[gambleingsites]

Absolutely horrible to hear the news that the ABC look like pulling the plug on WAFL TV broadcasts in 2012.

This is almost the deathnell for the WAFL and every other domestic competition (WAFL,SANFL,VFL,TFL) in Australia. The AFL has been like a slow,slow cancer to the WAFL that has been in remission for 20 odd years, and now it seems the fight could be over soon. These TV broadcasts have been the most valuable commodity to local football, given the incredible media saturation of everything AFL since National football began back in 1987.

The one thing the ABC had going for them is the fact these games were watched by some 3.5 million viewers statewide throughout every season. Thats a hell of alot more that what the ABC would normally pull in ratings at the same timeslot with say a gardening show or some weird ballet programme that can normally be seen on a channel 2 screen. And these football coverages actually have a connection with many people throughout the entire state, and its almost like it is the only true genuine community based programme all people in WA can have some form of connection with. Most of us know many players who compete, whether they are from the metro area, or country WA. And we see many develop into super star AFL players before our very eyes.... All this will be lost forever now.

The WAFC simply must do everything in its power to either help the ABC continue these television broadcasts, not just lay idle and wait for them to just abandon it... The ABC has stayed loyal to domestic football for so many years and the commercial stations have ditched the WAFL like a bag of rubbish. Watching the old footage of the WAFL games on this new archive website just shows the amazing development of footballers in this state as well as the history attached. They (the WAFL) must not let this die on the vine. It will be the beginning of the end and I feel 125 years of suburban history will eventually deteriorate into dust.

Can the WAFL honestly see a sponsor like AAMI put in another $500,000 into the competition without a TV broadcasting arrangement ? I would think not.

Channel 9 and 10 would probably get great ratings if they themselves put together a programme similar to what the ABC has done. Both 9 & 10 get statewide country coverage these days through the WIN network, so the country viewers would still have access to their own country players competing in Perth. Channel 7 did continue with WAFL coverage in 1987 but they only televised the second half of a game. This actually appeared to originally effect crowds at WAFL games as Eagles home games were never played in Perth on Saturday afternoons. But these days its different. The WAFL, along with basically most other sports are predominently TV sports now. Attendance figures are based more on ratings rather than crowds. People will opt to stay in their loungerooms and watch sport rather than get outdoors. Hence the fatness of society.

There are other options for the WAFL and whether they seem out of reach in todays market is irrelevent. They have absolutely nothing to lose in going after 9, 10, Foxtel, 11, Go, 7mate etc, etc whoever the hell it may be, and desperately try and find TV executives who can see potential in a great competition. There would be countless programmes on commercial TV today that would fail to get the same figures as what the WAFL coverage does on the ABC itself today. There is a marketing angle they can use and this should not be seen as an old, tired option. The players on show are future AFL players. Players on the brink of the elitest footballing competition in Australia and it should be viewed this way. The WAFL must back themselves in and do whatever it takes to keep a TV broadcast going each Saturday in 2012. I must say it would be the only way I would subscribe to Foxtel, but I would if I had too.

Surely the AFL themselves can see the benefit in these broadcasts ? Can you imagine how much of these telecasts are scrutinised by recruiting departments in the AFL.... In the USA they do things so different. In terms of proffessionalism it is like chalk & cheese. The NFL and NBA throw millions into college or secondary leagues knowing it builds champions. These games are huge and are seen on American TV screens so often, that come draft time every person who follows these sports know everthing about these rookies. Basically their grass roots codes are given the due respect. In Australia with the AFL its given absolutely Jack. The domestic leagues are given nothing from the AFL in terms of coverage, and anything they have had up until this point is from their own hard work. Can you imagine the boost overall for the code of Australian Rules Football if the AFL had the same perspective as the ultra proffessional NFL and NBA in the states. If the AFL want kids to play Aussie Rules and not Rugby, Soccer or Basketball, then take a leaf out of the Americans book. The AFL need to get kids to want to aspire to play AFL. But by simply raping the state comps and giving them nothing in return is just ludicrous. And its not all about money. Its about publicity through TV broadcasting. That outlet alone can be a way of allowing domestic clubs themselves to gain valuable sponsorship, making serious money, becoming more proffessional across the board, and having better flexibility and resourses to nuture this talent (and eventually more of it). How the AFL cannot see that is quite bizzare. The benefits to the code is what its all about. The AFL competition itself could not be more popular. The way to keep that and the code it is attached to as a power, is to keep the lower level comps on the TV screens. Like in the USA.

P.S...... And in my opinion, losing Glenn Mitchell at the ABC was the worst thing for the WAFL. He was almost like the one true commentator who gave the WAFL its respect on the airwaves. He was knowledgable and was what I would call an terrific ambassador for the WAFL in general. He of course was a chief AFL caller along with International Cricket and various other sports. But he never lowered his pulse when it came to the WAFL and that is because he is proffessional enough to understand the vitality of grass roots football. Like Geoff Christan was.... The commercial networks should snap him up in a heartbeat and the WAFL themselves should use him as a tool to get WAFL football on the airwaves permanently. Because expecting any back-up from the AFL on this seems impossible.

HELP SAVE THE WAFL !!!

[poonnassunlix]

I think the WAFL is going t become like A-Grade WACA cricket, probably only get a mention in the community newspaper. Which is a shame really considering that many people across the state enjoy the WAFL especially in the bush. The WAFC are under the spell of the AFL, who I believe are destroying the game.

[tpJKhY8Z]

this is bullshit and the state government should step in or something. For christ sake the only people that are going to watch the abc on a saturday arvo are people that want to watch the wafl. how expensive can the broadcast costs be, a few cameras and a few commentators (todd ridley couldn't be on much dough! bless im..) This will affect sponsorship of clubs badly. the afl should throw their support behind the retention of the broadcasts, strong feeder competitions are vital. but of course demetriou couldn't give a stuff about the health of wa or sa footy, he only cares about victoria, nsw and queensland.

[lopaayd]

It would be sad to lose the ABC, they do a brilliant job and i don't understand some people who criticise them from time to time. The ABC is tax payer funded and is meant to serve the community and i think that is exactly what televising WAFL games does. It takes WAFL football to peoples lounge rooms not just for the lazy city folk who can't be bothered getting off their arse but to the people who do not live in Perth. I reckon that is worth it's weight in gold and occasionally i read comments on AFL sites from AFL fans who take an interest in seeing how some fringe AFL players are going as well as looking at up and coming prospects.

I'm not sure the ABC realise how valuable these televised games are and I'm sure WAFL coaches (and even AFL coaches) record these games and find it an invaluable teaching aid and source of information. If the ABC did pull the plug i wonder if WTV or CH9 would pick it up?

[Atmotteenrift]

I'm not sure the ABC realise how valuable these televised games are and I'm sure WAFL coaches (and even AFL coaches) record these games and find it an invaluable teaching aid and source of information. If the ABC did pull the plug i wonder if WTV or CH9 would pick it up?

My concern DD is the new attempt by West Coast & Fremantle to enter sides in the WAFL.... It is no coincidence that has reared its ugly head again as soon as it was reported the ABC could be pulling live WAFL TV broadcasts. The AFL clubs know they could use the ABCTV decision to gain entry. If the ABC are encouraged to continue these telecasts because there will be a direct AFL involvement in the WAFL, then both the AFL clubs will get a warmer reception from both the WAFC and the 9 clubs themselves. There would be no doubt that the traditional clubs would seriously re-consider any proposal if it includes a continuation of TV coverage next year and beyond. I have absolutely no doubt the Eagles and Dockers will be approaching those at the ABC or any one of those off-shoot stations with a marketing proposal that they can use in their own proposal to the WAFL. If they came to the commission with a guarantee in hand of getting a TV station on board if they are admitted to the competition, expect the WAFL to go to 11 clubs next year.

This new headache (losing TV coverage) can change the whole outlook for all the clubs. If it is going to happen I hope it is done on an initial scale of a 2 or 3 year probation. Give all clubs the chance to look at how it has developed and then either have the option of reneging on the new format, or realising it does work well and continue with it. I am sure both the AFL clubs would find this acceptable and it would also make them work hard themselves to unsure they follow through with everything they put up. Not simply get the go ahead and leave the WAFL to crumble all around them. Make them accountable for what they put on the table.

Im against it, but I am certain they will be offered a chance at some point. Probably sooner now rather than later.

[BarBoss]

Maybe that channel 44 would pick it up? this would be good for them even though not sure if this station goes state wide...

But the ABC has threatened this before....so could be all BS..

UP YOURS!

[Caluabdum]

Not having TV coverage is going to have an impact on each clubs ability to attract sponsorship. That is very good exposure for sponsors on ABC game day. Not sure but i imagine each club gets on the telly about 4 or 5 times a year, some of the higher clubs on the ladder maybe more than the lower ones.

[SueveDobe]

Maybe that channel 44 would pick it up? this would be good for them even though not sure if this station goes state wide...

But the ABC has threatened this before....so could be all BS..

UP YOURS!

Or what about GWN (or is that WIN tv nowadays?) GWN i think was the CH9 arm that broadcast to country WA so you think they would have an interest in covering the WAFL and they could attract game day sponsors, so long as they can televise it to the city folk as well.

[VIDEOHITE]

Or what about GWN (or is that WIN tv nowadays?) GWN i think was the CH9 arm that broadcast to country WA so you think they would have an interest in covering the WAFL and they could attract game day sponsors, so long as they can televise it to the city folk as well.

GWN is aligned with Channel 7, so that wont work.

Channel 9 and 10 are a combined version for WIN Television. That could be the avenue for country people if something was negotiated through those two.

But whatever it is a TV coverage of WAFL is crucial, whoever it is.

[WaydayFep]

If the ABC stopped live televising of local matches here, would that mean they would also cease in the SANFL, VFL and Tasmania.

I wouldn't mind betting they wouldn't.

[illignocearia]

Cutting there production team from 9 to 2 is the main problem. Government cost cutting as usual.

They have just given themselves a 4% pay rise again too. The extra millions right there to fill these jerks pockets doesnt help either.

I guess they also need to cut such funding to cover asylum seekers and welfare leeches.... The Australian way these days. Bloody Pathetic.

[hieklyintinee]

just go to a game instead and support your team

[Ikhqgvas]

oh and the abc coverage is/was excellent

[mymnarorump]

just go to a game instead and support your team

Great theory.

But if this comp gets any more kicks in the guts, then forget supporting a team. There wont be anything left to support.

Thats what this post is about....