Time for Pies to stamp our authority and demand compensation

[Darkstranger]

More reason for Eddie to DEMAND compensation for those Sunday twilight / night games debacle.


http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-23/calls-for-friday-night-double



This year the AFL tinkered with its traditional fixture and acknowledges the majority of results have not been positive.

Matthews feels improving the schedule can go a long way towards boosting those numbers.

"In terms of the time slots, 7.40pm (on a Saturday night) is a ridiculous time for families," he said.

"The difference between 7.10 and 7.40 is enormous, particularly in Sydney, where our game runs for longer than other sports.

"You're trying to introduce a new audience and you're starting it later and it runs longer (than other sports), so the time slot is definitely one that needs looking at."

The Pies also haven't been spared the difficulties of this year's experimental draw, which the AFL has admitted was designed to boost television ratings.

Pert believes that has been a fundamental mistake.

"The fixture was taken away from the best interests of the supporters and the clubs themselves," Pert said.

"When we got the draft fixture at the start of the year, we said 'this is a broadcast fixture'.

"Collingwood-Carlton, when you can expect 85-90,000 people, they put it late on a Sunday night (it was played at 7.10pm and drew just 40,936 fans).

"We called the broadcasters and they were open and honest about it.

"They said 'we'd been pushing the AFL to put Collingwood games at times when Collingwood supporters don't want to go to the games with their families so they'll stay home and watch it'.

"Well that costs us a lot of money. That costs families the enjoyment and connection of going to the game.

"Now in hindsight, the AFL is saying they'll change those fixturing decisions and make it a lot more about the supporters."[/b]

[yin-YANG]

If the supporters continue to turn away the next broadcast deal will be a a lot less $.

AFL needs to take a bigger picture view and have the confidence that they have a great product and not kowtow to broadcasters who are like our current pollies and business leaders and their limited vision!

[King Monkey]

They've shot themselves in the foot. Bigtime.

Someone said it perfectly in another thread (Pies4shaw ???? ) -
Once the ritual of going every week has been broken, which it has for a lot of people this year, many will simply not come back.

[collie dog]

You know it won't happen. Eddie will roll over like he always does, because he needs to be loved.

[yin-YANG]

I would argue that Eddie is pretty good at putting forward what is best for our club and cop the flak that comes with it...

I think you are confusing Eddie with the old dog of yours Colie...

[AN_Inkling]