Majority of the crowd being ex pat Kiwis living in Melbourne like every year the Storm play the Warriors.
The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
- Beaussie
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
- Beaussie
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Same lines were used against my club in the early 90s with constant calls for the Swans to fold, no crowds, no members or juniors blah blah, and yet look now… the Swans are easily the biggest sporting club in NSW.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 6:00 pm
apparently the numbers are correct for Sydney's west numbers.. but they were the figures for 2 to 3 weeks ago.
GWS (Vietnam) how much more can they possibly burn..
all the gains are being poured into northern clubs
while neglecting Southern clubs (nice going)![]()
Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:18 pmSame lines were used against my club in the early 90s with constant calls for the Swans to fold, no crowds, no members or juniors blah blah, and yet look now… the Swans are easily the biggest sporting club in NSW.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 6:00 pm
apparently the numbers are correct for Sydney's west numbers.. but they were the figures for 2 to 3 weeks ago.
GWS (Vietnam) how much more can they possibly burn..
all the gains are being poured into northern clubs
while neglecting Southern clubs (nice going)![]()
Sure they are beatup lololol!!! What do ya reckon about your boss Pridham bagging the Ginats as well pal?? Seems like its a pile on of truth bombs.
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makingnrlfansgowacko
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Over 2 decades and still that all!Terry wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 3:12 pmmakingnrlfansgowacko wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 3:03 pmThat’s what the data and facts say Terrence!Terry wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 2:48 pm
Terrible makingdumnormal. On another note the Storm have sold out Saturdays game against the Warriors in Melbourne. Seems no one cares what makingshitup says lolololololol!!!!!!!!!!!
The Storm are still a long way behind the Lions and swans, some what closer to Suns and Giants levels in popularity and crowd levels even with all that success. So good on them for getting close every once in a while for coming close in selling out a game,
That one Victorian playing must feel proud of that occasional support
Yeah, I know its terrible makingstupideasy. On the up side they've got more than 97 13 year old kids playing Rugby League in good 'ol Melbon. Seems like GWS are the worst sports club in the land by a very big margin pal. Even AFL types are turning on 'em.
- Beaussie
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Pridham has not been around as long as me following the Swans and footy in Sydney.Terry wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:40 pmSure they are beatup lololol!!! What do ya reckon about your boss Pridham bagging the Ginats as well pal?? Seems like it’s a pile on of truth bombs.
Former Swans player and legend Michael O’Loughlin knows Sydney and our past. We had much bigger struggles than the Giants.
“Some of these guys remember my first game,” O’Loughlin said. “I can’t even remember my first game, and they were there.
“When they recollect that in a casual chat, I’m just blown away by their knowledge. It’s a feather in the cap of the Swans … we’re talking generation after generation of fans.
“If you think back to the early 90s, when three or four thousand people were going to games, to sell outs regularly now at the SCG, a lot of work has gone into that. And when you have moments that you can be a little bit closer to your fans and members, it’s incredible.”
Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Ummmm beatup, the thread is about the failure of AFL in Sydney's west pal. Your mob gets ok crowds through expatriates and the whitey rich boyos who've given away the rugger. Real Sydney folk in the golden west do not and will not ever follow the fumbling mess. Its a failure pal. Now try and keep on point beatup. Your attention span seems to be very short these days.Beaussie wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 8:56 pmPridham has not been around as long as me following the Swans and footy in Sydney.Terry wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:40 pmSure they are beatup lololol!!! What do ya reckon about your boss Pridham bagging the Ginats as well pal?? Seems like it’s a pile on of truth bombs.
Former Swans player and legend Michael O’Loughlin knows Sydney and our past. We had much bigger struggles than the Giants.
“Some of these guys remember my first game,” O’Loughlin said. “I can’t even remember my first game, and they were there.
“When they recollect that in a casual chat, I’m just blown away by their knowledge. It’s a feather in the cap of the Swans … we’re talking generation after generation of fans.
“If you think back to the early 90s, when three or four thousand people were going to games, to sell outs regularly now at the SCG, a lot of work has gone into that. And when you have moments that you can be a little bit closer to your fans and members, it’s incredible.”
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makingnrlfansgowacko
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Western Sydney have produced more AFL players, than Melbourne has for the Storm, more local players would have played for the Giants than, than Victorian’s in total have played NRL in the competitions entire history!Terry wrote: Sat Apr 11, 2026 8:32 amUmmmm beatup, the thread is about the failure of AFL in Sydney's west pal. Your mob gets ok crowds through expatriates and the whitey rich boyos who've given away the rugger. Real Sydney folk in the golden west do not and will not ever follow the fumbling mess. Its a failure pal. Now try and keep on point beatup. Your attention span seems to be very short these days.Beaussie wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 8:56 pmPridham has not been around as long as me following the Swans and footy in Sydney.Terry wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:40 pmSure they are beatup lololol!!! What do ya reckon about your boss Pridham bagging the Ginats as well pal?? Seems like it’s a pile on of truth bombs.
Former Swans player and legend Michael O’Loughlin knows Sydney and our past. We had much bigger struggles than the Giants.
“Some of these guys remember my first game,” O’Loughlin said. “I can’t even remember my first game, and they were there.
“When they recollect that in a casual chat, I’m just blown away by their knowledge. It’s a feather in the cap of the Swans … we’re talking generation after generation of fans.
“If you think back to the early 90s, when three or four thousand people were going to games, to sell outs regularly now at the SCG, a lot of work has gone into that. And when you have moments that you can be a little bit closer to your fans and members, it’s incredible.”
So talk about success and failure! It’s a no wonder you need to resort to insults and racism to elude this fact
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
different times.Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:18 pmSame lines were used against my club in the early 90s with constant calls for the Swans to fold, no crowds, no members or juniors blah blah, and yet look now… the Swans are easily the biggest sporting club in NSW.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 6:00 pm
apparently the numbers are correct for Sydney's west numbers.. but they were the figures for 2 to 3 weeks ago.
GWS (Vietnam) how much more can they possibly burn..
all the gains are being poured into northern clubs
while neglecting Southern clubs (nice going)![]()
Swans did fail and they were bought out...and propped up numerous times..
it took to 1996 (the big man TONY LOCKETT to kick them in to the GF) to set them on a path..to Glory
in being a BIG TEAM
Mind you the Super League war and the ARL losing teams right where the Swans were popular
North Sydney bears
Newtown Jets
Balmain Tigers.
really helped Swans climb that ladder they find themselves into today..
(difference with GWS) they are winning team the pass 10 years.
Social Media is around today to promote you even further than the 80's 90's
it is alot easier today than back than, especially with the money being thrown at them.
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makingnrlfansgowacko
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Yet some how the Melbourne Storm is a success in your eyes!leeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:12 pmdifferent times.Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:18 pmSame lines were used against my club in the early 90s with constant calls for the Swans to fold, no crowds, no members or juniors blah blah, and yet look now… the Swans are easily the biggest sporting club in NSW.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 6:00 pm
apparently the numbers are correct for Sydney's west numbers.. but they were the figures for 2 to 3 weeks ago.
GWS (Vietnam) how much more can they possibly burn..
all the gains are being poured into northern clubs
while neglecting Southern clubs (nice going)![]()
Swans did fail and they were bought out...and propped up numerous times..
it took to 1996 (the big man TONY LOCKETT to kick them in to the GF) to set them on a path..to Glory
in being a BIG TEAM
Mind you the Super League war and the ARL losing teams right where the Swans were popular
North Sydney bears
Newtown Jets
Balmain Tigers.
really helped Swans climb that ladder they find themselves into today..
(difference with GWS) they are winning team the pass 10 years.
Social Media is around today to promote you even further than the 80's 90's
it is alot easier today than back than, especially with the money being thrown at them.
- leeroy*NRL*
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
Wrong you loser..makingnrlfansgowacko wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 4:01 pmYet some how the Melbourne Storm is a success in your eyes!leeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:12 pmdifferent times.Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:18 pm
Same lines were used against my club in the early 90s with constant calls for the Swans to fold, no crowds, no members or juniors blah blah, and yet look now… the Swans are easily the biggest sporting club in NSW.
Swans did fail and they were bought out...and propped up numerous times..
it took to 1996 (the big man TONY LOCKETT to kick them in to the GF) to set them on a path..to Glory
in being a BIG TEAM
Mind you the Super League war and the ARL losing teams right where the Swans were popular
North Sydney bears
Newtown Jets
Balmain Tigers.
really helped Swans climb that ladder they find themselves into today..
(difference with GWS) they are winning team the pass 10 years.
Social Media is around today to promote you even further than the 80's 90's
it is alot easier today than back than, especially with the money being thrown at them.![]()
Swans are bigger success than the Storm (period)
They are both successful expansions
Gosh you are one mental case...
Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
I do think there is a case that the Swans are likely more ingrained now into the Sydney culture than the Storm are - but Storm have made some in roads. Both indeed, have become successes - each finding a niche market - I think the expansion of Australian Rules is far greater into Sydney and surrounds than Rugby Leagues "expansion" or growth in Victoria. But would agree, neither club has been a failure per se.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2026 6:03 pmWrong you loser..makingnrlfansgowacko wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 4:01 pmYet some how the Melbourne Storm is a success in your eyes!leeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:12 pm
different times.
Swans did fail and they were bought out...and propped up numerous times..
it took to 1996 (the big man TONY LOCKETT to kick them in to the GF) to set them on a path..to Glory
in being a BIG TEAM
Mind you the Super League war and the ARL losing teams right where the Swans were popular
North Sydney bears
Newtown Jets
Balmain Tigers.
really helped Swans climb that ladder they find themselves into today..
(difference with GWS) they are winning team the pass 10 years.
Social Media is around today to promote you even further than the 80's 90's
it is alot easier today than back than, especially with the money being thrown at them.![]()
![]()
Swans are bigger success than the Storm (period)
They are both successful expansions
Gosh you are one mental case...
Veni, vidi, vici
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makingnrlfansgowacko
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
you have every excuse under thew sun when it comes to the NRL thenmakingnrlfansgowacko wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 4:01 pmYet some how the Melbourne Storm is a success in your eyes!leeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:12 pmdifferent times.Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:18 pm
Same lines were used against my club in the early 90s with constant calls for the Swans to fold, no crowds, no members or juniors blah blah, and yet look now… the Swans are easily the biggest sporting club in NSW.
Swans did fail and they were bought out...and propped up numerous times..
it took to 1996 (the big man TONY LOCKETT to kick them in to the GF) to set them on a path..to Glory
in being a BIG TEAM
Mind you the Super League war and the ARL losing teams right where the Swans were popular
North Sydney bears
Newtown Jets
Balmain Tigers.
really helped Swans climb that ladder they find themselves into today..
(difference with GWS) they are winning team the pass 10 years.
Social Media is around today to promote you even further than the 80's 90's
it is alot easier today than back than, especially with the money being thrown at them.![]()
the Storm have been one of the most successful teams of all codes of the pat 2 decades yet cannot draw local talent to play for them.
GWS along from the local area has drawn more players to play for them, than the NRL or League have from Victoria in the entire history of League in Australia, yet some Super league was largely responsible for this from the 90s
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
yep more ingrained and deeper grassroots too.Fred wrote: Wed Apr 15, 2026 10:25 amI do think there is a case that the Swans are likely more ingrained now into the Sydney culture than the Storm are - but Storm have made some in roads. Both indeed, have become successes - each finding a niche market - I think the expansion of Australian Rules is far greater into Sydney and surrounds than Rugby Leagues "expansion" or growth in Victoria. But would agree, neither club has been a failure per se.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2026 6:03 pmWrong you loser..makingnrlfansgowacko wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 4:01 pm
Yet some how the Melbourne Storm is a success in your eyes!![]()
![]()
Swans are bigger success than the Storm (period)
They are both successful expansions
Gosh you are one mental case...
16 years more older than the Storm as well..
like ive said before Storm have done more for the game in Victoria since 2024 (in 2 years)
than they did 25 years prior>> its amazing really.
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Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
I guess the question remains, is the success of the Giants or the Storm based solely on junior development and participant numbers? I would not think so, but if it is, as many seem to suggest to deride the AFL in Western Sydney, then surely NRL Victoria and the Melbourne Storm needs some serious scrutiny.Fred wrote: Wed Apr 15, 2026 10:25 amI do think there is a case that the Swans are likely more ingrained now into the Sydney culture than the Storm are - but Storm have made some in roads. Both indeed, have become successes - each finding a niche market - I think the expansion of Australian Rules is far greater into Sydney and surrounds than Rugby Leagues "expansion" or growth in Victoria. But would agree, neither club has been a failure per se.
Again, let’s compare as the poster Teen Wolf did succinctly over at Big Footy:
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/ ... t-91354576
Last year there were 57 teams across 8 divisions (5 boys, 3 girls) in the U13 AFL Sydney comp. 10 of them west of Olympic Park.
Meanwhile there were 13 smaller teams across 2 divisions in the U13 NRL Vic Metro comp.
So in the part of Sydney where Aussie rules is least popular, u13 club participation is about the same as what rugby league gets in the entirety of Melbourne + Geelong. This despite the Storm being around 15 years longer than the Giants.
And from threenewpadlocks, again over at Big Footy:
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/ ... t-91354576
To add to this:
The participation numbers are similar, the population numbers are not
The NRL Vic Metro competition represents a region of 5.5 million people. GWS west of Olympic Park represents a region of 2.75 million people.
Ergo, GWS has twice as many U13 participants in its region than the Storm has in theirs, per capita. I think the proportion of 12-13 year olds would be slightly higher in Western Sydney than in Melbourne/Geelong to make this more like 1.98x or whatever, but I digress.
In fairness though, fewer people participate in RL proportionate to the general interest in the NRL - it is a tough sport to play. We need to adjust down about 20% for this.
Even still, GWS numbers are therefore about 1.5x more than Melbourne numbers for NRL with these adjustments.
Of course, the reasons for GWS' being was to grow the game of Australian Football in WS. That was not necessarily the case for the NRL and Storm in Melbourne - Storm have always been privately owned, and to the extent they are interested in RL growth in Melbourne, it is merely so they can recruit more local players, and have more fans, but not necessarily to promote the sport in Melbourne for the sake of the sport itself.
All that said, it’s good to hear AFL HQ is at least waking up to the fact they have neglected NSW/ACT post COVID, and there are rumblings a new strategic direction and focus is imminent. Personally, I still think many at AFL HQ in Melbourne have little understanding of Sydney/NSW. It’s very frustrating as a long time footy fan who grew up in South Western Sydney. I am hopeful that with Tom Harley now in there as the new AFL Chief Operating Officer, things will start changing for the better of footy in NSW. Fingers crossed.
Re: The damning truth behind the AFL's western sydney failure.
FFS you've really jumped the shark here beatup lololololol!!!!!!!!! Quoting some annonymous AFL idiots from bigfooty......fair dinkum laughable pal. I mean they call themselves 'teen wolf' and 'three new padlocks' lololololol!!!!! And they're your go to sources - FMD!!!!!Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 16, 2026 6:30 amI guess the question remains, is the success of the Giants or the Storm based solely on junior development and participant numbers? I would not think so, but if it is, as many seem to suggest to deride the AFL in Western Sydney, then surely NRL Victoria and the Melbourne Storm needs some serious scrutiny.Fred wrote: Wed Apr 15, 2026 10:25 amI do think there is a case that the Swans are likely more ingrained now into the Sydney culture than the Storm are - but Storm have made some in roads. Both indeed, have become successes - each finding a niche market - I think the expansion of Australian Rules is far greater into Sydney and surrounds than Rugby Leagues "expansion" or growth in Victoria. But would agree, neither club has been a failure per se.
Again, let’s compare as the poster Teen Wolf did succinctly over at Big Footy:
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/ ... t-91354576
Last year there were 57 teams across 8 divisions (5 boys, 3 girls) in the U13 AFL Sydney comp. 10 of them west of Olympic Park.
Meanwhile there were 13 smaller teams across 2 divisions in the U13 NRL Vic Metro comp.
So in the part of Sydney where Aussie rules is least popular, u13 club participation is about the same as what rugby league gets in the entirety of Melbourne + Geelong. This despite the Storm being around 15 years longer than the Giants.
And from threenewpadlocks, again over at Big Footy:
https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/ ... t-91354576
To add to this:
The participation numbers are similar, the population numbers are not
The NRL Vic Metro competition represents a region of 5.5 million people. GWS west of Olympic Park represents a region of 2.75 million people.
Ergo, GWS has twice as many U13 participants in its region than the Storm has in theirs, per capita. I think the proportion of 12-13 year olds would be slightly higher in Western Sydney than in Melbourne/Geelong to make this more like 1.98x or whatever, but I digress.
In fairness though, fewer people participate in RL proportionate to the general interest in the NRL - it is a tough sport to play. We need to adjust down about 20% for this.
Even still, GWS numbers are therefore about 1.5x more than Melbourne numbers for NRL with these adjustments.
Of course, the reasons for GWS' being was to grow the game of Australian Football in WS. That was not necessarily the case for the NRL and Storm in Melbourne - Storm have always been privately owned, and to the extent they are interested in RL growth in Melbourne, it is merely so they can recruit more local players, and have more fans, but not necessarily to promote the sport in Melbourne for the sake of the sport itself.
All that said, it’s good to hear AFL HQ is at least waking up to the fact they have neglected NSW/ACT post COVID, and there are rumblings a new strategic direction and focus is imminent. Personally, I still think many at AFL HQ in Melbourne have little understanding of Sydney/NSW. It’s very frustrating as a long time footy fan who grew up in South Western Sydney. I am hopeful that with Tom Harley now in there as the new AFL Chief Operating Officer, things will start changing for the better of footy in NSW. Fingers crossed.
Why don't ya line up Dagwood Bumstead and Roger Ramjet pal? I hear they're massive fumbling fans. I'm sure they'll have something for ya!!!!!!
Sometimes ya just gotta sit back and laugh. This is one of those times lolololololololololol!!!!!!!!!!
