From The Age
Reported by Brent Diamond
Full article Click here
THE VFL would welcome Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney into what shapes as an expanded "eastern seaboard" competition from 2011. However, the competition’s makeup next year depends on whether both clubs want to play in the VFL— with Gold Coast participating this season and GWS expected to graduate from the TAC Cup and follow suit next year.
AFL Victoria chief executive Peter Schwab believes Gold Coast may not wish to remain in the VFL after this season because of travel costs.. "Whether they’ve got any interest in [continuing to play in the VFL], they probably won’t know until they start playing," Schwab said. "I think they’ll weigh up how beneficial it has been with the logistics of travelling because they’re going to have to travel at least nine times to Melbourne this year.
"It’s a cost factor as well. Do you want to be flying your reserves side around?
"Really, at this stage, all we’re doing is providing an opportunity for Gold Coast, so they can [best prepare] to play AFL. As far as the long term future goes, that’s up to them."
