VLSG President Sharon Torney said the VLSG found it extremely puzzling that in Round one of the Wizard Cup saw the Adelaide v Port Adelaide match broadcast free to air in place of the Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans match at Stadium Australia which appeared only on Pay TV.
“Why did Channel 10 broadcast a game between two South Australian clubs instead of a game between two clubs that have very strong supporter bases in all three eastern mainland states?”
“Not only that, but the Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong match also did not find it’s way to free to air TV in the eastern states. Channel 9 showed live the Melbourne v Kangaroos match Saturday at 6:30pm followed by their cricket World Cup obligations, which meant the Lions match was not shown free to air. What stopped Channel 10 broadcasting live the Brisbane Lions v Geelong game out of Cairns at 8:30 instead of it being on Foxtel?”
The VLSG has yet again reminded the AFL and the TV Consortium that Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans are exceptions to the general state of the non-Victorian clubs. They both have a very strong supporter base in two states. Interest in this match amongst the many former Fitzroy and South Melbourne supporters would have been extremely high. Added to this interest of course is that the Brisbane Lions are the current reigning premiers.
Given all these reasons and not least the promises made to former Fitzroy supporters, at the time of the merger in 1996, that they could see their team most weekends on free-to-air TV, the VLSG asks yet again why the club, especially as dual premiers, doesn’t get a little more support from the electronic media.
The VLSG President also stated that the VLSG is committed to following this, and other issues concerning the Victorian members of the Brisbane Lions. “The recording of the Fitzroy and Brisbane Lions records by various bodies is becoming a real issue again and we have received quite a few messages indicating people’s displeasure with what is going on. Rest assured we are tackling this issue, as well as the TV one.”
Torney reiterated that it was important that people who are concerned about these and other issues concerning Fitzroy and the Brisbane Lions, to throw their support behind the VLSG and join as a 2003 member. “As well as being part of a strengthening voice for Victorian supporters the VLSG this year is looking at increasing the number of social get togethers. For example members can vote for the Best Young Player in each Victorian match, and can also receive some great prizes via the player sponsorship, we take out each year.
Victorian Lions Supporters Group 