Stefchook wrote:
I agree. It's smart strategy.
Hawthorn have successfully (and gradually) been able to build their support from relatively low numbers over a period of 30 years. Success obviously helps (but not always - see North Melbourne). But so does smart targetting of potential supporters and investing in a region.
Correct - like I said for us its a generational project that we have to ride for the next 15 to 20 years. Like you said it took Hawthorn 30 years - even there success from the 80s wasnt enough for them to nearly stave off a merger with Melbourne back in 96. It was really only the establishment of their base out at Waverley which has allowed them to leverage support in the Eastern Suburbs - which their VFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks helps them out also (I bet in another 5 years the Box Hill Hawks will become the Eastern Suburbs Hawks as well
).
Western Bulldogs will also see the benefit of their re-naming in the next 10 years or so - David Smorgan must roll his eyes in disbelief when he hears those old nuffies call into SEN and 3AW and say they demand that they be called Footscray agains (and that they have collected 1000 signature petitions
).
North Melbourne is a clear example of what not to do - instead of actually trying to leverage Northen Suburban Melbourne support - they went down the path of "Shinboner Spirit" and tried to generate membership around Errol St
. James Brayshaw and Eugene Arroca flowered it up completely.
Our chance to utilise the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne as our support base starts with the re-branding of the Northern Bullants as the Northern Blues in the VFL competition - that is only the starting point. You couldnt rebrand it Carlton and succeed.
We need to invest in smart grass roots marketing through schools, attract local corporate support get them all thinking "Navy Blue" - year in year out - might take 5 years might take 10 years, might take longer - until every kid growing up there sees only "Navy Blue" - then which team will they support when it comes time to choose an AFL team.
Its important for us to establish a strong geographic/demographic grass roots support base in Melbourne - and that is clearly the North of Melbourne.
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