Collingwood, Essendon memberships boom for 2011

Staff writer From: Herald Sun December 23, 2010

COLLINGWOOD is on track to break its AFL membership record with 40,000 fans already signed up for 2011, and Essendon is not far behind.

The Magpies set a new club record of 58,247 members in 2010 and is aiming for 70,000 next year.

The club is 6000 members up in the same time 12 months ago even though the Pies' membership campaign won't kick off until January. The campaign will feature an ad shot earlier this month starring more than 3000 supporters.

Meanwhile, the James Hird factor appears to have kicked in for the Bombers, with memberships racing ahead for the 2011 season.

A club announcement today said 30,018 fans had signed up already for next season, 7000 more than at the same time last year.

It's the first time Essendon has reached 30,000 members before Christmas, putting the Bombers well on track to reach their 2011 target of 50,000.

"It's obviously a very exciting time for our proud club and it's great to see so many Essendon supporters signing up to be a part of it," Hird said.

"The hard work has only just begun and we need all our supporters from around the country to stand as one with the team, coaches, board and staff by signing up as members in 2011 and playing their part in helping to take this club back to where it belongs."


http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/bombers-2011-memberships-boom/story-e6frf9jf-1225975333989

Frustration for AFL on TV rights

James Chessell From: The Australian December 23, 2010

THE government remains confident a system to divide up key football games between pay- and free-to-air TV can be decided early next year.
That's despite failing to come to an agreement with the AFL on the sports broadcasting rules.

The delay is likely to frustrate AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, who is keen to get broadcast rights negotiations with the television networks under way well before the code's current contract with the Seven and Ten networks runs out at the end of next year.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy yesterday confirmed an interim anti-siphoning list of sporting events protected from pay-television that includes Twenty20 cricket internationals and Socceroos World Cup qualifying matches. Pay-TV company Foxtel will be able to bid directly for some events taken off the list, such as the French Open tennis and the British Open golf.

The changes to the interim list have been flagged and offered no surprises for those who have been following the lobbying over the anti-siphoning laws.

Senator Conroy announced a reform package late last month, and promised that key AFL games, including Friday night, Saturday night and blockbuster matches such as the Anzac Day fixture, would remain on free-to-air TV. He said South Australian and West Australian viewers would be able to watch games involving their home teams on FTA TV.

That commitment was confirmed yesterday. But Senator Conroy surprised many by not announcing a mechanism to decide which AFL and NRL games would be shown on FTA and pay-TV.

Under the changes announced in November, the four AFL and five NRL regular season games now broadcast by Foxtel will be taken off the list.

This change remains subject to a mechanism that protects quality games for FTA. The mechanism has been the subject of debate between the FTA networks and the AFL in recent weeks.

Mr Demetriou has argued that the AFL should be left to allocate games, while the FTA networks believe a regulation must be put in place to guarantee the best games remain with them.

Foxtel is 25 per cent owned by News Limited, publisher of The Australian.

A government source said yesterday that progress had been made on the mechanism and an announcement "will probably be made in January".

The source added: "We're not getting into the business of telling the AFL which games should be shown at all hours of the day."

A resolution would allow the AFL to begin negotiations on its next round of broadcast rights with some certainty.

"We welcome the government's confirmation it will remove from the list sports events that the commercial networks do not broadcast, although important matters still remain unresolved," a Foxtel spokesman said.

"We are most disappointed that removal of some AFL and NRL games remains subject to the sports codes, broadcasters and the government agreeing on the mechanism for the games that will remain on commercial television, when we understand the sports codes have offered very firm undertakings to ensure great games remain on commercial networks, and when this matter has now been under active review for almost 12 months."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/frustration-for-afl-on-tv-rights/story-e6frg6nf-1225975189951

Man... what's with all the Lions supporters on this site?

Man... what's with all the Lions supporters on this site?

It's because collingwood fans can't operate computers .

Richmond legend Maurice Rioli dies at Christmas barbecue

Jamie Tate From: Herald Sun December 25, 2010

RICHMOND great Maurice Rioli has died in Darwin at the age of 53.
The 1982 Norm Smith medallist was at a family barbecue when he collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack.

Rioli was seen as a man who blazed a path for indigenous footballers, particularly from the Northern Territory, taking his silky skills first to South Fremantle and then to Richmond where he dazzled teammates, foes and fans alike with his skills and commitment to causes he believed in.

Neil Randall, a 1980 South Fremantle premiership teammate, said last night: ``He was the best footballer I've ever played with simple as that.

``They reckon when God came to play, Maurice had to move to the wing.

``He was a genuinely lovely fella and you would hate to get into a boxing ring with him.

``He had the quickest reflexes you will ever see in the game. He went on to win some great achievements and he's a big loss.

``An absolute genius of a bloke and a sad miss for all walks of life.''

When Rioli crossed the Nullarbor in 1982 at the age of 24, he arrived in a hurry.

The skilful midfielder-forward was given the No.17 jumper at Richmond, worn with distinction by ``Captain Blood'' Jack Dyer, and took the team back to premiership contention while exciting the legion of Tiger fans.

Unfortunately the team fell at the final hurdle in his first season, going down by 18 points to Carlton in the Grand Final, though Rioli became the first player to win the Norm Smith Medal despite playing in a losing side.

He went on to play 118 games and kicked 80 goals in the black and yellow.

He also took his silky skills on to the international stage, playing a starring role in the first series against the Irish in 1984.

One honour he rated highly was his selection in the centre for the Indigenous Team of the Century, with his cousin Michael Long beside him on one wing.

Though he came to prominence for his exploits at Richmond and South Fremantle, the softly spoken Rioli is first and foremost seen as a product of the Northern Territory to where he returned when he finished playing.

Seen as a trailblazer for players from the Territory, he came from the famous footballing nursery of St Marys, also the starting point for a string of players who would go on to VFL/AFL careers including Long, Ronnie Burns, Scott Chisholm, Xavier Clarke and Raphael Clarke, Peter Burgoyne, Cyril Rioli and Austin Wonaeamirri.

His first move from Darwin was to Perth where, as an 18-year-old, he signed on for South Fremantle under coach Mal Brown.

At 30, Rioli called time on his VFL career, returning to Perth where he captained South Fremantle, doubling up as captain-coach of Waratahs in Darwin in the summer.

He won All-Australian honours for a third time after the 1988 Bicentennial Carnival. In 1990, he retired from the WAFL, playing on in Darwin until 1991.

In 1993, he presented the Norm Smith Medal at the Grand Final to Long.

After his illustrious footballing career, Rioli went into the Northern Territory parliament, representing Arafura from 1992-2001.

More recently he was a community services manager for the Tiwi Islands where he was again involved in football.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-legend-maurice-rioli-dies-at-christmas-barbecue/story-e6frf9jf-1225976175871

Hawks deal details revealed

Matt Smith From: The Mercury December 24, 2010

TASMANIA has to pay more to get AFL powerhouse clubs such as Essendon, Carlton and Collingwood to play at Aurora Stadium in Launceston.

Details from the State Government's deal with Hawthorn suggest footy fans should not expect to see marquee teams playing here in the next six years.

Clauses in the contract stipulate the state needs to pay more money for marquee teams.

The contract does not stipulate the extra costs but any costs incurred will be in addition to the $18 million deal signed last month.

AFL Tasmania chief executive Scott Wade said yesterday the clauses highlighted how poorly the Government negotiated with Hawthorn.

He said the AFL was in charge of fixturing and the Government's decision not to bring the league into negotiations with Hawthorn had cost footy fans the opportunity to see big-name teams.

"The State Government won't get the best fixture outcome by dealing with Hawthorn," Mr Wade said.

"They will get the best fixture outcome from dealing with the AFL.

"Any CEO of the Hawthorn Football Club would be encouraging the AFL to schedule the four least attractive games to be played in Tasmania."

He said the North Melbourne proposal on the table at the same time as the Hawthorn deal offered greater opportunities to get marquee teams.

"The Government could have negotiated that every team in the competition plays at least once in the state," Mr Wade said.

Tourism Minister Michelle O'Byrne would not comment on how much it would cost to lure marquee teams.

"If we do have the opportunity to secure some of the big clubs playing in Tasmania, then we want to sit down and talk to the AFL and Hawthorn about what this would look like," Ms O'Byrne said.

"The bigger the profile of the clubs playing in Tasmania impacts games attendance, visitation to the state for the games, and ultimately increases the media awareness of Hawthorn, who are carrying the Tasmanian message in our core national markets."

Victoria University associate professor Bob Stewart, an expert in AFL funding and commercial deals, said all Victorian teams are better off to play in Victoria even if not gaining revenue from the gate.

The ability to gain more local supporters and greater exposure made it illogical for Melbourne teams to play games in Tasmania, he said.

"There would have to be a big incentive for those teams as they do very well out of the Melbourne market," Mr Stewart said. "The AFL uses Tasmania as a market to expand their lesser teams.

"They are looking for markets that the less well performing teams can get into and increase their membership."

He said Tasmanians should expect to see new teams Greater Western Sydney and the Gold Coast Suns playing at Aurora regularly.

Fremantle will most likely play in Tasmania, at least every second year, along with West Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Port Adelaide, he said.


http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/hawks-deal-details-revealed/story-e6freck3-1225975988537

I feel a little sorry for Tasmania. They're left out of everything.

Except the cricket.

I feel a little sorry for Tasmania. They're left out of everything.

AFL says no to video umpire in 2011 despite NAB Cup trial

Matt Windley From: Herald Sun December 29, 2010

THE AFL has no plans to introduce a video umpire next season to rule on contentious goal umpiring decisions, according to its football operations manager Adrian Anderson.
While the league announced two weeks ago that video replays of certain umpiring decisions would be reviewed in next year's pre-season competition, Anderson has told the Herald Sun the technology would be shelved for the season proper.

"This is our first concerted trial of video technology in the NAB Cup, so we'll see what we can learn," Anderson said. "We'll consult with broadcasters and I imagine it will be something we would trial again before bringing it in for home-and-away games."

Anderson said NAB Cup goal umpires would be linked via radio to the official scorer, who would have access to replays of any scores.

In an interview that reflected on rule changes introduced this season, Anderson said:

CHANGES to the bump rule, making players liable if they made forceful contact with the head of an opponent, were introduced to "protect players".

CHANGES to the tribunal system allowing tribunal members to deviate from set penalties if a player had acted in self-defence or been provoked were about "clarifying circumstances in which players could argue exceptional and compelling cases".

THE AFL had no plans to follow the NRL and A-League by allowing coaches and players after games to criticise umpiring decisions.

RELAXATION of draft rules that allowed mature-age rookies such as Michael Barlow and James Podsiadly to make their mark on the competition was "a real highlight of 2010".

Anderson said there was a "wide range of views" about the introduction of the rule for one substitute and three interchange players next year.

"We've implemented this rule to try to limit congestion," Anderson said. "Independent medical advice is that it will prevent injuries getting worse.

"And it is fairer, reducing the impact on a team that loses a player early in the game."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-says-no-to-video-umpire-in-2011-despite-nab-cup-trial/story-e6frf9jf-1225978034449

Brendan Fevola arrested during New Year's celebrations - public nuisance and obstructing police.

Brendan Fevola arrested in New Year partying

From: AAP January 01, 2011

AFL player Brendan Fevola has been arrested during New Year's Eve celebrations in Brisbane early this morning.

Police confirmed a 29-year-old man Norman Park man was arrested at 4.30am in Fortitude Valley and charged with public nuisance and obstructing police.

A Brisbane Lions club official later confirmed Fevola was the person involved in the incident.

Queensland police said officers spotted the man walking in the road with a group of males at Ann and Brunswick streets and asked him to move off the roadway.

"The man allegedly refused to comply, becoming verbally aggressive towards police," police said in a statement today.

Fevola is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrate's court on January 18.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/brendan-fevola-arrested-in-new-year-partying/story-fn63e0vj-1225979923113

Footy fans ready for the price of glory as membership costs rise

Wes Hosking From: Herald Sun January 05, 2011

FOOTY families are facing financial pain this season as clubs increase membership fees by up to $20.
But it's not all bad news, with costs frozen for many supporters.

A Herald Sun survey of the AFL's 10 Victorian clubs has found Melbourne Demons supporters face the biggest rises for an 11-game family membership, with costs rising from $365 to $385.

North Melbourne has also raised its package $20, but the rise can be avoided if families have their membership automatically renewed.

Carlton, Essendon, Geelong, Hawthorn and St Kilda increased their 11-game family offerings by $10 or more.

Are footy memberships too expensive? Have your say below

Collingwood has spared families such pain but raised general memberships for adults, juniors and those with concession by $5.

Other clubs have similar rises, but the Western Bulldogs and Richmond have frozen membership fees.

North Melbourne general manager consumer business and fan development Dino Imbriano said members could avoid price increases if they joined the new "Troo Roo for Life" automatic renewal program, which offers a $10 discount for adults and $5 for juniors.

"There are no increases on this plan and we are still one of the most affordable clubs to join," Mr Imbriano said.

"It's still cheaper than paying at the gate by taking out a membership and there is no better reward than being a member of a highly successful club like North Melbourne."

The Roos have cut $10 off a junior 16 membership.

Essendon chief commercial officer Richard Burnet, whose club has added $18 to its Family 11 membership, justified its increases.

"This year's membership price rises are in line with costs of goods increases and improved quality of members' package items," he said.

"We have found the demand for 2011 memberships very strong, with supporters reacting favourably to our new coaching structure and 'Stand as One' campaign, resulting in a record pre-Christmas membership tally of over 30,000."

Carlton supporter Angela Gauci said the extra costs were manageable and helped build AFL amid competition from other codes.

"It starts at grass roots by supporting your local club," she said. "In turn you are strengthening the code across the country."

Cashed-up members will also pay more. Collingwood's premium 10-year adult Club 5 offering, which offers a guaranteed grand final ticket if the Pies make it there and other exclusive extras, rises $400 to $8900.

Essendon's High Mark membership costs $882 for an adult for one year.

Melbourne and Hawthorn are the only Victorian clubs to offer family memberships for up to four children.

The others cater for two adults and two children.

Melbourne was not available for comment .

hoskingw@heraldsun.com.au

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/fans-clubbed-by-footy-membership/story-fn6bfm6w-1225981918364

AFL gives $500,000 to flood appeal

From: AAP January 09, 2011

THE AFL and all its 18 clubs have combined to kick $500,000 into the Queensland government's flood relief appeal.
AFL chief executive officer Andrew Demetriou said on Sunday night the extent of the floods was unprecedented in the history of Queensland and everyone associated with the AFL felt it was important to contribute to the appeal and support those impacted by the floods.

"The Queensland community has embraced our game and the AFL competition, particularly through the Brisbane Lions and the establishment of the Gold Coast Suns, who make their debut in the AFL competition this year,'' Mr Demetriou said.

He added that the AFL would seek the views of the Fremantle and West Coast Eagles clubs and WA Football Commission as to how it might support WA's flood-stricken Carnarvon community.


http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/afl-gives-500000-to-flood-appeal/story-fn7ikbtj-1225984647602

Former Bears AFL star suffers stroke

by Suellen Hinde From: The Sunday Mail (Qld) January 23, 2011

AFL legend Roger Merrett is in a Gold Coast hospital after suffering a massive stroke.
The 50-year-old is surrounded by family who are praying he will come through the ordeal which happened last Tuesday night.

"He suffered a stroke from an abnormal heart beat which caused a blood clot on the brain," his daughter Georgia said from Southport Hospital yesterday.

"We think it is a hereditary heart condition.

"He did get checked out not so long ago so it is all a bit of a shock to us. No one should have a stroke at his age."

Merrett played in two premiership sides with Essendon in the mid-1980s before moving to the fledgling Brisbane Bears.

His family have been visiting him in hospital because "it is helping him to see us".

Georgia said he had been "talking a little bit".

"He was paralysed down the right side of his body but is regaining movement, he is very weak and frail and still recovering," she said. "He is making some progress, which is a good sign."

Merrett was the public face of AFL's foray into the rugby league stronghold of Queensland, captaining the Brisbane Bears (now the Brisbane Lions) for seven seasons.

He was well known for his fierce attacking style, which struck fear into the hearts of opposition players over a 310-game career.

He is considered by many as the greatest player in the Bears' short history.

He was able to use his height and kicking abilities to spearhead the club as their leading goalkicker for many seasons.

He was assistant coach at the Brisbane Lions in 1997 and filled the coaching role in 1998 when John Northey was sacked because the team was bottom of the ladder.

Merrett has been living on the Gold Coast operating a post office. He commentates for ABC Radio during Lions home matches.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/sunday-mail/former-bears-afl-star-suffers-stroke/story-e6frep2f-1225992943813

AFL 'an example for the world'

Al Paton From: Herald Sun January 26, 2011

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has told a United Nations forum that the AFL's stance against racism is an example for sports around the world.
In a recorded address played at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva early this morning, Demetriou said he was proud to be involved in a game that was open to everyone "regardless of their background".


Demetriou drew on his own experience as the son of a migrant family and admitted "we have made mistakes", as footage was shown of St Kilda star Nicky Winmar raising his jumper at Victoria Park and Michael Long confronting Collingwood ruckman Damian Monkhorst.

But he said the AFL had emerged as a leader in the fight against racism and it's tough stance was "now the standard for all Australian sport".

"The reality is it took several painful episodes of racial abuse more than a decade ago for us to confront the issue of racism both on and off the field," Demetriou said.

"During this period of dramatic change we have worked hard to engage our players and our fans to combat any vestiges of racism on our grounds and in our stadia.

"We like to think that the strength of our game today is that it's a game for anyone and everyone. A game that is inclusive, accessible and affordable. A game that does not discriminate. A game that brings people together.

"I hope that the lessons we've learned, the policies we've instituted, our game's wonderful characters and the players and the exciting spectacle that is Australian football can be an example for the world."

Demetriou said the AFL was looking forward to expanding internationally.

"Our game represents so much of what makes modern Australia - community, equality, creativity and compassion, but most importantly it is a game that provides opportunity for all."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-an-example-for-the-world/story-e6frf9jf-1225994805663

St Kilda in drug controversy

Glenn Cullen
January 31, 2011 - 9:59PM
.AAP

St Kilda's pre-season from hell has moved offshore with four players suspended, fined and counselled following the misuse of prescribed medication and use of alcohol during a recent training camp in New Zealand.

Zac Dawson, Rhys Stanley, Paul Cahill and Jack Steven will all be suspended for six weeks and receive the maximum fine allowable under the AFL players code of conduct.

The club did not elaborate whether the matter related to one incident, saying in a statement: "four players breached team behavioural standards, including the use of alcohol, misuse of prescribed medication and leaving the team hotel against a player established policy."

The incident follows a horror offseason for the club which was embroiled in a nude photo controversy.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/st-kilda-in-drug-controversy-20110131-1ab8a.html

Dear St Kilda, You're a joke. Pretty sure you knew this already.

People 'are trying to break us down': Nick Riewoldt

Sam Edmund From: Herald Sun February 03, 2011

ST KILDA captain Nick Riewoldt has launched a scathing defence of his embattled club, claiming outside forces are conspiring against it.

Speaking at an annual general meeting attended by the players, a resilient Riewoldt fired an extraordinary us-against-them barrage.

"To the players, we know what we stand for," Riewoldt said.

"There's a lot of people out there at the moment who are trying to break us down, but we know what we're about and we're not going to fracture.

"We're the ones who are going to come out on top, you can be sure of that. Now is the time, as much as any in our history when people are coming for us, who want to denigrate us, who want to run us down, that we've got to stick fat.

"We are St Kilda ... be proud to be a St Kilda person."

But the Saints appear concerned about a potential drop off in membership in the wake of the New Zealand saga - the latest in a string of scandals to engulf the club.

In front of a few hundred passionate supporters at Kingston City Town Hall, coach Ross Lyon pleaded with the 41,000-strong membership base to stay the course.

"Keep the faith and know that we are good people, we are human, we are fallable, we make mistakes, but we're the first ones to put our hands up and say we're learning," Lyon said.

"We're not perfect but we do a lot right and your show of faith has been outstanding."

Lyon leapt to the defence of Sam Gilbert, who stands accused of urinating on a Queenstown restaurant window before assaulting its owner. The club continued to vehemently deny the allegations.

"I'm not sure this is protocol, but I want to have public affirmation of one of our players under attack in Sam Gilbert," he said.

"Make no mistake, he's a really good person and he's committed to St Kilda Football Club. The allegations flying around are unfounded."

Saints president Greg Westaway, who was returned for another three years, revealed he had phoned Gilbert to seek assurances the club was not about to be hit with even more controversy.

"He told me: 'I guarantee you I've learned my lesson, I can guarantee you I wasn't there and what's been said in relation to the cafe proprietor is untrue' and I believe him," Westaway said.

But Westaway remained irritated over the latest case of "risky and dangerous behaviour", this time involving Zac Dawson, Rhys Stanley, Jack Steven and Paul Cahill.

"In the last two months the club has been in the news for all the wrong reasons," he said.

"I don't wish to comment on the rights and wrongs and the issue regarding the young woman or the photo matter, the legal side or how the media are trying to portray our club.

"In the end all we as a club can control is our own actions and that's what I'm focused on, it's what everyone in the club needs to understand.

"Players need to be aware that they are in high-profile, well-paid positions that come with responsibility. They are not leading the life of most people. They also need to recognise the privledge that comes with representing the St Kilda Football Club.

"We are an organisation that means a great deal to many people as you can see here tonight. We have an obligation to repay the faith and trust that our fans place in us.

"Our next steps as a club will define us, but we must remain united and we must remain strong."

Westaway said the club's search for a major sponsor was about to end, with an announcement on a jumper partner "imminent".

"Jeldwen is still our major sponsor and our middle-tier sponsorship has never been stronger. There's no panic about sponsorship," he said.

There were no challenges to the board at last night's meeting, which was also used to pay tribute to club legend Darrel Baldock, who died this week.

Jason Blake, Stephen Milne and Riewoldt - who was given a standing ovation - were all awarded life membership of the club.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/people-are-trying-to-break-us-down-nick-riewoldt/story-e6frf9jf-1225999786056