For the primary time since 2006, now we have two non-Victorian groups going through off within the AFL Grand Remaining. Or will we? Right here comes that Victorian inferiority advanced once more, because the media begins billing this matchup as an all-Victorian affair: South Melbourne versus Fitzroy on the MCG, the standard residence of the VFL.
Bit disrespectful, don’t you suppose?
Footy fever has swept throughout New South Wales, with that the Swans cementing themselves as Sydney’s premier sports activities staff, and there’s no denying it. No different sporting staff has captured the hearts and minds of Sydneysiders fairly just like the Swans this season, and the opposite codes are beginning to really feel envious.
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Rugby league groups are experiencing declining crowd figures, and Sydney FC, regardless of having a devoted loyal hardcore supporter base, and the media hype round new signing Douglas Costa, aren’t in a position to pull crowds wherever close to the dimensions of the Swans.
And let’s not even get began on the Waratahs, who appear to be fading from the general public consciousness. The thrill round John Longmire’s facet is the envy of all Sydney-based golf equipment and the individuals who don’t reside right here don’t get to see it.
Isaac Heeney celebrates a aim. (Photograph by Matt King/AFL Photographs/through Getty Photographs)
The Swans’ electrifying model of soccer is clearly a success with the followers. Followers are flocking to the SCG, and it’s not only a trickle—it’s a deluge. The membership has skilled sell-out crowd after sell-out crowd, with members of their a whole lot being rotated on the gates as a result of floor reaching its capability.
By the tip of the home-and-away season, the Swans averaged 39,000 attendees per recreation, which is made much more spectacular once you launch the SCG is barely a 48,000-seat stadium. Add to that the truth that some argue that this determine may have been even larger had the SCG Belief managed ticket allocation extra successfully.
Earlier within the yr Swans CEO Tom Harley introduced that the membership had surpassed 70,000 members. It’s greater than only a quantity, it’s redefining Sydney’s sporting panorama.
On the sphere, the Swans are undeniably Sydney’s staff. The squad boasts 9 senior gamers from NSW, together with superstars Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills (captain), Errol Gulden, and Nick Blakey.
Add to that the stalwart presence of the ever-reliable veterans Dane Rampe and Harry Cunningham, alongside upcoming stars equivalent to Braeden Campbell, Sam Wicks, and Caiden Cleary.
That raises the query, what does any of this need to do with South Melbourne? The reply… nothing. It has nothing to do with Melbourne and every thing to do with Sydney.
This narrative of South Melbourne versus Fitzroy shouldn’t be solely 45 years old-fashioned, however completely misses the mark. It displays a parochial Victorian media panorama that appears to be in panic mode, grappling with the fact that their states dominance in a league they as soon as managed is quick slipping away. And the remainder of the AFL world is relishing in it.
The media shouldn’t be solely diminishing the Swans’ and Lions’ present achievements however are additionally disrespecting the a whole lot of hundreds of loyal followers of each golf equipment and the massively rising AFL fanbase in New South Wales and Queensland. This insistence on clinging to previous affiliations does a disservice to the sport’s progress and the thousands and thousands in Sydney and Brisbane which have embraced our nationwide recreation.
It’s time to recognise the 2024 Grand Remaining for what it’s! A celebration of the successes of each cities of Sydney and Brisbane, their identification, and the continued progress and success of the code in these states. This has nothing to do with the previous VFL; and every thing to do with a nationwide league.
South Melbourne is lifeless, lengthy reside the Sydney Swans!
