Today was the second time I've been to Cramer St this year and the crowds to me seem pathetic. I know they have not been winning much this year, but it just seems a worrying sign. Has there been a backlash from traditional Bullants supporters at the Carlton alignment? Wouldn't mind hearing Bullants thoughts on the crowds. If they've played that clogged up style of footy all year its no wonder people don't go. The first half was played in sunshine today, but it seemed full of errors, stoppages and flooding. As many goals were scored after half time in driving rain as were scored in the first half.
Then down the road at Coburg I don't reckon things are much better. The crowds seem to be way below what the Willy, Werribee, Box Hill, Frankston or Sandy games get. It's not worth building a grandstand if nobody's going to sit in it. And they have won games this year. If you believe what Dean Mighell says then the club hasn't got much cash either.
Taking Springvale out of the equation (although I believe they made a profit in 02-03), the VFL's weakest area is the Northern suburbs. Springvale are moving to try and find a new supporter base, Coburg shot themselves in the foot when they didn't bash Essendon's door down to align and I reckon that mistake will cost them for years, and the Bullants - well they seem to have sold their soul to Carlton.
What can be done to boost supporter bases/finances at Coburg and Northern Bullants?
I couldn't make it to yesterday's game, but have seen all but the round 2 game we played in Ballarat.
It's true that the crowds can get better but I'm not so sure that they are along way behind other clubs in the competition. The Bullants game at Sandringham had a modest turnout, albeit Melbourne were playing on the same day.
The best way to boost attendences is by winning. The Bullants are the only side in the competition who haven't played in a finals series in the last 5 years and 6 wins in a season has been the best result. No doubt that the Carlton alliance has seen some people drop off, but the alliance is on the improve and if you look at a club like Williamstown, their alliance with Collingwood didn't flourish from the outset.
I was extremely critical of some aspects of the club early in the season but after the break I would say that most supporters would be very proud of the way they played. Despite lots of injuries they've played very competitive football, which wasn't the case early in the season. They've been forced to play very short up forward so have been coached to make the best of the sides they've had. The major improvement has been the attitude of the Carlton players who've really started to play for the club rather than themselves, which was the case last year and in the first half of this year. Just got to get selection right early in the year when nearly everyone from both lists is available.
Wouldn't be surprised if this time next year we're talking about how the Bullants will go in the finals.
And it was Mothers Day.