AFL Rejects Double-Header in Darwin

[Beaussie]

AFL rejects Dogs' Darwin deal
Mark Stevens
15sep05

THE AFL has scuttled the Western Bulldogs' plans for a double-header in Darwin next year, stripping the club of the chance to add another $450,000 to its coffers.

Bulldogs president David Smorgon last night said he was "bitterly disappointed" the AFL could not schedule two matches in the Top End. The club had struck a deal with the Northern Territory Government and was only awaiting a rubber-stamp from the league.

If the two matches in Darwin had gone ahead, the Dogs would have reaped as much as $900,000.

Now, with only one match slotted in for next year -- believed to be against Fremantle -- the Dogs will take home about $450,000.

"We're bitterly disappointed because this was going to assist in our financial recovery," Smorgon said.

"We haven't budgeted for it, but we we were anticipating to benefit from two games up there."

But despite the setback, the Dogs are still hopeful of making a profit next season.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou yesterday said scheduling problems had arisen because the MCG would be unavailable for much of April because of the Commonwealth Games.

"The NT Government has sought to bring major events to northern Australia and we will explore every opportunity to bring a second premiership match to Darwin in 2007," Demetriou said.

But the decision surprised the Dogs, who have spent several months working on a proposal for back-to-back games at Marrara Oval.

"Here was an initiative we jumped at and worked hard at -- we've received great assistance from the NT Government and we were bitterly disappointed when the AFL came back and said it was not possible," Smorgon said.

"Once they say no, our hands are effectively tied and we have to go back to the drawing board."

The issue of the long travel to Darwin -- and the need to give clubs seven-day breaks after playing in the humidity -- hurt the Dogs' chances.

It is understood several clubs also made it clear to the AFL they did not want to be scheduled for a Top End home-and-away fixture.

The Dogs will again play a "home" game at the SCG next year and have brokered a better deal.

But it is highly likely the match will be the Dogs' last Sydney "home" game.

Smorgon has vowed not to give up on extending the Dogs' Darwin commitment, declaring the Dogs would explore every avenue to get a double-header over the line in 2007.

"We will continue to work with the AFL to convince them there is a future in Darwin."

The Dogs had planned back-to-back matches in a tour that would stretch to 12 days.

Smorgon and chief executive Campbell Rose flew to Darwin in July for high-level talks with NT Chief Minister Clare Martin.

The Dogs beat Carlton by 43 points at Marrara in Round 13 and are confident they can forge a significant advantage in the humid conditions.

Massive blow to the Dogs as they strive to make a profit. It seems it was the other clubs that scuttled the deal in Darwin. The humid conditions in Darwin and the travelling time seem to be the major concern.