Fans Are To Blame

The Cronulla Sharks in the National Rugby League appear in dire straits. So bad is their situation that a complete relocation seems the only means of survival. This situation should be devastating to all in “The Shire” yet we haven’t really heard a peep from that direction. Possibly because the locals know that it is their fault.

The Sharks haven’t been able to get crowds anywhere near the 13,000 they need to break even. Instead have had to be content with around 8,000. The Sharks aren’t going too well so far this season, as if to confirm my point about fair weather fans in Sydney.

The fact is that if you want your team to survive then you need to get behind them. Put your money where your mouth is; show up to games, by a membership, whatever it takes.

Fair Weather Fans

I recently went to a game in Melbourne between Essendon and North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. I was blown away by the passion of these fans. They knew when to cheer and did so with immense gusto. It left me a bit disappointed to come home and go to a game in Sydney. If there is ever a reason why a Western Sydney team won’t get off the ground it will be because of the temperament of footy fans in Sydney.

Sydney fans across all codes aren’t 'diehard' enough, they won’t show if the weather is poor or if their team isn't going so well. If the finances are tight it will be the footy club membership that will be the first to go.

AFL fans in Sydney still have a lot to learn when it comes to supporting their team. We are too polite. We seem too afraid to make noise, or we just don’t know when is the appropriate time. We are still learning the game, as most are first generation AFL fans. Melbourne residents have had the sport ingrained into them for 100 years.