There were some interesting articles in The Australian on Saturday about suburban football and the future of the rugby codes.
Regarding suburban football, the report described how it continues to some extent in Sydney rugby league, but no longer exists in Australian football.
There was mention of the Newtown Jets playing in a minor division.
I remember Newton’s last grand final appearance. Apparently their home ground only holds 9000 people.
Watching Fitzroy at Princes Park was great fun for me. I didn’t mind seeing them plat at Whitten Oval either, although the landscape seemed foreign.
I wish I had seen them run around at Brunswick Street.
I don’t expect a comfortable seat when I go to the football. You’re there for three hours or a little more.
What I want is a good view of the game and easy-enough access to amenities.
Football has been corporatised too much. Not everyone wants a super box to watch the game. We don’t all need TV monitors and waiter service.
I like the fact Newtown is now playing in a lower division of the rugby league. It would be great to see Fitzroy in the VFA, affiliated with the Brisbane Lions.
As for the future of the rugby codes, they should amalgamate. Perhaps at club level a hybrid game could exist, but for representative purposes rugby union should prevail.
These articles might be of interest:
