Target 1000: VFL club Coburg reaches 700 members for first time in 128-year history
The only stand-alone VFL club in the northern suburbs has passed 700 members for the first time in history, and is closing in on its target of 1000 for 2019. Here’s how they’re doing it.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Coburg has passed 700 members for the first time in its 128-year history as it closes on its target of 1000 for 2019.
The Lions reached the historic mark on Wednesday night, signing their 703rd member as the ‘Target 1000’ campaign hit a significant milestone.
MORE TARGET 1000:
COBURG’S LONGEST-SERVING PLAYER BACKS CAMPAIGN
AFL-LISTED TRIO THROW THEIR SUPPORT BEHIND LIONS
COBURG’S CO-CAPTAINS URGE SUPPORTERS TO SIGN ON
LIONS LEGENDS ON WHY YOU SHOULD BACK THE VFL CLUB
THE TOUGHEST AND GREATEST MOMENTS IN COBURG HISTORY
Coburg set a record last year when it signed 685 VFL members, but has eclipsed that mark in the past week.
“It’s absolutely fantastic. We broke our record last year and to break it again proves the community is more aware of our club and what we are trying to do,” general manager Seb Spagnuolo said.
“That’s really been the biggest aim through this campaign, to raise awareness and make sure we have a club the community can get behind.”
Spagnuolo said the club’s partnership with Moreland Leader for the ‘Target 1000’ campaign had generated significant interest from non-traditional fan bases.
“The local Leader campaign has had a fantastic impact on our numbers,” he said.
“We’re seeing that members are joining from Brunswick, Glenroy and Hadfield which were probably areas that didn’t have a large take-up in recent years.
MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS
OFF-SEASON HQ: LATEST COACH, PLAYER MOVES IN LOCAL FOOTY
TARGET 1000 CAMPAIGN: HOW YOU CAN HELP COBURG VFL
WHERE TRAVIS CLOKE WILL MAKE CAMEO LOCAL FOOTY APPEARANCE
WE LIST THE MOST-IMPROVED PLAYERS IN PREMIER CRICKET
“With the awareness, they’ve been able to identify our club as one to get behind and Moreland’s only VFL club.
“It has been great to have that support. But also, our playing group and coaching group have really got behind the campaign too.
“Our players are more open to spreading the word themselves through their social networks, which is great.”
Less than a month out from the Lions’ season opener against Collingwood on April 6, Spagnuolo said the increased membership had created a “real buzz” at City Oval.
“There is a massive buzz around the place,” he said.
Fantastic news out of Coburg FC tonight. For the first time in history, the Lions have reached 700 members. The 'Target 1000' campaign is on track! 🦠#pjvfl @Josh__Barnes
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) March 6, 2019
“Our players have really gotten behind this campaign and are now starting to really understand how vital membership, sponsorship and those things are to our club, that doesn’t have the reliance on pokie money.
“Everything is going well. We have done a lot of work in the off-field space, but on-field they have worked just as hard.”
“We’re looking forward to Round 1 against Collingwood to really show what we can do.
To become a member, visit coburgfc.com.au/membership
Son of a gun to lead Fairpark
The son of an Eastern league coaching stalwart will follow in his father’s footsteps as he takes the reins for the first time.
VFL Cat, GFNL gun on the move in major blow
One of the best players in the competition and his brother are heading back to their former club.