Posted Tue 14 Dec 2010 13:57
The Gold Coast is the crucible for a second AFL Interstate placement in Qld. The Bears opened their account at Carrara, many moons past with Warwick Capper, a supporting cast and a lot of hoopla. Johnny Gastev and some Westerners left Perth to enjoy the Beaches, Lifestyle and the challenge of helping to establish a new Franchise in a less than Aust. Football code established State with however, many "Mexicans" who had moved North for the same "Lifestyle" reasons. The rest is History, after "absorbing" the Lions from Melbourne, When the Footascray Puppies had their fill, the ex Bears, now Lions moved to Brisvegas and after a lot of spin and subsidy, pulled a 3peat which saw the initial indignity of West Coast and Adelaide "stealing" the Holy Grail Interstate, fade into inconsequence and howls of charges about undue support to the detriment of Vic Clubs in general. A unique Squeal to be sure!
So speaking of Eggs, breaking to make an omelette, or Sunny Side up, is it best Free Range or Battery style. The way this establishment has gone, it is more Battery styled with the "Evereadys" being clipped off the other Clubs belts.
It remains to see if the groundbreakers like Gastev in the early years who stayed over to assist with the Game's development pays dividends in home grown talent, in the meantime, they have had and will enjoy an unprecedented advantage, as will GWS.
Will it be Armagedon for the rest...not likely, Market Share willing.