SA Footy

ABC Coverage of each team this year
A few years ago, the ABC did schedule the Queens Birthday match and the Adelaide Cup Day match. I do know there is no holiday for the latter in May now, but when you consider that we had to miss out on two matches at the start of the year, we are missing out on more and getting almost nothing in return.

I say almost nothing, becuase one match was made up for when the first double header was scheduled. And even then they cut some out of the Central/Glenelg match.

Then we had the Anzac Day match where with a couple of minutes to go they pulled the plug.

And now this week the darlings at the AFL decide that Saturday Afternoon would be the best slot for the Melbourne audience to watch the Crows and the Dockers. And that of course is with no regard to anyone from this state.

This now means that the other match to make up for the first two missed wasn't shown - Port/North.

So with all the matches missed, the chances of getting your club on TV, especially if you were one of the bottom clubs is dwindled.

Here is the summary of the number of times your club has been shown on the ABC this year:

Club, No of times, Rounds shown

Central: 7 - 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17
Eagles: 7 - 3, 4, 8, 10, 14, 15, 19
South: 7 - 4, 5, 10, 17, 21, 22, 23
Glenelg: 6 - 3, 12, 13, 18, 20, 23
North: 6 - 7, 13, 16, 19, 20, 21
Port: 5 - 4, 7, 11, 15, 16
Norwood: 3 - 3, 9, 18
West: 3 - 6, 8, 22
Sturt: 2 - 5, 6

I know people should be encouraged to go to the game, but not everyone can actually go. Plus, the SANFL needs as much TV time as possible to advertise it - knowing that the ads with Tim Shaw in them aren't too inspiring on their own. And, you can tape more of them while you are out and watch them later.

Even though I've only watched games on ABC2, The coverage has been great and all clubs need the ABC coverage. To have our games covered on TV is a key marketing strategy for clubs when approaching major sponsors in that you will get TV exposure, nationwide if you include ABC2.

All clubs, supporters and SANFL need to be mindfull of accommodating the ABC in scheduling as if we lose it we the spectators will have to pay more for our clubs to be viable....

The ABC really has improved its coverage this year, I was highly critical of their coverage especially their camera work last year but it has been A1 and completely professional this year.