The AFL is considering new options to gain traction in Sydney
In its latest attempt to make headway in Sydney, the AFL is considering an earlier season-start in the Harbour City
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The AFL has reportedly come up with yet another new plan in its bid to make inroads into the NRL-dominated Sydney market.
For years now, the NRL has gained a jump on the 18-man code by starting its season anywhere from one to three weeks earlier.
It gives the rugby league competition and the Sydney-based teams a significant head start before the Swans and Giants start playing home matches.
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But that will all change under a new proposal being considered by AFL CEO-elect Andrew Dillon, according to a report in The Age newspaper.
Since 2008, Carlton and Richmond have kicked off each new AFL season at the MCG, but officials are considering starting earlier and in Sydney.
With the NRL commencing its season with an ambitious double-header in Las Vegas in 2024, the Swans and Giants could host a double-header of their own to start the AFL campaign.
A couple of seemingly easy wins were already missed by the AFL in Sydney this season.
Firstly when the NRL had its Magic Round in Brisbane, neither Sydney club played a home game. The Swans were in Melbourne and Giants in Canberra.
Then when the Aussie Rules code launched its own Gather Round carnival, it was staged entirely in AFL-mad Adelaide when Sydney was keen to host.
With the Swans also set to kick-off the 2024 campaign without their biggest drawcard, retired superstar Lance Franklin, they would appreciate all the help and attention they can get.
“It shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that we missed some opportunities when it came to fixturing games here this year and we all acknowledge it was a big miss,” Swans chief executive Tom Harley said.
“Whether we bring the season forward and kick it off in Sydney or look at other blockbusters, that move should come after a really strong campaign across the Sydney market starting off at the back end of summer.”
GWS have long struggled to draw a significant following or sellout home games in Sydney, although they did announce a new membership record of 32,704 this past week.
For the Giants, they are keen for anything that can set them apart from the saturated Sydney market.
“Starting the season earlier in Sydney makes great sense,” GWS boss Dave Matthews said.
“The key thing that we speak to the AFL about is that we have to do things differently up here.
“Differently in terms of promotion, ensuring both teams remain competitive and looking at the best slots to engage our fans.
One sleep until Sydney Derby XXVI..
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) August 4, 2023
Who remembers this from Buddy? #GoSwanspic.twitter.com/aNJk0R5jIC
💬 "We're well aware that we're coming up against a really good side and one that we enjoy going to battle with."
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) August 2, 2023
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“It’s such a cluttered and competitive market.”
The earlier start and possible shift to Sydney will be part of talks at next month’s
AFL Commission meeting.
The full lavish AFL season launch may also be held in the Harbour City next year.
The Giants are hoping for a sellout for Saturday night’s huge clash with fellow finals hopefuls the Swans at Sydney Olympic Park.
Originally published as The AFL is considering new options to gain traction in Sydney
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