AFL
What's wrong with the Gabba Pitch?
Posted by Triple M Monday 30 June, 2008 08:36 AM
Many experts, and others, have given their opinions on whether the Gabba should install a drop-in pitch after howls of protest from the AFL community
Wearing my AFL hat, I asked why not? We raised the question on Dead Set Legends, and after the Lions Jamie Charman urged the Gabba to rid itself of its historically bouncy wicket, callers were united in their response.
No drop-in pitch. Fair enough. Good and passionate arguments on both sides.
The only thing I'm sure is that legal suits will prevail if it's revealed to be a bonafide issue of workplace health and safety. If not, nothing will change,
But maybe there's more to it. Maybe it's smoke and mirrors to give the AFL a straw to grasp in negotiations with the so far frosty Stadiums Queensland and State Government.
Currently AFL honchos are bun-fighting to easily access a suitable stadium for its proposed 17th team on the Gold Coast. The States' position that any new team play at the Gabba is clear. A fact the AFL knew before GC17 was born.
There has been a softening in stance but there's a long way to go, and information is not easily forthcoming from either party on the matter .
So, when Queensland is actively courting investment from all corners, why does it seem so hard for the AFL to achieve their ends here?
Wouldn't a new stadium, franchise, $$$$$$ be a boon to the South East, and therefore something for the State Govt to get, at least, visibly excited about?
Claims by pro-League spruikers aside, the Coast has a long history with the indigenous code. The locals are on board. And far be it for me to insinuate conspiracy, but there's a growing perception that the red carpet is far from being rolled out for the AFL by our Smart State leaders.
True or not, the powers that be do look biased after gifting the anonymously owned NRL Titans a $160 million, world-class stadium, near vital rail transport., and refusing any assistance for similar treatment from the AFL.
If funds are now being diverted to Heath and Education, then fair enough, but surely even a token few bucks from the public coffers wouldn't be missed.
And a more public show of welcome from Anna's mob may even give the impression they are acting even handedly with all parties.
Maybe then the issue of the Gabba wicket would clear like a smokescreen usually does.
Comments
Pricey - can't half tell you are an AFL nut. Leave the pitch alone. The AFL boys are johnny come lately's to the Gabba, so they can put up wiuth the surface as is.
Posted by BaggyGreen Monday 30 June, 2008 11:41 AM
Pricey, you are an AFL stooge. Leave the Gabba to the cricketers and the AFL can put up with the surface. They are Johnny come lately's anyway. Go Bulls!
Posted by nobbie Monday 30 June, 2008 12:12 PM
The Lions pay most of the bloody rent at the Gabba, so why do the Cricketers get the deals? Because that's who runs the place - not Stadiums Queensland - the Gabba Trust! I reckon you are right. The Govt has a lot to answer for apart from the obvious other problems.
Posted by Mark Monday 30 June, 2008 12:16 PM