I've long witnessed professional sports franchises (mostly in North America) engage particularly well with their supporter base. They understand what 'fan engagement' means - and it's not just posting something on facebook and counting how many 'Likes' it receives then giving yourself a pat on the back. No - it's way more than that. But there's an organisation out there that does things a little differently.

They're the Seattle Sounders Football Club - they play in North America's Major League Soccer competition and they have what's called an 'Alliance Council'. In essence, this is a legitimate avenue for fans to have a more pronounced voice. It was set up to serve as a liaison between the Alliance and ownership. A simialr 'Alliance' is in place at Barcelona FC. Now - we don't have 'ownership' per se in the AFL - but it's fair to say that Carlton is the closest thing to it and the board represents the ownership.

In Seattle, the Alliance's goals are to provide its members with a voice in the overall direction of the organization, including but not limited to the following:

• A vote on retention or lack of confidence in the Club’s General Manager every four years

• The right to decide on two of the Club’s charitable partners

• The right to advise on matters regarding game-day experience

• The right to decide matters that primarily affect fan experience

To implement this at Carlton - it would be an Alliance-Lite. I can see where the Alliance Council members could serve as a liaison to the Board but I think Greg Swann or Andy McKay would be pretty nervous if members of the Council Alliance voted on the "retention or lack of confidence" in their positions!

The Sounders Alliance has 40 members. In addition to the 40 - you'd have a couple of staff and perhaps a couple of board members. Now - before anyone bangs on about a 'little Seattle Soccer club' and comparing that to Carlton - the Sounders play at CenturyLink Field which is also the home of the Seattle Seahawks (NFL). That stadium holds

Like it Doc. Question is whether the Board would be open to the idea.

I would support it if it were completely independent from any aspects of the clubs operation. No financial assistance either.

That's you're only response? A gif? Nothing else to add? I don't expect everyone to say it's a good concept - but if you think it's a terrible concept, at least state why!

Have you seen his other posts?
He's more predictable than me.
Must be an alter.

I think its an excellent idea Doc.
100% for it.
How do we get it done?

Must be an alter.

The AFL wouldn't be concerned with something like this.

Interesting Doc. How is it decided who the members of the Alliance are?

That's something that would need to be figured out. I'd expect in Year One a few people would be sounded out and others would send in an expression of interest. Two year terms sound reasonable and then it's turned over via a vote.