Does Ben Hart hope that North don't make the grand final?

[Rushby Hinds]

Why has he already committed to the SlowDown this year?

[Dogwatcher]

I'm sure he could easily back out.

[am Bays]

Obvioulsy he is banking on North going into the GF straight from the 2nd semi given that this game will be played on Preliminary Final Weekend, either that or he prefers to play with his ex-Crows mates than North Adelaide.....

[-]

Surely he wouldnt play in the slowdown mid finals campaign.

[Rushby Hinds]

PRESS RELEASE 21st March, 2007 – For immediate use
WEST END SLOWDOWN VIII MOVES TO THE HOME OF FOOTY !!
West End Slowdown VIII - Monday 1st October 2007
After 7 years at the Adelaide Oval, the much loved West End Slowdown VIII will be staged on the premier
football venue in SA – AAMI STADIUM.
As the biggest charity football match in Australia, the event has been moved by the McGuinness
McDermott Foundation to enable it to continue to grow beyond the 30 000 capacity at the Adelaide Oval.
The stage is set for another crackerjack encounter on the Labor Day holiday, Monday 1st October.
“The South Australian National Football League is delighted to host this magnificent community event on
behalf of the McGuinness McDermott Foundation and as AAMI Stadium is the home of footy in this State
we know we have the team in place to make this match bigger and better for the benefit of those who
support this wonderful Foundation” said Leigh Whicker, SANFL Executive Commissioner.
The McGuinness McDermott Foundation plans to expand the range of entertainment for the crowd on the
day beyond the children’s clinics and meet the stars sessions that have been part of the day for some
time. Football ‘tragics’ will have the chance to play in a curtain raiser match on the hallowed AAMI
Stadium turf and experience the sensation of being an AFL star for a day.
A bevy of SA footy’s finest including Tony Modra, Nigel Smart, Mark Bickley and Rod Jameson and
Damien Hardwick, Matt Primus, Scott Cummings and Damien Squire will strut their stuff on the day.
The big news from the dressing rooms is Ben Hart and Josh Francou have advised selectors that they
are ready to make their debut in West End Slowdown VIII to the delight of Crows and Power fans alike.
“We are thrilled at the support offered by the SANFL to open AAMI Stadium up to our match and inturn
make this event bigger and better for the future. This gives members and supporters of both Clubs the
chance to come to the home of footy and see their hero’s go around before they retire – again” said MMF
Director Tony McGuinness.
Leigh Whicker added “ The SA football family is very proud of work that Chris and Tony have done over
the past 10 years with their Foundation supporting children with cancer in this State. In many ways this
stellar charity commitment and success exceeds their football careers and that is extraordinary as they will
always be regarded as two of our finest football talents”.
"It's great that Slowdown is coming to our home ground. Our Club has always supported the concept,
enjoyed watching the 'veterans' go around - and looks forward to seeing how quickly they get around the
expanses at AAMI these days!' said Crows CEO Steven Trigg. In a similar sentiment, John James CEO of
Port Adelaide said “Through the McGuiness McDermott Foundation the event has raised significant funds
which have been put to great use within the community. It's fantastic to hear that the Slowdown is being
moved to AAMI stadium, our home ground. And it is even better that we will see some of our past stars
back playing on AAMI stadium”.
Over $1m has been raised from the West End Slowdown matches since 2000 for the direct benefit of
seriously ill children in SA.
The McGuinness McDermott Foundation is aiming to raise $250 000 from the day and ALL these
funds will go to the MMF Children’s Clinic at the WCH. For further information call Tony
McGuinness , Chris McDermott or Mark McGill on

[bayman]

i would think ben got asked & said yes depending on what happens with north

[giffo]

I still reckon the timing of it sucks You wait, it'll be full back page spreads, with some page 5-9 snippets, whilst the SANFL grand final & prelim finals will barely rate a mention

[bayman]

I still reckon the timing of it sucks You wait, it'll be full back page spreads, with some page 5-9 snippets, whilst the SANFL grand final & prelim finals will barely rate a mention

i agree 100% with that & that is one of the reasons i've never gone to it (slowdown) infact the main reason

[redden whites]

OMFG its being talked about 7 months out... I honestly want to vomit.

[carey18]

Get over it

[Dutchy]

Get over it

Exactly....you blokes cannot bag the slowdown surely?

FFS get some sense

[heater31]

Get over it

Exactly....you blokes cannot bag the slowdown surely?

FFS get some sense

I won't bag the concept or its aim, but I will bag the media attention that it gets FFS there is still a legitimate competion still in progress why have pages and pages dedicated to yesterday's players clowning around like a bunch of twits wishing they were 18 again.


Ben Hart hasnt set the best example either by commiting to it when he is still playing competitive football

[Dutchy]

its the media attention that gets people to the game and put their hand in their pockets...lets not forget this raises $300k for kids with cancer...anyone having a go at that concept....well....no I wont say it

Conversely I think the SANFL should get on the front foot and promote the finals series heavily...

[carey18]

Well dont blame the concept or the aim of it. Have a go at the media not the players or people who give up there time for this game. Im not going into it as im closely involved with it. I understand where you are coming from but far out dont read it or move on

[Sojourner]

If the Slowdown can be planned to sell out Football Park, and they can sell out Football Park to watch the Hybrid Gaelic footy between Australia and Ireland, there is no reason why the SANFL Grand Final cannot be promoted in like manner and also be a sell out.

It is time that the SANFL leadership got off their backsides and started promoting the game, instead of comming up with suggestions like scrapping the Mini League and refusing to support the Total SANFL show on Channel 31. If they seriously cannot do more to promote SANFL football and make that happen, then it is time for a leadership change.

[carey18]

I agree. Stop these shit ads they run and stop blaming everyone else and got of your arse and promote the league better. If not move on

[G]

Ben Hart will not, I repeat will not, play any part in a hillbilly game while North are still involved in a finals campaign. Its even ludicrous to suggest otherwise and a slur on Bens professionalism and character. We all agree its a great cause but the line has to be and will be drawn somewhere.

[Jimmy]

i dont see anyone bagging the CONCEPT, i see plenty bagging the MEDIA



i dont care if they promote this, but atleast promote our OWN finals series too, played around THE SAME TIME.

[Dutchy]

Up nice and Early Jimmy?

[Pseudo]

i dont see anyone bagging the CONCEPT, i see plenty bagging the MEDIA



i dont care if they promote this, but atleast promote our OWN finals series too, played around THE SAME TIME.

and better still, play the damn slowdown at a LATER time when it's not going to impact on the SANFL.