Andrew Barr has announced that he’s sealed the deal with the Greater Western Sydney AFL team for a ten year partnership with the ACT.
“This is the most significant day in the 80 year history of AFL in Canberra,” Mr Barr said. “This partnership has secured at least 40 matches for the ACT over the next ten years, giving this team a
second home base at Manuka Oval.”“However it is about more than just matches. It is about ensuring that we have a full-time AFL presence
on the ground, in our schools, in our clubs and in our community, while also presenting clear pathways
for our best young footballers to get to the top through the local GWS Academy.“This is a unique partnership, unlike any other that currently exists in the AFL. We will be part-owner of
this new team from its very foundation, right from the moment that its name, colours and jumper are
unveiled next week. Our ownership will be reflected in an ACT-appointment to the Board, a permanent
reference to our community on the team’s jumper, and perhaps most significantly, a specifically stylised
match-day jumper for home games at Manuka Oval from 2012.”
The key points of the agreement are:
- • At least 40 games played in the ACT over the next ten years, including three premiership games and one preseason game each year.
• Establishment of a GWS ACT Academy to help develop young local talent to its potential.
• Year-round engagement of GWS players, coaches and staff in the local community, including school visitation, football development and additional community activities.
• An ACT representative on the GWS Board.
• Permanent representation of the ACT community on the playing jumper and an ACT-specific stylised jumper for home games in Canberra.
• Participation of the GWS reserves team in the peak local competition, further enhancing the local league and improving talent pathways.
• Annual Community Camp conducted in the ACT.
• Partnership payment to GWS of $1.15m per annum from 2012-13, with revenue guarantee of $400,000 for each premiership game.
• Long-form contract to be complete by mid-2011.
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Some news on “our” new team: AFL to unveil GWS Giants
Ian said :
Much obliged Ian, can you spot me $10 for a couple of beers as well?
bd84 said :
You’d think so but just watch out if Port Adelaide come to town.
bd84 said :
Looks like it is Essendon doing all the thieving in Geelong these days, haha.
I hope those attending the games appreciate the subsidy of approx $50 per ticket.
Good to see that Canberra has an 80 year history of AFL, given the comp has only been running since 1990.
farnarkler said :
Hooray!
gospeedygo said :
If Geelong don’t play here either, our belongings will be safe from being stolen for the next 10 years..
farnarkler said :
I think that $1.15m for four games is quite enough as it is.
farnarkler said :
‘
Good.
Neither Collingwood nor Carlton will play here because they’re not prepared to take such low takings from Manuka oval. If the ACT gov’t were willing to cough up a few $ then maybe we’d get to see the big teams.
According to the ABC News tonight ACT Govco has guaranteed gate takings to a minimum of $400K per game and any monies over that amount will also go to GWS.
Name, jumper and colours are being revealed on the 16th.
Now I just need to find out how to get my ACT4GWS money out of hock and into a membership…
reminds me of BWS 🙂
The Hun is on the case now as well: GWS to play matches in Canberra under new deal
When the team gets a decent name, I might take an interest. GWS sounds so stupid?!!?!
gospeedygo, there’s absolutely zero chance Canberra will get the NSW derby, haha. And nor should we.
We will get the teams that pull shit crowds, get used to it now … start thinking Freo, West Coast, Port Adelaide and one of Bulldogs, North, Melbourne.
I say the only chance of Canberra getting a high drawing Melbourne club via the GWS link-up would be in the pre-season rubbish.
Please for the love of Jehovah please don’t let the three H&A games be:
GWS Vs Sydney
GWS Vs Western Bulldogs
GWS Vs Gold Coast
Can we have some other teams please like at least one out of this year’s top 3 of Collingwood, Geelong and St.Kilda. Possibly even Hawthorn?