The Soaring

The beaucracy are in opposing corners, and they face off ready to rumble. All over the future of football in this state:

John Langoulant, who heads a State Government taskforce studying options for a new stadium, said it would not be in football’s best interests to resist any call for it to shift from Subiaco Oval. His comments came after AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, in Perth yesterday for talks with the Eagles and Dockers, issued a thinly-veiled warning to the Government, saying football would not budge from its Subiaco Oval home.

Mr Demetriou, who also met Alan Carpenter to discuss the issue, said football remained steadfastly committed to redeveloping Subiaco.

The thing is this. Does either ’side’ even bother to solicit the footballing public on what may be best for those that support the game in this state? It’s all well and good for the AFL and WA Govt to thump their respective chests over what they are going to do or not do, but I can’t help but think that the best interests of the footballing public is all too easily forgotten in this public arm wrestle.

The goal in considering where the home of football in this state should be must surely be what is best for those that patronise the game. Economics clearly plays a role and must be considered, but in my opinion for too long WA football fans have put up with substandard facilities to go and watch football at. History will tell you that wrangles with the Subiaco City Council over the use of Subi Oval are nothing new. “Behind the Play” details problems at Subiaco since the 1920s. So what do we think is going to change?

Clearly Subiaco is behind the needs of this state. The Eagles have a substantial membership waiting list which can not be in the club’s interest, nor in the interest of the club’s parent, the WAFC. The question is what is the proposed answer?

I can’t help but think the reticence of the Subiaco Council to embrace football will always compromise the potential of the facilities at the ground. I can’t see this changing, but as well, there is not an obvious alternative at this point in time. It is just my sincere hope, between the AFL and WA Govt, by some miracle, a truly visionary approach may be found for the benefit of current and future footy fans.