We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Oh to be a fly on the wall inside the offices of Braddon and Bruce this week.
The ACT government has signed off on a new $28.5 million deal to bring GWS Giants games to Canberra - a steep $5.5 million hike on the previous deal which provided Manuka Oval with regular AFL content.
The government's decision to strike an even more expensive deal with the Giants is set to be a point of tension for Canberra Raiders chief executive Don Furner and his ACT Brumbies counterpart Phil Thomson.
Pressure gauge: (1) Safe as houses, (2) Not going anywhere, (3) Safe for now (4) Walking the tightrope (5) Last chance saloon
Ricky Stuart - Canberra Raiders
Stuart became Canberra’s longest-serving coach in history this year, surpassing his former mentor Tim Sheens with game number 221 back in August.
The club was criticised for extending Stuart in the middle of the season as the Raiders were languishing in the bottom half of the ladder.
But he then orchestrated a sensational charge up the ladder to finish eighth and then the Green Machine upset Melbourne in the first week of the finals.
The club has stuck by Stuart through thick and thin and in 2019 he took Canberra to their first grand final since 1994. He’ll be coaching the club just about as long as he wants.
Contracted: 2025
Verdict: (2) Not going anywhere
The incident escalated to the point that the NSW Police riot squad were called.