TonyK
CibbuanoDemons want to strengthen presence in Canberra
June 17th 2008 23:33
MELBOURNE is hoping to host two matches in Canberra next year in a bid to reduce the club's crippling debt.
The Demons will receive more than $600,000 if the AFL grants their fixture request.
Melbourne plays one "home" game in Canberra this year - Sunday's clash against Sydney at Manuka Oval, and chief executive Paul McNamee said the club had let the AFL know of their intentions to play another game in the nation's capital.
"We are looking at requesting another game," McNamee said.
"We have tentatively let them (the AFL) know that's the direction we're going."
McNamee said the Demons, who are burdened by a $4.5 million debt needed to do everything in their power to improve their off-field position.
"People know we're in debt and they know we're losing money so it's responsible to do that," McNamee said.
"Canberra's our preference to build a little hub there.
"We think we'd fit well with our brother capital.
"It fits in well with our strategy, having another beach head in a place where other clubs really aren't there.
"We're waiting for the AFL's view."
Melbourne will receive $310,000 from its clash against Sydney on Sunday - regardless of gate-takings.
The Demons would replicate that for every home-and-away game they played at Manuka Oval next year.
McNamee said the club would only play another game in Canberra if the AFL allowed members a replacement game at the MCG.
Melbourne will also request more Friday night games and less Sunday fixtures next season.
Melbourne has only one Friday night match this year - against Geelong at the MCG in round 19.
"The schedule is not even," McNamee said.
"Friday nights is something we need to address. It flows through to the commercial value of what you are offering in the market place."
McNamee said too many supporters were involved in community sport on Sunday, which affected attendances.
"We've got too many Sunday games. We want more balance, with more Saturday games as well," McNamee said.
"When you look at it compared to the other big Melbourne clubs, we're definitely getting the short straw."
The Demons will receive more than $600,000 if the AFL grants their fixture request.
Melbourne plays one "home" game in Canberra this year - Sunday's clash against Sydney at Manuka Oval, and chief executive Paul McNamee said the club had let the AFL know of their intentions to play another game in the nation's capital.
"We are looking at requesting another game," McNamee said.
"We have tentatively let them (the AFL) know that's the direction we're going."
McNamee said the Demons, who are burdened by a $4.5 million debt needed to do everything in their power to improve their off-field position.
"People know we're in debt and they know we're losing money so it's responsible to do that," McNamee said.
"Canberra's our preference to build a little hub there.
"We think we'd fit well with our brother capital.
"It fits in well with our strategy, having another beach head in a place where other clubs really aren't there.
"We're waiting for the AFL's view."
Melbourne will receive $310,000 from its clash against Sydney on Sunday - regardless of gate-takings.
The Demons would replicate that for every home-and-away game they played at Manuka Oval next year.
McNamee said the club would only play another game in Canberra if the AFL allowed members a replacement game at the MCG.
Melbourne will also request more Friday night games and less Sunday fixtures next season.
Melbourne has only one Friday night match this year - against Geelong at the MCG in round 19.
"The schedule is not even," McNamee said.
McNamee said too many supporters were involved in community sport on Sunday, which affected attendances.
"We've got too many Sunday games. We want more balance, with more Saturday games as well," McNamee said.
"When you look at it compared to the other big Melbourne clubs, we're definitely getting the short straw."
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