AFL 2024

[am Bays]

… The Bay or Alberton (not while under redevelopment) make so much more sense…

Speaking of #shitholes

Anyone who goes there knows it isn't. Best surface in the SANFL by a mile.

It's easy to be flippant and just say "Alberton is a shithole", it's harder to admit you're wrong. Parking is never an issue, rail 500 yards away direct to the city, TAB in the bar metres from the play, redeveloped club rooms upstairs the best in the league and arguably the best playing surface in the state.

If you put lipstick on a pig, it's still....

[Dutchy]

What are the AFL strict guidelines that ovals need to meet?

With Norwood getting games its hard to believe they have any. #shithole

I think Norwood gets it for logistical reasons. Close to the city, bringing back the Norwood food and wine festival that weekend and can shut the Parade off and make a big market area. Gather around is all about the tourist dollars for the state after all

Norwood's infrastructure got it the nod also, electronic advertising and AFL standard lighting gave it a massive head start, they now have AFL standard coaching facilities also along with no summer sport so they could get the oval perfect. This year will be low spend so they can recoup some $'s and then look at other venues in '25.

[dedja]

Norwood's infrastructure got it the nod also, electronic advertising and AFL standard lighting gave it a massive head start, they now have AFL standard coaching facilities also along with no summer sport so they could get the oval perfect. This year will be low spend so they can recoup some $'s and then look at other venues in '25.

Exactly.

Add in the AFLW home ground factor, a politically savvy Norwood CEO, council CEO , and don’t discount the political aspect with the state seat of Dunstan being marginal with an ex-Liberal premier as the local Member but traditionally Labor.

Put all of that in the mix and the bastards over there on The Parade have no chance of not being at the centre of the action.

[mighty_tiger_79]

… The Bay or Alberton (not while under redevelopment) make so much more sense…

Speaking of #shitholes

Anyone who goes there knows it isn't. Best surface in the SANFL by a mile.

It's easy to be flippant and just say "Alberton is a shithole", it's harder to admit you're wrong. Parking is never an issue, rail 500 yards away direct to the city, TAB in the bar metres from the play, redeveloped club rooms upstairs the best in the league and arguably the best playing surface in the state.

Which league are the club rooms the best?

[PatowalongaPirate]

2024 Opening Round

Thursday, March 7
Sydney v Melbourne, SCG, 7.20pm AEDT

Friday, March 8
Brisbane v Carlton, Gabba, 6.50pm AEST (7.50pm AEDT)

Saturday, March 9
Gold Coast v Richmond, Heritage Bank Stadium, 3.20pm AEST (4.20pm AEDT)
Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood, Giants Stadium, 7.30pm AEDT

Full fixture out tomorrow, but Round 1 will have:
Carl v Rich Thurs night MCG
Coll v Syd Fri night MCG
Ess v Haw Sat MCG
Geel v StK Sat night GMHBA
Melb v WB Sun MCG
Port v WC Sun AO
Freo v Bris Sun Optus

[Booney]

There's a number before 1 then?

[PatowalongaPirate]

There's a number before 1 then?

"Opening Round" or "Round Zero".

[mots02]

Is it like the first year of school being called 'Reception'? - then you go to Year 1?

How long before the AFL create: - Round One, Opening Round and then + Round One?

[Brodlach]

It’s a stupid concept, forget what the NRL is doing and concentrate on your own game.

[Booney]

It’s a stupid concept, forget what the NRL is doing and concentrate on your own game.

The NRL offers no threat to the AFL as the nations biggest winter sporting competition. Never will.

[dedja]

There's a number before 1 then?

"Opening Round" or "Round Zero".

FFS, the AFL is determined to continue their insane let’s change things for faarken change sake. Look at how revolutionary we are!

[am Bays]

It’s a stupid concept, forget what the NRL is doing and concentrate on your own game.

The NRL offers no threat to the AFL as the nations biggest winter sporting competition. Never will.

Dont be so sure, it's a contest the AFl cant take for granted particularly in the northern states: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/02/afl-nrl-grand-finals-tv-ratings-australia-record-matildas-world-cup

And whilst the AFL earned roughly $500 Mill in 2022 compared to the $400 Mill in TV revenue for the NRL the gap has closed from when it used to 2:1 in favour of the AFL in 2012. https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/networks-pay-triple-for-sports-rights-even-as-profits-slide-20230224-p5cn9w

Having lived interstate for five years Australian sport watching preferences are a little bit different to little old Adelaide, especially in the biggest and 3rd biggest TV markets in this country.

[saintal]

March 7, still cricket season. No need for footy to start this early. Oh other than $$$..

[gadj1976]

2024 Opening Round

Thursday, March 7
Sydney v Melbourne, SCG, 7.20pm AEDT

Friday, March 8
Brisbane v Carlton, Gabba, 6.50pm AEST (7.50pm AEDT)

Saturday, March 9
Gold Coast v Richmond, Heritage Bank Stadium, 3.20pm AEST (4.20pm AEDT)
Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood, Giants Stadium, 7.30pm AEDT

Full fixture out tomorrow, but Round 1 will have:
Carl v Rich Thurs night MCG
Coll v Syd Fri night MCG
Ess v Haw Sat MCG
Geel v StK Sat night GMHBA
Melb v WB Sun MCG
Port v WC Sun AO
Freo v Bris Sun Optus

So we could be 0-2 after round 1. Makes sense.

[dedja]

March 7, still cricket season. No need for footy to start this early. Oh other than $$$..

Exactly.

Sorry to be pedantic, but isn’t it SAFC 59 years, StKFC 57 years.

[woodublieve12]

Victorians whining that they are missing out. waa waa

[Dutchy]

Dillon obviously thinking AFL could do more to promote the game up North, well done I reckon, its like a mini Gather Round, every game will be a sell out with plenty of fans travelling.

[RB]

Brisbane v Carlton is the only one I'd say is a guaranteed full house.

[Dutchy]

Brisbane v Carlton is the only one I'd say is a guaranteed full house.

We said that all Gather Round games wouldn't sell out also. All 4 will sell out,

[RB]

I can't recall a minor round game hosted by GWS or GC, that wasn't a local derby, ever coming close to selling out. But maybe you'll be right.