So, a fair bit to get through off the field before we review the weekend in the A-Leagues… not least Monday’s announcement that the A-League Grand Finals are to be played in Sydney for the next three years, after the APL did a deal with Destination NSW and the State Government worth millions to the game.
Fair to say the deal has caused a ruckus among football fans nationwide.
My take – I understand the need for cash, and the need to be bold. I also understand that there is a need to build traditions – but for me, this is tone deaf.
Fans yesterday spoke almost unanimously against this and the reasons for their anger are easy to understand.
For a start, the unique nature of the A-League GF (where any city can host, unlike AFL or NRL) has been lost. Secondly, not every club is from NSW, and it makes it an expensive trip – especially given the recent hike in air fares – and most pertinently, there is the question of whether our game is big enough to support a final played in a neutral city IF the two teams in question are from interstate.
Finally, what if Sydney finish sixth and somehow jag a Grand Final against, say, Victory who are Premiers? It’s hardly fair, in a competition that is already lop-sided because of the 12-team format.
The fact that Melbourne Victory put out a statement yesterday stating their preference was to play any Grand Final they earned the right to host at AAMI Park, suggests this deal wasn’t universally popular.
Craig Goodwin of Adelaide United, was part of the promo video – he too put out a statement saying he did not support the Grand Final being played in Sydney. Remy Siemsen of Sydney FC’s A-League Women’s team, has followed suit. There are likely to be others.
As for me – I was put in a difficult position on Monday. I was asked to host the press conference, and as that is a part of my job, I had to do it. But it does not sit easily with me either.
As broadcasters, we are constantly having to toe the line between the commercial reality of working for broadcast partners of the game, and representing the views of the fans, who buy our TV services, listen to our radio shows, read our articles.
In the modern world, this is becoming ever more difficult – I have spoken out on issues before, and paid the price. But on this, I have to be honest, and say I think they have made a big error, even if I understand the money might have just been too good to turn down. In which case, perhaps be honest about that – and tell us where that cash might go.
The fans feel let down by this. Victory fans have indicated they will stage a walkout at Saturday’s derby, and that City’s active fans will follow. I do not condone walkouts – but I understand the fans’ frustrations.
APL needs to listen to its customers – we cannot have another David Gallop-style situation in 2015 where the games leaders cannot read the room.
All this on the back of the hype and excitement created by the World Cup – truly, only football in Australia could do this, and sometimes I could weep for the game here.