Re: the Thuns !!
Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 7:39 pm
Lving on the gold coast may I offer my limited perspective.
Certainly the interest in the Suns has declined since first coming into the AFL. They were everywhere in the papers and TV news. There was a certain buzz of expectation and everyone getting on board at the ground level. This, in my opinion, died off last year in particular. Maybe due to off field issues and injuries causing poor form.
There is still a large interest however - there is a very strong AFL presence on the Gold Coast - and unlike other areas, people feel free to support both - although there are obvious preferences for a code - but you can hear people talking about the AFL and the game coming up or past - and also the RL and who may be playing that night. I should preface that I am around mainly people whose sons and daughters play AFL - with some of these RL folk whose children play AFL so have had a forced interest maybe. Fun Fact - the guy who is the NRL promotions person on the coast - both his children play AFL - you often see his NRL car at games or training. But no one cares really too much apart from the irony.
At the start of the year and three wins - there was some optimism is appeared. But the recent loses have again seem things drop off. Let me tell you one thing though - if the Suns win and look like winning a premiership - the whole coast will be behind them - they really love a winner- who doesn't. The question is, how long will that last. Financially, I believe they do okay given they own the stadium rights - I think - or part thereof - so when not used for Footy they also make money from concerts and exhibitions they have there. I also think they don't need too many to break even re: crowds.
Anyway - I think there is room for two teams. If any team appears to be having issues it is Brisbane I believe, they just can not seem to take a break although they continue to have a rusted in supporter base which is good. And Brisbane is more RL made then Gold Coast.
Where the AFL does well is to have a strong local comp in both Brisbane and Gold Coast - from Juniors right through. This would be something the NRL would love to have in non traditional states - the AFL have done well in that regard in building the sport from the ground up - things like working with developers to include AFL grounds in their housing developments - and supporting local clubs from many aspects.
So yes, there is room for two teams. Most definitely in my opinion. The Gold Coast has a strong AFL presence and pedigree going back years - probably due to all the South Australians and Victorians up here that have spawned children and grandchildren. You go to a school and there are kids playing AFL and NRL. What I do not see much of is Union. Many schools have an AFL excellence programme and the Suns academy runs very deep with differeing levels. So definitely there is interest. Just need to tap into it more and start winning to foster it,
Certainly the interest in the Suns has declined since first coming into the AFL. They were everywhere in the papers and TV news. There was a certain buzz of expectation and everyone getting on board at the ground level. This, in my opinion, died off last year in particular. Maybe due to off field issues and injuries causing poor form.
There is still a large interest however - there is a very strong AFL presence on the Gold Coast - and unlike other areas, people feel free to support both - although there are obvious preferences for a code - but you can hear people talking about the AFL and the game coming up or past - and also the RL and who may be playing that night. I should preface that I am around mainly people whose sons and daughters play AFL - with some of these RL folk whose children play AFL so have had a forced interest maybe. Fun Fact - the guy who is the NRL promotions person on the coast - both his children play AFL - you often see his NRL car at games or training. But no one cares really too much apart from the irony.
At the start of the year and three wins - there was some optimism is appeared. But the recent loses have again seem things drop off. Let me tell you one thing though - if the Suns win and look like winning a premiership - the whole coast will be behind them - they really love a winner- who doesn't. The question is, how long will that last. Financially, I believe they do okay given they own the stadium rights - I think - or part thereof - so when not used for Footy they also make money from concerts and exhibitions they have there. I also think they don't need too many to break even re: crowds.
Anyway - I think there is room for two teams. If any team appears to be having issues it is Brisbane I believe, they just can not seem to take a break although they continue to have a rusted in supporter base which is good. And Brisbane is more RL made then Gold Coast.
Where the AFL does well is to have a strong local comp in both Brisbane and Gold Coast - from Juniors right through. This would be something the NRL would love to have in non traditional states - the AFL have done well in that regard in building the sport from the ground up - things like working with developers to include AFL grounds in their housing developments - and supporting local clubs from many aspects.
So yes, there is room for two teams. Most definitely in my opinion. The Gold Coast has a strong AFL presence and pedigree going back years - probably due to all the South Australians and Victorians up here that have spawned children and grandchildren. You go to a school and there are kids playing AFL and NRL. What I do not see much of is Union. Many schools have an AFL excellence programme and the Suns academy runs very deep with differeing levels. So definitely there is interest. Just need to tap into it more and start winning to foster it,
the list keeps going on 
