Posted by: Tyson Beattie
in MyBlog on Aug 13, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Its official, the Rick Hart reign at Fremantle has come to an end.
It was clear to me today that most people have an opinion on Mr Hart. Whether it is simply a reaction to his slightly annoying ads on tv or his stick it up em attitude to the other mob in town, Hart's rambuncitous demeanour and strong personality have always divided fans of the club.
But what did this President ultimately achieve in his tenure? There is no doubt that the reversal of debt, increase in memberships, surplus in corporate sponsorship and improved facilities has to be somewhat credited to Hart. Just turning the Fremantle Football Club into a profitable entity was no small task for the corporate wiz who aggresively sort a business model that could make the club viable. And it worked, the Dockers had 23,000 members in 2001, in 2008 they had 43,000 and a huge bump in average home attendance.
The question is, did Hart help initiate an aggressive, affective marketing campaign to increase membership, or did the first finals success of 2002 really stir a sleeping giant of football supporters that were always here, just waiting for signs of life from the club.
What most supporters will ultimately judge Hart on is the results on the field and if that is the case it would likely be a negative reaction. One and done in 02, 3rd in 06 with the first finals win and then ultimately defeat in the preliminary final. Thats really all the success that the Dockers achieved during Hart's time. And given that measuring stick, its hard to say it was positive.
But like many in power that hand over in a time of an entity in its lower epp, Hart could be very responsible for the future success of this franchise. Its hard to say for sure how this squad shapes in the next 2 years but the demolition of finals contender Port last week was a small insight into what this team could become.
Only time will tell if Hart's impact will cross at all from the corporate boxes to the field in the future.
Posted by: Greg
in MyBlog on Jun 02, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
When seeing Cousins' bird flipping antic for the first time I thought the bloke must either be mental or he is still on the gear. After the water has flowed in around and under the bridge and each and every person has taken a pot shot (poor choice of words) at him, you look at it in different manners and perspectives. It's like letting the emotional dust settle before flying off the handle of poor loss. Those with preconceived opinions on Cousins as a person, despite not knowing him, had already made their mind up and they're entitled to do so. But I am happy to look at both sides and not hang him or praise him.
It really wasn't a big deal was it? I mean players have been doing it for generations and copping fines for doing so. While a silly act, it can easily be argued that Cousins hasn't angled it directly at anyone in particular even though for mine he was sending a message, albeit a childish one, to the media. Those bird flipping perpetrators before him have put it out there directly at fans, whether their own or opponent's, on the field. They were aimed specifically at whomever.
Posted by: Dolphin
in MyBlog on May 26, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
It was pointed out to me on the weekend that whilst I was non-blogging our team went undefeated. In addition, since the start of the season, whilst I have been blurting the blog, we have been un-undefeated.
In these tougher trots all aspects of the club should be assessed and evaluated. As such, I am perpared to be part of this important reivew. To that end, if Richmond manufacture a win this weekend, I will cease with these rankings as it will be clear they are hurting our performances.
Posted by: Greg
in MyBlog on May 22, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
As players have to walk a prim and proper line, probably more so than the average Joe, on and off the field due to the scrutiny by certain sectors of the media there has to be an outlet somewhere for them to vent or rid themselves of their frustrations.
After watching the Footy show Thursday night I am only further convinced that the parasites like Hutchy are causing grief to the game and to the individuals who put it on, being the players, coaches and umpires, causing them to suffer to certain degrees above and beyond an acceptable level.
Posted by: Dolphin
in MyBlog on May 20, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
I remember a time when we used to walk away from close-ish games feeling ok about things. CC had just taken over and we were looking for something to believe in after the Drumb years.
This is better.
Posted by: Dolphin
in MyBlog on May 15, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Hello again and apologies for the time off. We've had some ugly scenes to deal with which unfortunately meant I couldn't make time to log on and gob off. If you'll allow me I'll expand on that at the end of the rankings for those interested, especially anyone who remembers Flipper.
So, in my absence you've put together quite the little footy team haven't you Mr Harvey. I feel like a parent who's left the kids at home for a few weeks and come back to find the house in better condition than I left it. Somewhat surprised and totally delighted.
Posted by: Roger
in MyBlog on Apr 28, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
What with all these new, young players Freo have unleashed this year, as well as some young, high profile duds over at the Other Mob, who will look good in sunglasses commercials, some of us could start to lose touch with the after-match interviews soon; think Matthew Knights as a 19 year old coach.
Posted by: guy smiley
in MyBlog on Apr 26, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
I'm about to head out into a beautiful Perth autumn morning and take in the morning coffee ritual somewhere deep in the heart of Freo. Birds are singing and the gentle russets of the leaves add a glow to the morning sunlight.
I've always found this time of year to be my favourite here... the absolute heat of summer is gone but the days still get warm and the air is clear, the mornings pleasantly fresh and, in the right company, conversation sparkles with wit and humour.
Posted by: Merc
in MyBlog on Apr 22, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Do you know football legalities? Could you explain the push in the back, the hand-trip and the rushed behind? Of course you could. But can you identify how today's High Court decision against Channel 9 and for Ice TV affects the AFL? (Read about it here and here.)
The High Court said (in effect), "Pfft! There's no way you can copyright a list of facts. Once you've published them, they are not intellectual property and anyone can reproduce them whether they are doing it for profit or not. We rule in the favour of Ice TV. Every man's home is his castle!" Okay. I may have paraphrased a little too liberally here, but you get the idea.
Posted by: Dolphin
in MyBlog on Apr 14, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Sorry I'm late. Also an apology for anyone trying to read Weeks 2's rankings. I just realised today that for some reason all the links on the site take you to Week 1. Barra must be guest hosting.
I'm caught out of state at the moment so I'll be brief.
