Eels Member Forum - Thursday November 21 - Eels Blogs

This was a Q and A session available for members who had registered their interest in attending. The forum was hosted by Nathan Cayless, with responses by John Boulous, Daniel Anderson and our membership and communications teams. We were also informed about the work done by the Member Council, with Chris from 1EE and a Council colleague addressing the meeting. We gained some insight into the work of the Council and the value that the club places on member feedback. Chris did a great job with this, well done mate.The main points of interest were:1. The final season at Pirtek and its impending redevelopment. This is likely to begin at season's end 2016. The rebuild will take 2 years. The final decision about our alternative venue during those years has not been finalised as yet but must accommodate our fan base/membership numbers. I think we have a fair idea where it will be. As for this year, ANZ level 4 should be available for Parra members to access in home matches.2. Transport to our venues. Some members, especially from the Hills areas, expressed their difficulty in travelling by public transport to our current Sydney venues. The member team are looking into this.3. Match day experiences. There were a number of suggestions thrown forward, far too many for me to recall. Everything from Car Park Parties (like NFL) to dedicated supporter bays (there were those in attendance who hadn't realised that there are attempts to organise this) to food prices and on field match analysis. Larissa responded to most and noted suggestions. John Boulous explained that the club can't control the catering contract and its prices but added that the NRL is looking into such matters.4. NSW Cup and NYC. Daniel Anderson stated that there is no final decision about what the format of lower grade competitions will be beyond this year. When it comes to scheduling Wenty matches at Pirtek, Boulous explained the NRL has a say on this as it is normally mandated that it will be 2 matches - the exception being the 3pm Saturday match.5. Communications and Media. We are seeing what the team are trying to put together in enhancing the fan experience already. The most recent video was mentioned on the night. There are genuine limitations placed on the team by the NRL (eg team lists are not to be made public before 5pm Tuesdays) and its a fine balancing act between engaging the fans and not crossing the line with the football teams preparation for a match. I've got a lot of time for what Josh, Hugh and the team are doing (my apologies - I didn't catch the name of the lady from the media team who addressed many questions and was very informative).6. Recruitment and Salary Cap. We are in a good position here and are confident that we will satisfy the NRL with our governance measures. We have been able to utilise Ian Schubert in this endeavour, not just in assisting with our current contracts, but also in addressing new contracts moving forward. We are continuing to work with PWC in the review of our governance.7. Radradra and Edwards. Semi was granted extended family leave and is due back in the coming week. Kenny Edwards will be re- registered as a player in the coming week also.8. Hoppa - no longer contracted to the club.9. Ambitions for the year. Daniel Anderson fielded this question. Top 8 most definitely. Very impressed with how the squad is coming together. The impact of new recruits such as Foran and Scott on their team mates has been a positive and the club has made depth and strengthening of the Wenty team a vital component of the preparation.10. Moving Forward - the club is looking to set a platform for sustained success. Long term plans as well as short term ambitions. To that end, the training facilities for the players have been vastly improved and the Saleyards venue will continue to develop. The lower grade coaches are part of the NRL coaching team, ensuring greater cohesion within the football department. Financially the Leagues Club is moving ahead with the development plans. This means that when the new stadium is completed, the sports/entertainment precinct will be quite impressive and should help to generate even greater revenue for the club.Overall, quite informative. About 40 to 50 members were in attendance. There was an opportunity to speak to all of the club representatives in attendance, both before and after the event. Mr Adrian Proszenko was there and reported on some aspects.If I've missed anything, perhaps others such as Sir Super, Ham, Chris or Gol could add their recollections.

"In a way, i'm glad a deal didn't get done. If it did, i think the feeling would have been that we lost & succumbed to pressure from the Storm & NRL as we wouldn't have gained that much. $400K is not really that much to carry for this year. This way,…"

"Happens all the time (NBA refs, some eventually caught). How many Storm personnel went to jail for cooking books? Gambling industry rife with cheating (horse racing etc). Eels last year were the only team I seen get done for the roll play the ball.…"

"The more likely outcome is they will not fuck with us anytime soon. We showed we're not going to be pushed around and we have enough dirt on them to bring the comp to its knees. "

Replies

Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown November 22, 2015 at 9:02am

Thanks for the rundown 60s, appreciate it.

LOL Carpark parties could be good, they generally call that dogging out my way lol, the chances of that happening in Aus with all the rules, insurance, regulations and PC gang is zero, and would probably take money away from the leagues club, but its not a bad idea.
Bup November 22, 2015 at 9:02am

Nice summary Sixties.
- sixtiesboy > Bup November 22, 2015 at 9:13am
  
  Cheers fellas. I had a special request to think about a blog for today last night. I couldn't disappoint!!!!!!
Alan Hunt November 22, 2015 at 9:59am

Cheers for the info 60's, sounds like things are moving in the right direction on and off the field.
- sixtiesboy > Alan Hunt November 22, 2015 at 10:12am
  
  People that had individual issues, eg parking on match days, unsatisfactory seating at ANZ, lack of information about junior reps were given the opportunity to voice their complaints. It was a good exercise. Given many people here are not in an opportunity to attend, thought I'd post details to the best of my recollection. Cheers, Alan.
Ricky November 22, 2015 at 10:13am

Sounds like you're referring to Sarah, Sixties.

Carpark parties - a bit outlandish, haha. Hopefully what was said at this forum clears up some misconceptions about what is and isn't happening as well.

Good summary, Sixties.
- sixtiesboy > Ricky November 22, 2015 at 10:37am
  
  If that is Sarah, my apologies for not catching her name. Thanks Ricky.
colin hussey November 22, 2015 at 10:25am

Thank you 60's for the report, a good & informative read.
- sixtiesboy > colin hussey November 22, 2015 at 10:43am
  
  Cheers Colin. I didn't take notes and I tend to best remember those aspects that I am most interested in. If I've missed something that others in attendance considered important, perhaps they could add to it. It's been a couple of days since the event and I've been a bit busy lately so I've probably forgotten something.
Ricky November 22, 2015 at 10:47am

I presume it is/was, but I could be wrong as well.