Hoops

SEM Phoenix partner with Hawthorn FC

Other motivations for the merger.

Hawthorne is just following the AFL's strategy of poaching up-and-coming bballers. Right in their own front yard, so easily accessible, and probably some sort of exclusivity thrown in.

Maybe, some unsuccessful/unhappy AFL'ers might make the opposite move as per Moller.

Positives both ways. Imagine if the Fullertons, Greenwoods et al had some connection with basketball through their AFL club. Naitanui from the Eagles, Mason Cox with the Pies, more??? There's half a team already. Even got an import!

1. Greenwood
2. Fullerton
3. Moller
4. Naitanui
5. Cox

They hedge their bets on a potentially rising sport. Similar to NBA teams investing in esports. And at a very low cost.

^ regarding any negative effects, going by comments made on facebook and instagram show mixed feelings towards this.

I absolutely get the benefits that SEM get out of this, but whats in it for Hawthorn, other than eventual ownership of the club in the future, which I would assume would be a long way off anyway?

Interesting to see where this goes. After quite a lot of talk & speculation in the off-season about AFL involvement we know have the first real step.
Obviously a lot of potential positives to such a relationship. Considering how many people follow the AFL in Melbourne I'm curious to see if there are any negative effects with being associated with an AFL team that most people don't support.

It's possible that they get those services freely in exchange for something - shared membership promos or similar. Value for SEM is lower costs and a positive press release, plus maybe the relationship develops into something more.

Where's the Tommy Greer bagger on this one?? Sensational move by Phoenix

AD...... SMH

A Melb sports club that plays in the summer sharing services with a Melb sports club that plays in the winter. Are you really struggling to get your head around this concept and its potential benefits AD?
"Need to go to an AFL club for their IT"
FFS maybe read what the article said. And then actually think about it before engaging your keyboard.

No idea what AD's issue with this is because to me it makes a whole lot of sense. There are a whole lot of potential synergies here and it works beautifully with the AFL and NBL seasons pretty much opposite each other on the calendar. Great move for maximising resources and partnering with a sporting juggernaut club with loads of experience and success. One could almost say the Phoenix are kicking goals with this.

80,000 members in 2018, imagine if they garnered some interest from 5% or 10% of those?

https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-club-membership-numbers-2018-over-1-million-members-richmond-surpasses-six-figures/news-story/151ae3a71dd14c48e264ac0331f57431

According to this article Hawthorn have the 2nd most members, behind Richmond.

Some people really do speak without thinking!

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2017-11-21/hawthorn-announce-2017-financial-result

Potentially a super-smart move. Seems obvious given Hawthorn's massive reach in south-east Melbourne, their existing staff with sport-specific knowledge and the huge greenfield site they're planning in Dingley, but getting a deal done is impressive.

Interesting to see their owner quoted in this story, first time I've seen that.

R u kidding???

All nbl clubs, bar maybe Perth Wildcats could learn bucket loads from Hawthorn.

They are the best performed AFL club (Premierships) in the modern era, period! And I don't barrack for them.

College/Boomers star, seemingly too good for the NBL. Will he get a gig as an import at a big euro team or make the NBA?

Different type player to Mills but possibly equally attractive as he is more a creator than shooter.

He is projected 2nd round next year so non guaranteed contract.