One Home Ground Issue

[Frank Facer]

If demand for tickets far exceeds the number available at WIN or Jubilee, have to get used to moving to bigger grounds. One day might have to move games to Homebush rather than Allianz. As for the current set up, it works fine as is, IMO.

Imagine moving a game that was scheduled at Wollongong to Homebush? I would love it, but I doubt it would ever happen. In saying that, right now Souths and Canterbury both use Homebush as their home ground. If I was in V'landy's position. I would be pushing for teams such as St George Illawarra, Parramatta, Wests, Penrith to play big games at Homebush, similar to how the biggest game of the round used to be played at the SCG long ago. From what I recall, the SCG was our home away from home back then, as we used to play many games there. I remember in the 80's before 1986 and when Kogarah, wasn't considered NSWRL standard, we would play some games of our home games at the SCG. When we make the SCG our home ground in 1986, I thought it was going to work, but our lack of success meant we didn't attract the big crowds and it lacked atmosphere. Homebush is the same, but when

 

[RedV01]

Imagine moving a game that was scheduled at Wollongong to Homebush? I would love it, but I doubt it would ever happen. In saying that, right now Souths and Canterbury both use Homebush as their home ground. If I was in V'landy's position. I would be pushing for teams such as St George Illawarra, Parramatta, Wests, Penrith to play big games at Homebush, similar to how the biggest game of the round used to be played at the SCG long ago. From what I recall, the SCG was our home away from home back then, as we used to play many games there. I remember in the 80's before 1986 and when Kogarah, wasn't considered NSWRL standard, we would play some games of our home games at the SCG. When we make the SCG our home ground in 1986, I thought it was going to work, but our lack of success meant we didn't attract the big crowds and it lacked atmosphere. Homebush is the same, but when

If 80k tickets were going to be sold and the ground was available it would happen.

 

[Justadragon]

If you read JO's very first post on this thread you will see what he was asking for. It's just a matter of opinion and nothing else. I'm a Dragons member and supporter, I would still like to see games played at both venues and I live on the South Coast. Our supporter base in Sydney is valid too. If you really want to know my personal thoughts, it wont matter in 20-30 years, Wollongong will practically be Southern Sydney.
For anyone familiar with the gateway entry to Sydney from the south, the Welcome to Sydney Sign was at the Campbelltown exit, its now nearly at Picton.

 

[George Sancti]

I don’t believe that playing all home games at a single ground gives a team any real advantage over clubs that split their home fixtures. These days, many teams train on fields other than their primary home ground, so the idea of “home‑ground familiarity” doesn’t carry the same weight it once did.

If you look back to the early 1960s, St George effectively had two home grounds, Jubilee Oval Kogarah and the SCG. I don't believe the two-ground model hindered their performance.

For me, the real question is what best suits the supporters. Our fan base stretches from Arncliffe down to the southern Illawarra, with plenty of supporters also living in the Western Suburbs. In that context, a two‑ground approach is actually an advantage because it reflects the geographic spread of our community.

 

[jodragon40]

So...... what's the answer? Why not allow him to speak his mind on this thread so it doesn't keep coming up over and over? What he wants isn't going to happen. We all know that. But if he is unhappy about it and wants to vent, why can't he?

The member was spoken to in relation to a previous thread which has now been deleted. The feedback from other members indicated to me that this type of rhetorical comments about a matter some 27 years old are no longer relevant for discussion. Some even indicated that they were upset and offended, some even left the forum.

It serves no real purpose to have a new member vent his feelings about an issue that nobody has control over or is even an issue that requires a conversation about.

This forum has had no issues in the time I have been a member . I simply cannot ignore the concerns of members in regards to this member and I have acted.

I believe in due process if I didn't I would have simply banned the member as I have seen in other forums.

I hope I have clarified my position in dealing with this member and the topic he has continually raised.

If you have any concerns please contact myself or Eric by email.

Matter is now closed. Thank you

 

[jodragon40]

I don’t believe that playing all home games at a single ground gives a team any real advantage over clubs that split their home fixtures. These days, many teams train on fields other than their primary home ground, so the idea of “home‑ground familiarity” doesn’t carry the same weight it once did.

If you look back to the early 1960s, St George effectively had two home grounds, Jubilee Oval Kogarah and the SCG. I don't believe the two-ground model hindered their performance.

For me, the real question is what best suits the supporters. Our fan base stretches from Arncliffe down to the southern Illawarra, with plenty of supporters also living in the Western Suburbs. In that context, a two‑ground approach is actually an advantage because it reflects the geographic spread of our community.

I travelled from Liverpool in the day had to change trains at Regents Park station and then again at Sydenham station. I watched all 3 grades back then so it was a 10 hr day. But I did it to watch my team. I have even travelled from the GC to watch my beloved team play at Win on a couple of occasions. I still rarely miss an Anzac Day game.

 

[jodragon40]

If they are going to suggest we play all of our games at Wollongong, why can't others, including myself say, we should play all of our games at Kogarah? I also thought everything I wrote was relevant to the thread. I could also say, are you trolling me with the thread?

That reply in itself are grounds to have you banned. I replied to your comments,
I believed that you raised matters in your extensive reply that were not in the spirit of the original conversation I started.

Don't ever accuse another member of such actions. Don't ever call me a troll again.

 

[George Sancti]

I travelled from Liverpool in the day had to change trains at Regents Park station and then again at Sydenham station. I watched all 3 grades back then so it was a 10 hr day. But I did it to watch my team. I have even travelled from the GC to watch my beloved team play at Win on a couple of occasions. I still rarely miss an Anzac Day game.

That is real dedication. Fortunately, you would have been in high spirits on the return trip following most games. It is good to hear stories like yours. They reinforce how important this club has been to many people.

 

[Eric]

Lets just all try and cool down and try to get back on topic. The system as it is now works fine.

 

[jodragon40]

That is real dedication. Fortunately, you would have been in high spirits on the return trip following most games. It is good to hear stories like yours. They reinforce how important this club has been to many people.

Mate I'm old so I'm talking about the 70s and 80s. I was 10 when Dad took me to watch my 1st dragons game at Kogarah Jubilee Oval. 29th March 1970, St George v Eastern Suburbs, we won 23 - 17, Changa and Johnny King scored 2 of our tries that day. Travelled with mates from 1975. They were good years especially 77 and 79.

 

[redv13]

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with 5 games at Kogarah, 5 games at win and 2 games at say Allianz against some big Sydney rivals for a crowd over 25,000.

 

[Kim]

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with 5 games at Kogarah, 5 games at win and 2 games at say Allianz against some big Sydney rivals for a crowd over 25,000.

Once we get a roll on in 2027 and 2028, a top-of-the-table dragons game against a big rival like the dogs will pull 50,000.

 

[jodragon40]

Once we get a roll on in 2027 and 2028, a top-of-the-table dragons game against a big rival like the dogs will pull 50,000.

Agree

 

[Ryan]

Mr Moderator, don't you think you should let Frank say his bit on this thread? Otherwise it will keep coming up over and over. Then anyone not interested in the topic, like me, can just ignore the thread.

Agree

 

[Dragon David]

Mate I'm old so I'm talking about the 70s and 80s. I was 10 when Dad took me to watch my 1st dragons game at Kogarah Jubilee Oval. 29th March 1970, St George v Eastern Suburbs, we won 23 - 17, Changa and Johnny King scored 2 of our tries that day. Travelled with mates from 1975. They were good years especially 77 and 79.

All I can say Jo is you have a very good memory. I have been following the Dragons since I was 12 and I will be 79 next month. Hopefully me being 79 this year will bring success like we did in 1979 under Harry Bath. So I have followed the Mighty Red V for 67 years and I couldn't care less where they played as they are my team and I just want to see them win, that's all.

 

[jodragon40]

All I can say Jo is you have a very good memory. I have been following the Dragons since I was 12 and I will be 79 next month. Hopefully me being 79 this year will bring success like we did in 1979 under Harry Bath. So I have followed the Mighty Red V for 67 years and I couldn't care less where they played as they are my team and I just want to see them win, that's all.

Wonderful memories, you got me thats a good innings mate. I was talking in reality from the perspective of supporters bases.

Any JV club surely has to keep this in mind when playing home games . I would hate to think in my lifetime no games played on the hollowed ground Kogarah Jubilee Oval.

I believe that you will be seeing more wins in the coming years, a great 80th birthday present for you would be another premiership win. Cheers

 

[Dragons Chris]

Wonderful memories, you got me thats a good innings mate. I was talking in reality from the perspective of supporters bases.

Any JV club surely has to keep this in mind when playing home games . I would hate to think in my lifetime no games played on the hollowed ground Kogarah Jubilee Oval.

I believe that you will be seeing more wins in the coming years, a great 80th birthday present for you would be another premiership win. Cheers

Might have to wait until 81st. I'm as optimistic as anyone but seriously, the team still has some problems for this year. A prop if KK isn't coming a year early, which seems to be the case. A pair of wingers unless those reserve grade wingers from Warriors and Penrith really surprise. I'd be interested in Lawson getting another chance as well. And of course, the big problem which everyone but Flanno can see.

 

[jodragon40]

Might have to wait until 81st. I'm as optimistic as anyone but seriously, the team still has some problems for this year. A prop if KK isn't coming a year early, which seems to be the case. A pair of wingers unless those reserve grade wingers from Warriors and Penrith really surprise. I'd be interested in Lawson getting another chance as well. And of course, the big problem which everyone but Flanno can see.

Im sure they are now looking at a few backs. There's talk they are looking at the Tigers fb Bula so there would be other behind the scenes negotiations going. We have fixed our engine room now it's time for some speed in the backline. As for 5/8 this season is make or break for his boy who could realistically if we were to go in a different direction go to 14.

 

[Justadragon]

Might have to wait until 81st. I'm as optimistic as anyone but seriously, the team still has some problems for this year. A prop if KK isn't coming a year early, which seems to be the case. A pair of wingers unless those reserve grade wingers from Warriors and Penrith really surprise. I'd be interested in Lawson getting another chance as well. And of course, the big problem which everyone but Flanno can see.

Dont know about Lawson Chris, he was touted as being this Australian Rugby 7's superstar. He was getting run down in games, his aerial work was really poor and his defense was enough to make Sloan look good. Imho he needs a lot of work, I was pretty disappointed in him and I hope he has learnt a lot in the off season and makes a better fist of it, lets hope so.

 

[HaydoM8]

Lawson - that trial game his jump catch kick for the Reed try had me thinking absolute superstar ... then ... meh.