The FFA are fucking idiots for making the new national competition like the fucken Sheffield Sheild or whatever the hell it's called now - one team per city (but of course allowing three of the 8 teams to be from NSW
) and getting rid of the old derbies from the NSL that were always good value. The Adelaide United - South derby in the final NSL season was quality, 2 absolutely outstanding away trips where our fans took over their ground. No punchons just quality football banter. And the games against Perth Glory in Melbourne always attracted a good crowd and it was always a quality football game. South vs Perth in 2001, 1st vs 2nd at Bob Jane Stadium, PISSPOURING down all afternoon and a good 12k still rocked up for the 1-1 draw. Glory always had a few supporters at these games too. Another quality rivalry was Knights-Glory
Once the team struggles and the gloss wears off (ie the NSL with a gloss of paint on it) watch the numbers drop. Every team that finishes last will get crowds like NZ Knights. For fucks sake even Canberra Cosmos were getting 1500 at least when they finishing last year after year. With all this television coverage and marketing NZ Knights can't even get 2k? Look at Perth Glory now, they got better crowds in the NSL than they do now, same with Adelaide United