There is a tidal wave of negative sentiment against the club on this site

I agree with much of it

And at the risk of saying something that maybe has been said previously, I have to say, looking at the week that's unfolded I can't help bit feel some regret and jealousy that Carlton don't have a draw card game like Ess vs Coll do tomorrow

Why is that?

Carl was always bigger than Ess

Did we fall asleep at the wheel?

Was it all Sheeds? If so why didn't we counter with an as good as if not better idea?

Well we probably will take their place on Anzac Day after they're relegated to the EDFL.

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#DonTheStash

Not as brave

It's been a long time since we had a Sheedy like figure to spruik a club like he could. He loved his bombers, craves respect and saw this as a chance to elevate that club in perpetuity, above the likes of a club like Carlton that he hated with a passion.

He succeeded.

That's why they have this game. End of story.

What Blues Clues said...

I remember going to games on ANZAC day in the 1980's against Essendon* at VFL park. It must have been when ANZAC day fell over the weekend, there were huge crowds. Not sure why we missed out, from memory Coll and Essendon* were scheduled to play on ANZAC day one year and Sheedy approached the RSL about making it about the soldiers. It went from there.
The AFL now say that it is tradition and will stay, tradition is now 19 years. Other clubs and supporters have been complaining for about 16 of those 19 years, not sure what the tradition was 16 years ago. These 2 clubs can sell 3 game memberships which include the ANZAC day match, something 16 other clubs cannot do.
So now we have the biggest cheats in the history of the AFL representing our competition on this special day.

Go Pies! (only one day of the year I say that)...

Who you cheering for on 13th of July?

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I hope Essendon* folds.

Yep, like eating a shit sandwich to cure cancer, you know you have to do it, but it leaves you feeling dirty with a lingering after taste..

Essendon* has always been bigger than Carlton. Collingwood, Essendon* and Richmond outnumber us about two to one now days. We're a mid sized club now.

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Simmo - the true spirit of Carlton

You must be pretty young. Essendon* really started coming strong from the mid eighties. They were well down on all numbers before that.

No, we are still big. I'm not sure Richmond outnumber us.

Sheedy was special guest on the great Marngrook Footy Show last night, and explained how it all came about....he firstly attracted interest from C/wood about the possibility of playing his Essendon* on Anzac Day.

Next; he realised the RSL importantly; were the ones to seek advice from on the possibility of staging a game on Anzac Day.

He arranged to meet Bruce Ruxton (a fanatical Magpies supporter); the then Victorian President of the RSL who loved the idea.....with a percentage of the gate going to the RSL and Legacy etc.

It eventually came to be with great success.

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No ones listening till you make a mistake.

Should rotate the teams who play in the melbourne ANZAC day game.
Or at least have the previous years grand finalists play in the game.

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Vice President, International Extreme Sarcasm Society (IESS)

Great financial success for Essendon* and Collingwood.

The clubs split the major proceeds from today's match.

It's something like...

40% Collingwood
40% Essendon*
10% Equalisation Fund
10% RSL

Gate takings are about $700k.

Be very mindful in this whole debate that we still have a large number of supporters, but have had appalling success in converting them to members, an indictment on the club's marketing and reflecting our lack of success in the past 20 years.

Take a look at AFL crowd stats in the past few years - we have always been 2nd or 3rd most "watched" club. Many of the CFC supporting "watchers" don't buy memberships, though.

AFL doesn't deserve the association with ANZAC Day.

I don't associate one with the other.

ANZAC Day >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> AFL

Interesting how the cats make about 500k from every game they play down at geelong.

And they don't play any big teams there. Tend to be interstate teams and low melbourne clubs.

They even played a final there last year (and lost from memory to freo)

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Vice President, International Extreme Sarcasm Society (IESS)

Very brave today....

Just the 2 goals after the 12 minute mark of the 2nd quarter for the bombers

Lost the pep in their run

Sad to see

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Vice President, International Extreme Sarcasm Society (IESS)

the clubs should not be getting a cent toward it. it should 100% to the RSL. Don't make it about the ANZAC and then let the clubs reap the benefits. And yes, if we get Good Friday, I have the same philosophy. all proceeds to go to the RCH!! (perhaps even player payments?)

Im all for days that celebrate the day, but not when its done in a manner that it is exploited by the clubs. Essendon* and Collingwood both offer 3 game exclusive memberships with a reservced seat including the ANZAC cup etc.. they benefit from that, but then also swell their membership numbers because of it, but that is another pet hate of mine ...

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Got to love the stare Down by Setanta on Llyod