AFL considering The Sydney Celtics???

[Allstar cards inc]

This was on afl.com.au.....the big question is.....would Chad change from Melbourne to the Sydney Celtics??

AFL considering 'Sydney Celtics'

The AFL is considering a radical proposal to launch an Irish-dominated team in Sydney's western suburbs which would perform before an international audience under the Celtic brand name.

Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick confirmed on Friday night the Irish option was being explored as a possible basis for the competition's 18th team, to debut as early as 2012.

The Sydney Celtics plan was first put to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou 18 months ago by Gaelic Players Association executive Donal O'Neill, Fairfax newspapers reported on Saturday.

It has gained momentum in recent weeks following player agent Ricky Nixon's talent-spotting tour of Ireland.

Nixon has contacted Demetriou and Fitzpatrick in recent days and put forward a revised template for the AFL's 18th licence.

Fitzpatrick said on Friday night: "It's been put to us and, while it's not without its issues, it's something we'll explore. Ricky has made a reasonably compelling case and we are not discounting anything at this stage."

The Celtic proposal would bring an expanded television audience in Ireland and across Britain, as well as open a marketing bonanza given the international cachet afforded the Boston Celtics (NBL) and the Glasgow Celtic (Scottish FA).

Australia's Irish heritage and the AFL's historic relationship with Gaelic football add to the proposal's selling points.

Currently nine Irish players feature on AFL club lists. The AFL's most famous Irishman, Jim Stynes, was recently appointed chairman of Melbourne.

 

[Dr. Curlytek]

He isn't about to answer...but in his absence, I can categorically say "no". If they also introduce a Lakers team...that might change to a "maybe"

 

[Matt26]

How about a Launceston Lakers?

 

[wall4ace]

theres the AFL's first mistake having a guy called Mike Fitzpatrick


cheers

 

[DarthAnnihl8or]

I don't mind the idea, but most of the Irish players take at least 3 years to develop. If they decide to go this way they'll have to get it off the ground quick.

 

[dickyKnee]

Not the worst idea i have heard of.

 

[Funkadelic]

This was on afl.com.au.....the big question is.....would Chad change from Melbourne to the Sydney Celtics??

I saw the story in the SMH today and thought the same as well

 

[SheedyStar]

the idea has some merit, but I would have thought that the International series would have raised enough alarm bells about the Irish's ability to physically compete against the bigger athletes. No doubt they have talent and no doubt they have speed, but their bodies will not stand a full AFL season. There needs to be a development period and some pretty big stepping stones put in place I would have thought.

Be pretty awesome if it happened though. Still holding out for a Tassie team too, they have to be the unluckiest football state in Australia to not be considered for a team.

 

[cricket_cox]

cant see it happening