Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick has made the following comments in relation to the release of the 2014 fixture:
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“Overall we see the fixture as a positive outcome for the Club and our fans.”
“While we open the 2014 season away in Perth against the Eagles, we welcome the opportunity to play the next five of our six matches at Etihad Stadium.”
“We play interstate six times in 2014, one of which is a home game against Gold Coast in Cairns, compared to seven in 2013.”
“We’re scheduled to play at Etihad Stadium 14 times this season, which makes our games accessible to our members and fans, and we are also pleased that more of our games are available on free-to-air television, reflecting what we see as growing excitement around our Club.”
“We also welcome the opportunity to continue to highlight our strong community links, by retaining our Multicultural Round match against Essendon and building on our participation in last year’s inaugural AFL Women’s Exhibition game against Melbourne.”
“In summary, while the football component of the fixture has been progressed in terms of starting to maximise competition, we believe more needs to be done in regards to providing improved fixture outcomes for smaller clubs in relation to revenue opportunities and exposure.”
“To this effect, most key drivers of growth are in the hands of the AFL and we look forward to continuing to work with them and other stakeholders in the spirit of equalisation to maximise exposure and revenue opportunities going forward.”
“Opportunities including returning all our home games to Victoria, a potential home game at Simonds Stadium and securing a marquee match — notably Good Friday from 2015, remain priorities for the Western Bulldogs.”
“We appreciate the AFL’s engagement with the Club in relation to the fixture and efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the competition next year.”
