the supporters.

You must be kidding.

Supporters have lost so many traditions and things from the past that they used to enjoy. And no bloody chance for at least half to three-quarters of football club members to get a Grand Final ticket if their team gets to play off in the Grand Final.

So I ask you, in what way is it the best run for the supporters and how do they benefit more than say Rugby League fans?

Because more games are on free to air than rugby league, bigger grounds for supporters, no one leaving to go overseas even though I know that is impossible, players leave clubs much less than RL. Need I go one but again keep knocking the AFL and one day you may be right there will be none and we can watch other sports all day.

So bigger grounds are better for supporters? How?

And free to air games? How does that benefit the supporter? Foxtel screws all supporters - NRL, AFL, Super 12's, A-League

Hardly better - most of the things you mentioned have involved players and Clubs but not mentioned supporters.......

So why is the AFL the best run comp? Based on your arguments alone it doesn't hold up!

Free to air as it says. Costs nothing we have 4 the ARL have 2. Bigger grounds more supporters without paying for reserved seats but why argue just hate the way the comp is run and hope it falls over so we can watch the old VFL where most clubs had no money.

[TimeToShineFellas]

Free to air as it says. Costs nothing we have 4 the ARL have 2. Bigger grounds more supporters without paying for reserved seats but why argue just hate the way the comp is run and hope it falls over so we can watch the old VFL where most clubs had no money.

I don't hate the way the competition is run (thanks for putting words in my mouth btw).

HOWEVER, I am of the opinion that supporters don't have it as good as you think. It's not the same anymore. Maybe I am a traditionalist, but I bet sure as hell you ask a lot of people who've been supporting a Club for 20 or 30 years that they don't think they get a lot back as supporters. We could start an entire thread about what people miss AS SUPPORTERS and how different it is today.

Maybe you're only a youngun Adrian. I know that I would like to see a hell of a lot given back to US in terms of what we can and can't do as supporters of our Club.

Had it so good from the AFL as supporters? I will believe it when I see it. Maybe then I will understand what you're getting at!

[plugger66]

Free to air as it says. Costs nothing we have 4 the ARL have 2. Bigger grounds more supporters without paying for reserved seats but why argue just hate the way the comp is run and hope it falls over so we can watch the old VFL where most clubs had no money.

I don't hate the way the competition is run (thanks for putting words in my mouth btw).

HOWEVER, I am of the opinion that supporters don't have it as good as you think. It's not the same anymore. Maybe I am a traditionalist, but I bet sure as hell you ask a lot of people who've been supporting a Club for 20 or 30 years that they don't think they get a lot back as supporters. We could start an entire thread about what people miss AS SUPPORTERS and how different it is today.

Maybe you're only a youngun Adrian. I know that I would like to see a hell of a lot given back to US in terms of what we can and can't do as supporters of our Club.

Had it so good from the AFL as supporters? I will believe it when I see it. Maybe then I will understand what you're getting at!

My names not Adrain that was a joke if you read the thread. I am 46 so probably older than you and I love the footy know. All I miss is a flag but thats the Saints problem. No one elses.

[TimeToShineFellas]

You still haven't answered the question as to why you think the AFL is the best run comp in Australia.

If you're looking for an example as to why the AFL ISN'T the best run comp I have 3 words for you ....... Ben Cousins Fiasco. How do you think he would have fared in other codes? Not too good I would have thought.

I don't think big grounds and FTA coverage are reasons to be honest.....

I am 33 by the way. Might be 15 years younger but doesn't make me less informed. saintbot is an example of someone who may be very young but has a hell of a lot of informed opinion on the game..........

[plugger66]

You still haven't answered the question as to why you think the AFL is the best run comp in Australia.

If you're looking for an example as to why the AFL ISN'T the best run comp I have 3 words for you ....... Ben Cousins Fiasco. How do you think he would have fared in other codes? Not too good I would have thought.

I don't think big grounds and FTA coverage are reasons to be honest.....

I am 33 by the way. Might be 15 years younger but doesn't make me less informed. saintbot is an example of someone who may be very young but has a hell of a lot of informed opinion on the game..........

You say Cousins I say 780 million but you are probably right there are much better run comps in Australia. I just dont know them but you must please tell me and why thay are better run.

[TimeToShineFellas]

You say Cousins I say 780 million but you are probably right there are much better run comps in Australia. I just dont know them but you must please tell me and why thay are better run.

A-League for starters. Have galvanised most supporters from the old NSL. Have an astute bunch of people running the gig - for example - Ben Buckley is one of the smartest players in the Australian Sports market. I reckon Demetriou was filthy Buckley departed his team.

On a smaller budget than the AFL they have turned the A-League into something that is talked about in offices around Australia. Sure they may have hiccups along the way with crowds - but they will work it out.

Australian Cricket Board is certainly well more run than the AFL. The introduction of 20/20 Cricket has seen it emerge as family-friendly and something that will overtake limited-overs eventually. Apart from the criticism from ex-players (against the coach), you won't see many scandals that the ACB will sponge off.

[st_Trav_ofWA]

You say Cousins I say 780 million but you are probably right there are much better run comps in Australia. I just dont know them but you must please tell me and why thay are better run.

A-League for starters. Have galvanised most supporters from the old NSL. Have an astute bunch of people running the gig - for example - Ben Buckley is one of the smartest players in the Australian Sports market. I reckon Demetriou was filthy Buckley departed his team.

On a smaller budget than the AFL they have turned the A-League into something that is talked about in offices around Australia. Sure they may have hiccups along the way with crowds - but they will work it out.

Australian Cricket Board is certainly well more run than the AFL. The introduction of 20/20 Cricket has seen it emerge as family-friendly and something that will overtake limited-overs eventually. Apart from the criticism from ex-players (against the coach), you won't see many scandals that the ACB will sponge off.

good god your joking right the soccer has intrest in melb from you team winning it last year the comp is basically a retirment home for has beens and a kindie for future never was's

the ACB could only dream to attract the numbers AFL does the only highly followed cricket is the international series the numbers at 1st class level are pathetic

[plugger66]

You say Cousins I say 780 million but you are probably right there are much better run comps in Australia. I just dont know them but you must please tell me and why thay are better run.

A-League for starters. Have galvanised most supporters from the old NSL. Have an astute bunch of people running the gig - for example - Ben Buckley is one of the smartest players in the Australian Sports market. I reckon Demetriou was filthy Buckley departed his team.

On a smaller budget than the AFL they have turned the A-League into something that is talked about in offices around Australia. Sure they may have hiccups along the way with crowds - but they will work it out.

Australian Cricket Board is certainly well more run than the AFL. The introduction of 20/20 Cricket has seen it emerge as family-friendly and something that will overtake limited-overs eventually. Apart from the criticism from ex-players (against the coach), you won't see many scandals that the ACB will sponge off.

good god your joking right the soccer has intrest in melb from you team winning it last year the comp is basically a retirment home for has beens and a kindie for future never was's

the ACB could only dream to attract the numbers AFL does the only highly followed cricket is the international series the numbers at 1st class level are pathetic

My words exactly.

[TimeToShineFellas]

You say Cousins I say 780 million but you are probably right there are much better run comps in Australia. I just dont know them but you must please tell me and why thay are better run.

A-League for starters. Have galvanised most supporters from the old NSL. Have an astute bunch of people running the gig - for example - Ben Buckley is one of the smartest players in the Australian Sports market. I reckon Demetriou was filthy Buckley departed his team.

On a smaller budget than the AFL they have turned the A-League into something that is talked about in offices around Australia. Sure they may have hiccups along the way with crowds - but they will work it out.

Australian Cricket Board is certainly well more run than the AFL. The introduction of 20/20 Cricket has seen it emerge as family-friendly and something that will overtake limited-overs eventually. Apart from the criticism from ex-players (against the coach), you won't see many scandals that the ACB will sponge off.

good god your joking right the soccer has intrest in melb from you team winning it last year the comp is basically a retirment home for has beens and a kindie for future never was's

the ACB could only dream to attract the numbers AFL does the only highly followed cricket is the international series the numbers at 1st class level are pathetic

You're missing the point - the original question plugger asked me is what organisations run their sports better than the AFL.

This debate is not about crowd numbers. Just because the AFL has huge crowd numbers doesn't mean it's the best run organisation in Australia.