What do the sports of Association Football, Basketball, Rugby and American Football all have in common?They understand there is a younger demographic to market towards.
This is something that Australian rules football still hasn't realised, and the gears within the AFL marketing machine are well and truly behind the times.
With old fashioned military songs making up the majority of theme tunes for the clubs as well as tradition and history taking favour over progressive changes, the AFL is going to begin fast losing supporters, particularly those whom are under 20.Although a number of changes have taken place over the past decade in order to appeal to a younger crowd and to 'move with the times', these changes have been less than compensating for the dramatic changes in society over that period, particularly in regards to youth culture.
The AFL thinks that by gearing the 'Aussie' values of mateship and toughness are enough to get by with. This isn't the case as more younger people in this country are in fact void of those traditional values and take a lot more to the culture across the Pacific - Americana.The NFL for example, uses up to date thrash metal, hip hop and rock music to market its game. Teams in the US have realised that they must move with the times in order to keep a share of the market. The NBA and subsequently the NBL, have both built a cult following in Australia by employing hardcore underground hip hop beats and street culture to gear their marketing towards the younger followers.Even the A-League has progressed from its grubby roots as the NSL by using the Scribe song, 'Not Many' back in 2005 as part of their launch campaign. And it worked quite successfully.When will the AFL catch up?
It appears that the number one sport in this country is locked in a time warp and seems determined to remain that way.It's all well and good to hear 'Holy Grail' by Hunters and Collectors played every so often, yet when it's the 50,000th time you've heard it before a game of footy, then it becomes pretty monotonous and can really put you off the song all together.I was at an Eagles game a couple of weeks ago and was pretty ashamed to be a part of the crowd after seeing a very lame promo for the club and then hearing the very lame theme songs for both the Sydney Swans and then the West Coast Eagles. It really annoys me how lame the culture of most AFL clubs actually is.At the moment, Andrew Demetriou wants a family culture to be a part of the game. I say that this is a load of crap. For starters, how many actually families do you see attend a game? I'm sure that at Premier League matches in England, most of the attendance is made up of male fans having a few pints.The rule changes that have plagued the game lately have also been a cross to bear for clubs and players alike and soon it will be the games own undoing: A slight touch in the back will give away a free kick, you can't throw anyone to the ground anymore, so much as talk back to the umpire and you'll concede a 50 metre penalty or worse.The game has become so ridden with rules and confusing penalties that it's no wonder that kids are tuning off and turning to other sports.
It's no wonder that the AFL is frightened about the prospect of becoming number 2 when sports such as Rugby are much more physical and exciting and Association Football is becoming more skillful in Australia.AFL needs a huge shake-up. It needs to change its marketing plans all over. Take a lesson from the NFL and other American sporting leagues and gear the marketing towards younger fans. Throw in some hardcore metal or hip hop, young people, like myself, take to this music especially when it is associated with sports. There's no harm in becoming a little wild either. Forget the families, Demetriou. If something seems controversial run with it, that's the best way to get publicity and the best way to get in the younger fans.
It's about time that the AFL grew up and realised that it is behind the times. It is stuck in the past and doesn't seem to know what year it is, doesn't seem to know that things have changed. The whole idea of marketing towards families is a complete waste of time and pathetic, it is lame.I know for sure that I don't want to be associated with a game that ignores the younger fans and what they really want.
23.7.07
And as they say....I was way off!
....but at least I got one thing right.
Welcome back to the only blog on the web dedicated to Aussie Rules football. It's been a long time in the wilderness and not one post has been published since before the pre-season, however we are now here and I've decided that the time is right to continue publishing articles on the great game.
I'd just like to start by saying how disappointed I am in my own predictions for how the ladder will look at the end of the regular season. However, I did predict one thing right - that the Kangaroos would make the finals and that they would have a good season! That is one thing I was very confident about in my predictions and I'm genuinely happy for the club as well.
I've been a fan of Dean Laidley since he took over the head coaching role at the club a few years back, and being a former player for West Perth (the second greatest team ever) and the West Coast Eagles (the greatest team ever) had nothing to do with it.
Well, almost nothing....
He is, without a doubt, the most underrated and underpaid coach in the league and deserves more respect and applause than he gets. The Kangaroos are lucky to have a man who the players will bleed their hearts out for on the field, he is a born leader and he makes some great decisions on game-day.
Anyway, that's enough verbal fellatio for one day. On to my predictions:
Geelong - 11th. Some people would ask me what narcotics I was smoking at the time I wrote that. However, let me just retort by stating that the Cats have been absolutely disappointing over the last 3 seasons barring this current one. They have failed to make an impact at all and this is the first season in a long time that they have gained an outright top spot on the ladder by this round. Fair enough, Geelong will most likely finish on top and my prediction will be rediculed, however I was going by past seasons performance and late-season slumps in form. Suck on that!
Fremantle - 3rd. Everyone who knows me knows that I hate Freo with a passion. It was painful enough to predict them for a 3rd place finish at the end of this season, however now I'm laughing a little inside again. They look unlikely to make the finals, and let's be honest, they really should have with the team they've got. Looks like Connolly's mid-season resignation was the ticket the club needed to boost their chances next season, though.
Melbourne - 7th. What the fuck was I on?
Hawthorn - 13th. Having their best season since 2001. They look like actually making a top four finish as well.
Teams that will most likely make the 8 but weren't predicted:
Collingwood - Having their best season after 3 disappointing ones. Will probably do better in the finals, but don't have the team to take it all the way.
Geelong - Well, they'll definitely end up on top. They are 3 games clear and actually show no signs of going down anytime soon. Whether or not they can win the big one is another story though.
Port Adelaide - They have what it takes to take their season deep into the finals series. Again though, like Geelong, they'll need to prove themselves against teams who have had finals experience the last 2 years - Sydney and West Coast.
Teams that are on track to make my predictions: Carlton are currently 3rd on the ladder, and they were predicted to finish 3rd. This is good for me!
I don't think any of my other predictions will come true. Let me just say though, that I'm still proud of the Kangaroos (and also my prediction), and I hope that they do have a very successful year.
Welcome back to the only blog on the web dedicated to Aussie Rules football. It's been a long time in the wilderness and not one post has been published since before the pre-season, however we are now here and I've decided that the time is right to continue publishing articles on the great game.
I'd just like to start by saying how disappointed I am in my own predictions for how the ladder will look at the end of the regular season. However, I did predict one thing right - that the Kangaroos would make the finals and that they would have a good season! That is one thing I was very confident about in my predictions and I'm genuinely happy for the club as well.
I've been a fan of Dean Laidley since he took over the head coaching role at the club a few years back, and being a former player for West Perth (the second greatest team ever) and the West Coast Eagles (the greatest team ever) had nothing to do with it.
Well, almost nothing....
He is, without a doubt, the most underrated and underpaid coach in the league and deserves more respect and applause than he gets. The Kangaroos are lucky to have a man who the players will bleed their hearts out for on the field, he is a born leader and he makes some great decisions on game-day.
Anyway, that's enough verbal fellatio for one day. On to my predictions:
Geelong - 11th. Some people would ask me what narcotics I was smoking at the time I wrote that. However, let me just retort by stating that the Cats have been absolutely disappointing over the last 3 seasons barring this current one. They have failed to make an impact at all and this is the first season in a long time that they have gained an outright top spot on the ladder by this round. Fair enough, Geelong will most likely finish on top and my prediction will be rediculed, however I was going by past seasons performance and late-season slumps in form. Suck on that!
Fremantle - 3rd. Everyone who knows me knows that I hate Freo with a passion. It was painful enough to predict them for a 3rd place finish at the end of this season, however now I'm laughing a little inside again. They look unlikely to make the finals, and let's be honest, they really should have with the team they've got. Looks like Connolly's mid-season resignation was the ticket the club needed to boost their chances next season, though.
Melbourne - 7th. What the fuck was I on?
Hawthorn - 13th. Having their best season since 2001. They look like actually making a top four finish as well.
Teams that will most likely make the 8 but weren't predicted:
Collingwood - Having their best season after 3 disappointing ones. Will probably do better in the finals, but don't have the team to take it all the way.
Geelong - Well, they'll definitely end up on top. They are 3 games clear and actually show no signs of going down anytime soon. Whether or not they can win the big one is another story though.
Port Adelaide - They have what it takes to take their season deep into the finals series. Again though, like Geelong, they'll need to prove themselves against teams who have had finals experience the last 2 years - Sydney and West Coast.
Teams that are on track to make my predictions: Carlton are currently 3rd on the ladder, and they were predicted to finish 3rd. This is good for me!
I don't think any of my other predictions will come true. Let me just say though, that I'm still proud of the Kangaroos (and also my prediction), and I hope that they do have a very successful year.
2.3.07
AFL Player Nathan Brown Breaks Leg
From 2005 - Please don't let this happen at all in '07....at least not to the quality players.
26.2.07
It has begun!
As an obscure reference, I'd like to borrow a line from the Mortal Kombat film - It has begun!!!!!!
Yep, the NAB cup is finally here. Now I'm not a big fan of this competition, and as important as a pre-season warm up is in any sporting league, I just can't really get into it. It's a great way for coaches and fans to see some new talent demonstrated on the field, but nothing compares to the AFL season.
My prediction to take out the comp this year is Fremantle. Although I only watched the first quarter of yesterdays 'derby' match, I'd have to say that they looked in form and will probably bring their bigger guns in for the later matches. No other team apart from Geelong really looks like they are trying hard in the tournament. The Kangaroos were impressive on Friday night but Collingwood were....and are.....just stale.
The Saints and Lions game was low scoring but at least close enough. The Hawks and Demons game was predictably boring, something we've come to expect from those two sides in ANY match they play against any other side and especially against eachother.
Happy to see the Doggies wallop the Swans and the Blues should have put the Bombers away yet risked losing the match in the dying minutes. They just barely scraped through.
So at this point I'm going with the Dockers, even though I'm a West Coast fan. This is NAB cup remember and not really a precursor to the regular season (Carlton, 2005)
Some teams that I would like to see get up there for the season however are;
Geelong - They were impressive against a VERY accurate Tigers outfit who just couldn't match the pace of the Cats all day. Selwood looks like a future legend of the game (supposedly the 'best' out of the four brothers, two of whom are twins and have already made their mark in the league). The Ablett brothers played a good game....not a great game but a good one nonetheless.
I think the Cats will have a top four finish at the end of this year - I'll have to change my ladder predictions.
Kangaroos - They've missed out on the finals for a while now, however good draft picks and time to reflect have given them a chance....I hope. I just wanna see an end to the frustration and hurt, and I like Dean Laidley, so I'd like to see him have some success for once.
St Kilda - Not only do I wanna see an end to the frustration for another team, but also for a good mate of mine who is as big a Saints fan as I am an Eagles fan. It would be nice to see them eliminate a Sydney or an Adelaide in the finals.
Anyway that's all I have to say today. My cousin Fabrizio should be on here with one of his articles, until then, see you later in the week.
Simmo
Yep, the NAB cup is finally here. Now I'm not a big fan of this competition, and as important as a pre-season warm up is in any sporting league, I just can't really get into it. It's a great way for coaches and fans to see some new talent demonstrated on the field, but nothing compares to the AFL season.
My prediction to take out the comp this year is Fremantle. Although I only watched the first quarter of yesterdays 'derby' match, I'd have to say that they looked in form and will probably bring their bigger guns in for the later matches. No other team apart from Geelong really looks like they are trying hard in the tournament. The Kangaroos were impressive on Friday night but Collingwood were....and are.....just stale.
The Saints and Lions game was low scoring but at least close enough. The Hawks and Demons game was predictably boring, something we've come to expect from those two sides in ANY match they play against any other side and especially against eachother.
Happy to see the Doggies wallop the Swans and the Blues should have put the Bombers away yet risked losing the match in the dying minutes. They just barely scraped through.
So at this point I'm going with the Dockers, even though I'm a West Coast fan. This is NAB cup remember and not really a precursor to the regular season (Carlton, 2005)
Some teams that I would like to see get up there for the season however are;
Geelong - They were impressive against a VERY accurate Tigers outfit who just couldn't match the pace of the Cats all day. Selwood looks like a future legend of the game (supposedly the 'best' out of the four brothers, two of whom are twins and have already made their mark in the league). The Ablett brothers played a good game....not a great game but a good one nonetheless.
I think the Cats will have a top four finish at the end of this year - I'll have to change my ladder predictions.
Kangaroos - They've missed out on the finals for a while now, however good draft picks and time to reflect have given them a chance....I hope. I just wanna see an end to the frustration and hurt, and I like Dean Laidley, so I'd like to see him have some success for once.
St Kilda - Not only do I wanna see an end to the frustration for another team, but also for a good mate of mine who is as big a Saints fan as I am an Eagles fan. It would be nice to see them eliminate a Sydney or an Adelaide in the finals.
Anyway that's all I have to say today. My cousin Fabrizio should be on here with one of his articles, until then, see you later in the week.
Simmo
4.1.07
Why am I so Blue in Pre-season?
Reports today stated that Carlton have gotten off to a shaky start with their pre-season training. A 3km fitness run saw their star Brendon Fevola come second last, and Cain Ackland the final Blue to cross the finish line. A news report also stated that number 1 draft pick, Bryce Gibbs, failed to show at training due to missing a flight.
However after checking the official AFL website a few minutes ago, Bryce Gibbs was at the 3.2km run, coming in fifth place, and there was no mention of out-of-shape Fev coming in late.
So is the WA media the one who is telling the fibs? Or is it the AFL in conjunction with the Carlton website who is witholding information?
A little from column A and a little from column B.
We all know how biased regional reporting can be, especially in WA, and we also know how the AFL loves to play-down any problems or troubling issues at a club, especially during pre-season when future ratings are determined.
Moving on to broadcast rights now....the number one issue that won't leave us all season....you'll see!
It seems as if Network 10 defeated 7 in the coin-toss for this seasons GF. When I say the words coin-toss I mean it in the most literal sense. Both networks will air 2 GF's each, which just goes to show that 7 are a lot smarter than 9 were a few years ago when bidding was up for the rights.
However the fact that 10 gets any GF coverage at all is still very nauseating. It looks like there's no avoiding the shameless cross-promotion on the day or poor choice of entertainment. Furthermore we'll still be subjected to the Idol finalists and piss-poor commentary that 10 have effectively dealt to us since 2002.
Now although this coin-toss happened back in December, it's ramifications could pose a threat to the credibility of AFL broadcasting. Imagine not only deciding the GF, but other important events such as who will perform before the game this year: Shannon Noll or Hi-Five? (I'd prefer Hi-Five)
It just seems like a tacky way to make such an important decision. If you ask me, I would have pit network executives against eachother in a winner takes all no holds barred death match inside a steel cage. If televised, the ratings for that alone would clearly out-do the GF. Yet then they'd have to decide on who would televise that meaning even more executives would have to die (fine by me).
Anyway that's all I have to say today, due to some requests I'll try and put a counter up on here soon to count-down the beginning of the NAB cup and the AFL premiership season.
However after checking the official AFL website a few minutes ago, Bryce Gibbs was at the 3.2km run, coming in fifth place, and there was no mention of out-of-shape Fev coming in late.
So is the WA media the one who is telling the fibs? Or is it the AFL in conjunction with the Carlton website who is witholding information?
A little from column A and a little from column B.
We all know how biased regional reporting can be, especially in WA, and we also know how the AFL loves to play-down any problems or troubling issues at a club, especially during pre-season when future ratings are determined.
Moving on to broadcast rights now....the number one issue that won't leave us all season....you'll see!
It seems as if Network 10 defeated 7 in the coin-toss for this seasons GF. When I say the words coin-toss I mean it in the most literal sense. Both networks will air 2 GF's each, which just goes to show that 7 are a lot smarter than 9 were a few years ago when bidding was up for the rights.
However the fact that 10 gets any GF coverage at all is still very nauseating. It looks like there's no avoiding the shameless cross-promotion on the day or poor choice of entertainment. Furthermore we'll still be subjected to the Idol finalists and piss-poor commentary that 10 have effectively dealt to us since 2002.
Now although this coin-toss happened back in December, it's ramifications could pose a threat to the credibility of AFL broadcasting. Imagine not only deciding the GF, but other important events such as who will perform before the game this year: Shannon Noll or Hi-Five? (I'd prefer Hi-Five)
It just seems like a tacky way to make such an important decision. If you ask me, I would have pit network executives against eachother in a winner takes all no holds barred death match inside a steel cage. If televised, the ratings for that alone would clearly out-do the GF. Yet then they'd have to decide on who would televise that meaning even more executives would have to die (fine by me).
Anyway that's all I have to say today, due to some requests I'll try and put a counter up on here soon to count-down the beginning of the NAB cup and the AFL premiership season.
22.12.06
AFL - Sam Newman Response (Funny)
Don't know what year this was from but I think it's recent. Basically Sam Newman taking a call on Triple M radio put to some cool flash animation - obviously he was banned for a while after this
17.12.06
The WACA - Day 4
Despite awesome performances yesterday from Hussey, Clarke and Gillie, England are on the come-back and are currently putting in a tremendous effort. I think respect is due to a side that won't lie down and die that easily and for the first time during this match the WACA crowd is being exposed to some even sided cricket.
However let's not forget the incredible feat yesterday from Adam Gilchrist, that man is pure class and if there was any example of redemption after being down on form, then yesterdays time he spent at the crease was it. The only disappointment out of the day was the he was unable to smash the fastest century record which has stood for 21 years. Well, at least he's the second fastest now, but it would have been nice.
Hussey and Clarke were the other two with centuries to add to their names as well.
I'm personally hoping (and it's more than likely now) that play goes on tomorrow, which means I can run along to the ground early enough and buy a ticket so I can at least say I was in attendance when (hopefully) the Ashes were taken back.
I'll let you all know if I go and will try my hardest to take some decent pics, but I'm not promising anything.
However let's not forget the incredible feat yesterday from Adam Gilchrist, that man is pure class and if there was any example of redemption after being down on form, then yesterdays time he spent at the crease was it. The only disappointment out of the day was the he was unable to smash the fastest century record which has stood for 21 years. Well, at least he's the second fastest now, but it would have been nice.
Hussey and Clarke were the other two with centuries to add to their names as well.
I'm personally hoping (and it's more than likely now) that play goes on tomorrow, which means I can run along to the ground early enough and buy a ticket so I can at least say I was in attendance when (hopefully) the Ashes were taken back.
I'll let you all know if I go and will try my hardest to take some decent pics, but I'm not promising anything.
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