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https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/named-and-famed-all-15-a-league-expansion-bids-491692
With the nominations for expansion of the A League now public, I thought a discussion might pass the time.
It`s interesting that 15 nominations have been submitted although I was surprised that Brisbane Strikers withdrew their nomination as they would have have had a good chance.
Looking at the NSW nominations:-
CAMPBELLTOWN - 50 kilometres south-west of Sydney's CBD, a NSW bid based at the 20,000 capacity Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Backed by billionaire property developer Lang Walker with Brett Emerton as Bid Ambassador.
I must admit I have a bias for this one as I am a former Chairman of Macarthur Rams. However, geographically it would be an ideal contender. The Macarthur area is a rapidly expanding region, locked in between Badgery`s creek airport (Penrith),Western Sydney,Sutherland & Wollongong.
It already has a 20,000 capacity stadium located next to Leumeah railway station and is only a minute drive from the M5 freeway. The Macarthur Rams are currently in NPL2 & the local Association boasts over 11,000 registered players. Bid ambassador Brett Emmerton is a local lad as is ex socceroos David Carney,Matt Thompson & Paul Reid.Current Matildas player Alanna Kennedy is also a local along with ex Matildas Heather Garriock & Sarah Walsh just to name a few.
This could be the dark horse of the submissions as they are located far enough away from Sydney FC (1Hr) & Wanderers (1hr) & also Wollongong (1hr) if that bid is successful.
SOUTH-WEST SYDNEY - Based in Liverpool, west of Sydney. A new A-League bid aiming to take advantage of South-West Sydney's growing population, infrastructure projects and city planning.
Basically a bid by Southern Districts Football Association. Although Liverpool is growing as a business centre, there is no stadium there as yet. The location is classed as part of western Sydney so there would be some conflict there as well as with Sydney FC which is only about 40mins away.
SOUTHERN EXPANSION - Aiming to represent the Sutherland, St George and Illawarra regions, will play its home games at three separate venues. Backed by a Chinese / Hong Kong-based investor.
An interesting submission. From all accounts a new stadium is to be built at Loftus to accomodate the franchise. Money seems to be no object. This is a strong football community with NPL clubs Sutherland , Rockdale Suns & Wollongong Wolves within it`s catchment area as well as many NPL2 & 3 clubs.
The location would be the biggest drawback though, with it`s close proximity to Sydney FC (30mins). If accepted it would almost certainly be the death-knell for Wollongong as a stand alone ALeague club.
WOLLONGONG WOLVES - Another former NSL heavyweight led by CEO Chris Papakosmas, based at 18,000 capacity WIN Stadium. Adam Federici is Bid Ambassador.
A similar region to our own in size & population & a former successful NSL club. It already has it`s stadium (beside the beach) at Wollongong & is close to rail /road transport. Wollongong is also seen as the regional centre of southeast NSW & as such has a huge catchment area extending down to the border. An ideal location (1hr) from Sydney FC, ( 2hrs) from Wanderers & 45mins from Macarthur. A sentimental favourite.
TASMANIA
TASMANIA UNITED - Backed by former Victory shareholders Robert Belteky and Harry Stamoulis, currently based at 18,000-capacity North Hobart Oval with tentative government plans for rectangular stadium.
This bid stands alone, as it is a would give Tasmania it`s only National football league sport & would spread the football brand into a new frontier.With the whole state as the catchment area, a population of over 500,000 people & the support of the State Government this will be a strong bid.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ADELAIDE 11 - Backed by former NSL club Adelaide City despite their previous uncertainty over viability and based out of West Adelaide, reportedly aiming to play at Cooper's Stadium.
Another former NSL club seeking admission to the A League. This appears to be one of the weaker bids with Adelaide City seeking to share Adelaide United`s ground. Not sure of it`s financial capacity but with Damien Mori involved anything is possible.
QUEENSLAND
BRISBANE CITY - The only Brisbane-based bid due to Brisbane Strikers' withdrawal. Led by former politician and CEO Robert Cavalucci, based at 19,000 capacity Ballymore Stadium.
Whist Queensland deserve another team due to the Roar`s success i`m not sure this is the one we need. Very little information other than the ground location.
GOLD COAST UNITED - Former A-League club that had its licence revoked in 2012 under the former ownership of Clive Palmer, based at 27,000 capacity Robina Stadium.
The Gold Coast is a very strong football community with well established local clubs.
It`s a large,well populated area with a fantastic Stadium.The biggest plus for this bid is that Clive Palmer has nothing to do with it.
WESTERN PRIDE - Provisional Ipswich bid launched by Queensland NPL club Western Pride, currently based at 5,000 capacity North Ipswich Reserve.
Could this be the Wanderers Queensland style? A successful NPL side with players currently feeding into the Roar & Mariners. The stadium would need to be upgraded as it only has a limited capacity & is shared with the local rugby league team.With a projected population of 430,000 by 2031 it may be a bit ambitious & premature at this stage.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
CANBERRA - Another late bid, unrevealed whether it has direct links with W-League side Canberra United. Canberra based backers, based at 25,000 capacity Canberra Stadium.
Canberra would be good for the A League as it`s a single city bid with Territory Govt backing & a large catchment area.The biggest drawback though would be it`s perceived isolation, but with a very strong WSL team it could be a goer.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
FREMANTLE CITY - Reportedly sharing Perth Glory's 20,000 capacity nib Stadium and launched separately to existing W.A NPL club Fremantle City.
A real roughie. Whilst Perth could handle another team I don`t think the FFA will look favourably on this bid. A shared stadium with Glory isn`t ideal & Fremantle City taking the title from another club doesn`t look good
VICTORIA
TEAM 11 - Dandenong-based bid represented by local councillors and former Herald Sun journalist Matt Windley. Provisional plans for a boutique stadium next to Dandenong Station.
No stadium as yet & very little information?
SOUTH MELBOURNE - Former NSL heavyweights and four-time national champions, the Oceania Club of the Century is based at the 12,000 capacity Lakeside Stadium.
Probably one of the favourites for inclusion. SM is a former NSL club with a large following.Their inclusion could breakdown some of the divisions between the old NSL & the A League.They have the money,the basis of a team & have a stadium (abeit in need of an upgrade) only problem is they also play in blue.
WEST MELBOURNE - Reportedly the relocation of a Geelong-based bid to represent Melbourne's western suburbs, sparked interest by announcing it could fund its own A-League stadium.
Another serious contender with plenty of money apparently.Not sure where they would play whilst the stadium is being built. I wonder if they play in blue?
BELGRAVIA LEISURE - Geoff Lord's late-bid for an A-League club based in inner Melbourne, stadium plans yet to be announced.
No Idea about this one
With the nominations for expansion of the A League now public, I thought a discussion might pass the time.
It`s interesting that 15 nominations have been submitted although I was surprised that Brisbane Strikers withdrew their nomination as they would have have had a good chance.
Looking at the NSW nominations:-
CAMPBELLTOWN - 50 kilometres south-west of Sydney's CBD, a NSW bid based at the 20,000 capacity Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Backed by billionaire property developer Lang Walker with Brett Emerton as Bid Ambassador.
I must admit I have a bias for this one as I am a former Chairman of Macarthur Rams. However, geographically it would be an ideal contender. The Macarthur area is a rapidly expanding region, locked in between Badgery`s creek airport (Penrith),Western Sydney,Sutherland & Wollongong.
It already has a 20,000 capacity stadium located next to Leumeah railway station and is only a minute drive from the M5 freeway. The Macarthur Rams are currently in NPL2 & the local Association boasts over 11,000 registered players. Bid ambassador Brett Emmerton is a local lad as is ex socceroos David Carney,Matt Thompson & Paul Reid.Current Matildas player Alanna Kennedy is also a local along with ex Matildas Heather Garriock & Sarah Walsh just to name a few.
This could be the dark horse of the submissions as they are located far enough away from Sydney FC (1Hr) & Wanderers (1hr) & also Wollongong (1hr) if that bid is successful.
SOUTH-WEST SYDNEY - Based in Liverpool, west of Sydney. A new A-League bid aiming to take advantage of South-West Sydney's growing population, infrastructure projects and city planning.
Basically a bid by Southern Districts Football Association. Although Liverpool is growing as a business centre, there is no stadium there as yet. The location is classed as part of western Sydney so there would be some conflict there as well as with Sydney FC which is only about 40mins away.
SOUTHERN EXPANSION - Aiming to represent the Sutherland, St George and Illawarra regions, will play its home games at three separate venues. Backed by a Chinese / Hong Kong-based investor.
An interesting submission. From all accounts a new stadium is to be built at Loftus to accomodate the franchise. Money seems to be no object. This is a strong football community with NPL clubs Sutherland , Rockdale Suns & Wollongong Wolves within it`s catchment area as well as many NPL2 & 3 clubs.
The location would be the biggest drawback though, with it`s close proximity to Sydney FC (30mins). If accepted it would almost certainly be the death-knell for Wollongong as a stand alone ALeague club.
WOLLONGONG WOLVES - Another former NSL heavyweight led by CEO Chris Papakosmas, based at 18,000 capacity WIN Stadium. Adam Federici is Bid Ambassador.
A similar region to our own in size & population & a former successful NSL club. It already has it`s stadium (beside the beach) at Wollongong & is close to rail /road transport. Wollongong is also seen as the regional centre of southeast NSW & as such has a huge catchment area extending down to the border. An ideal location (1hr) from Sydney FC, ( 2hrs) from Wanderers & 45mins from Macarthur. A sentimental favourite.
TASMANIA
TASMANIA UNITED - Backed by former Victory shareholders Robert Belteky and Harry Stamoulis, currently based at 18,000-capacity North Hobart Oval with tentative government plans for rectangular stadium.
This bid stands alone, as it is a would give Tasmania it`s only National football league sport & would spread the football brand into a new frontier.With the whole state as the catchment area, a population of over 500,000 people & the support of the State Government this will be a strong bid.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ADELAIDE 11 - Backed by former NSL club Adelaide City despite their previous uncertainty over viability and based out of West Adelaide, reportedly aiming to play at Cooper's Stadium.
Another former NSL club seeking admission to the A League. This appears to be one of the weaker bids with Adelaide City seeking to share Adelaide United`s ground. Not sure of it`s financial capacity but with Damien Mori involved anything is possible.
QUEENSLAND
BRISBANE CITY - The only Brisbane-based bid due to Brisbane Strikers' withdrawal. Led by former politician and CEO Robert Cavalucci, based at 19,000 capacity Ballymore Stadium.
Whist Queensland deserve another team due to the Roar`s success i`m not sure this is the one we need. Very little information other than the ground location.
GOLD COAST UNITED - Former A-League club that had its licence revoked in 2012 under the former ownership of Clive Palmer, based at 27,000 capacity Robina Stadium.
The Gold Coast is a very strong football community with well established local clubs.
It`s a large,well populated area with a fantastic Stadium.The biggest plus for this bid is that Clive Palmer has nothing to do with it.
WESTERN PRIDE - Provisional Ipswich bid launched by Queensland NPL club Western Pride, currently based at 5,000 capacity North Ipswich Reserve.
Could this be the Wanderers Queensland style? A successful NPL side with players currently feeding into the Roar & Mariners. The stadium would need to be upgraded as it only has a limited capacity & is shared with the local rugby league team.With a projected population of 430,000 by 2031 it may be a bit ambitious & premature at this stage.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
CANBERRA - Another late bid, unrevealed whether it has direct links with W-League side Canberra United. Canberra based backers, based at 25,000 capacity Canberra Stadium.
Canberra would be good for the A League as it`s a single city bid with Territory Govt backing & a large catchment area.The biggest drawback though would be it`s perceived isolation, but with a very strong WSL team it could be a goer.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
FREMANTLE CITY - Reportedly sharing Perth Glory's 20,000 capacity nib Stadium and launched separately to existing W.A NPL club Fremantle City.
A real roughie. Whilst Perth could handle another team I don`t think the FFA will look favourably on this bid. A shared stadium with Glory isn`t ideal & Fremantle City taking the title from another club doesn`t look good
VICTORIA
TEAM 11 - Dandenong-based bid represented by local councillors and former Herald Sun journalist Matt Windley. Provisional plans for a boutique stadium next to Dandenong Station.
No stadium as yet & very little information?
SOUTH MELBOURNE - Former NSL heavyweights and four-time national champions, the Oceania Club of the Century is based at the 12,000 capacity Lakeside Stadium.
Probably one of the favourites for inclusion. SM is a former NSL club with a large following.Their inclusion could breakdown some of the divisions between the old NSL & the A League.They have the money,the basis of a team & have a stadium (abeit in need of an upgrade) only problem is they also play in blue.
WEST MELBOURNE - Reportedly the relocation of a Geelong-based bid to represent Melbourne's western suburbs, sparked interest by announcing it could fund its own A-League stadium.
Another serious contender with plenty of money apparently.Not sure where they would play whilst the stadium is being built. I wonder if they play in blue?
BELGRAVIA LEISURE - Geoff Lord's late-bid for an A-League club based in inner Melbourne, stadium plans yet to be announced.
No Idea about this one