Craig Hutchison shares idea to rebrand northern AFL derbies with new names

7NEWS

6 days ago

Channel 7 host Craig Hutchison has coined two new names for the northern AFL derbies in a bid to inspire fans and promote the game.
Currently, Brisbane and Gold Coast play in the QClash, which has been the name since the Suns' inception in 2011.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Craig Hutchison coins new names for AFL derbies.
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The original name for the clash between Sydney and Greater Wester Sydney was The Battle of the Bridge, but that was abandoned and it's now simply referred to as the Sydney derby.
The two other state-based clashes have successful names with WA's Western Derby and SA's Showdown both encapsulating the rivalries.
Hutchison said it's time to bring new names for the two northern derbies.
'This is about brand in Sydney and Brisbane. It doesn't work. The QClash is ho-hum as a name, isn't it? It doesn't inspire you,' he said on The Agenda Setters.
'The Sydney Derby or the old Battle of the Bridge?
'Here it is. In Queensland, it's the Scorcher. That's the name. It's going to be on at the Scorcher on Saturday. Who's going to the Scorcher? Can't wait to get to the Scorcher. The heat's going to be on.
'And in Sydney, it's the grudge. There's been a grudge since they started. You can harbour a grudge.'
Fellow panellists were immediately on board with the new names, in particular the clever use of 'harbour' for the Sydney clash.
Kane Cornes said he 'liked it', while Caroline Wilson said Hutchison was 'selling it well'.
Nick Riewoldt added: 'You are the great promoter.'
The Grudge fits well for the Sydney derby with the genuine dislike between the two clubs.
They have had a history of heated clashes on the field, while the rivalry has extended to social media with a number of barbs, mainly from the Giants' side, causing more friction.
Hutchison's ideas quickly divided fans, with many in support and against it.
'Actually not the worst. Good work, Hutchy,' one fan said.
'Beats the hell out of the cringey rubbish that was Battle of the Bridge. My skin crawls whenever I hear it used!' Another said.
'Definitely spot on with both suggestions,' another added.
Others backed the Grudge, but weren't on board with the Scorcher, and even threw up the Pinapple Grapple as an alternative.
'The Grudge isn't bad, but the Scorcher has to be one of the worst ideas in the history ideas,' one fan said.
'I do like the grudge match but the scorcher is woeful,' another said.
There have been already been two northern derbies this year with all sides recording one victory.
Sydney upset GWS in their earlier clash this year before the Giants turned the tables with an extraordinary comeback in last week's clash.
The Giants kicked nine goals in a wild third quarter that came immediately after captain Toby Greene called Sydney antagonist Tom Papley 'overweight' in a wild half-time interview.
The skipper was also suspended for one match for striking Isaac Heeney.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast produced an equally emphatic performance to dominate Brisbane in a 66-point victory that came after losing 12 of the past 13 against their Queensland neighbours.