Do you remember when Port Adelaide and Freo entered the competition? How did you feel about it?

Question

Was you excited about seeing a new team in the competition, or did you hate them with a vengeance? Did you think that the interstate teams would make such an impact on the game and on the existing clubs?

Question inspired by views about the possible inclusion of new teams from the Gold Coast and West Sydney.

Answer 1

I think many would think its only fair, they (they Vic's) can never whinge because they have 10 teams, w.a and s.a have two teams, its only fair nsw and qld can have two as well, it will benefit the game in the future and no body will think any different they will just be another team in 10-15 years. it is Australian football league now, its not Victorian Football league anymore its all fair!

so.. i feel it's fine and i guess i'm glad its happening, it will benifit the game in the long run. its all in the game!

Answer 2

A new team is always exciting but I think the AFL have it wrong.

The AFL are better off starting a team in Tasmania first before starting one in Western Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Answer 3

I don't remember it because I was two or three years old. I know that a lot of Melburnians didn't like the idea, but I have to say, I'm happy the comp went national.

Answer 4

As long as they their is enough talent to support expansion, then its got to be a good thing.  If the talent pool gets too dilute, then the spectacle is lost.

The AFL is still too Victorian dominated to be a true nationwide comp. The fact that they are still called "interstate teams" shows how Victorian centric the AFL still is.  Every team is an interstate team in a national competition for chrissakes.  Bring it on I say, and break the Victorian stranglehold.  There is too much based on "tradition", but the fact is that this means VFL tradition and not the WAFL or the SAFL tradition.  The AFL needs to make its mind up whether it really is a truly national comp, or just an expanded VFL.

In a gesture of goodwill, I'll let Victoria continue to host the grand final at the MCC.  But it won't truly be a national competition until at least the concept of playing the grand final outside Melbourne is openly considered.

And why not?  You know where the FA Cup was played for a number of years when Wembley was being rebuilt?  Not in England at all (despite the obvious relocation being Old Trafford or Anfield), but in Wales.  Because the FA is the soccer association for England AND Wales. That's about breaking tradition to build new tradition.  That took balls.

Answer 5

Yeah i hated it when Port & Freo were included, not so much Freo though, not sure why. I remember when the Crows were introduced, lots of people hated that but i was to young and didnt mind a new team at that stage, untill they took Darren Jarman from the Hawks, then i could not stand them. Every new team in the league decreases the chance of your team to win the flag so thats the worst thing about more new teams.