After the Telstra Dome agreed to ease up on restrictions for the Asian Champions League last month, I was interested to learn about Tunna’s involvement in making those changes happen. He also shared his thoughts on the atmosphere created by the fans at last month’s match against the Chunnam Dragons.

This is the interview in its entirety. If you’d like to read the article, which talks more generally about the background of the conflict, go here.

What was your involvement in negotiations between the club, Telstra Dome and fans?

“Since the establishment of BWB, my involvement has relied heavily on acting as a liaison between the club, the group and the general North Terrace popolus. Along with the help of others who have done a tremendous job, this has continued throughout the negotiations with the FFA and Telstra Dome. While the meetings can become tiresome, especially when you get a sense of feeling that no inroads are being made, they also open your eyes to the greater spectrum that is the Australian Sports industry. The meetings do test your resolve and challenge your negotiation skills. I also acted as an informant to relay news through to the general supporter base via the fans forum.

“In the end, it was a collective group of people, all believing in the same cause that allowed for this major change to occur. There were many hours put into the movement to change the attitudes of the venue to allow us to support the team how we see fit. There is still some ground to cover but everyone involved should be congratulated for what we have achieved to date.”

What was your reaction to the announcement by the club this week? Happiness? Relief?

“A combination of both I guess. I was more interested in hearing other people’s reactions. Most were positive, so I started thinking about the awakening, on a grand scale of the North Terrace. Again, I felt a sense of achievement that the hard work that we were all putting in was making a difference and the Football supporters in this city taking massive strides forward.”

The changes seem to cover the majority of what fans were asking for. Were there any supporter requests still not agreed to?

“Yes, there are still some requests that were not granted, for various reasons.”

How much difference do you think the changes to stadium policy made to the atmosphere at the Chunnam Dragons game?

“In terms of the atmosphere that Melbourne fans have become known for, it was a very good effort. You only have to watch the replay and speak to the players to realise how much of a difference it does make. The stadium was like a morgue for the most part of last season. We’d hate for it to ever go back to that.

“There remain some issues specifically to do with the reserved bays and oversized flags. We are confident that this will be sorted before the next home game against Gamba Osaka.”

“Following consultation with our supporter groups, meetings with Telstra Dome and approval from Football Federation Australia, we’re pleased to announce several changes at Telstra Dome for our three AFC Champions League home matches.”

The changes certainly suggest that Telstra Dome will be easing up in its treatment of fans. Nothing, however, is said of Level 3; presumably, fans will still not be permitted to stand there.

According to the Melbourne Victory website, these are the major changes:

• “The area on Level 1 behind the goal at the La Trobe Street end is reinstated to Victory General Admission ticket holders. This area and the area on Level 1 behind the goal at the Bourke Street end (“North Terrace”) will be designated standing areas
• Key supporter groups will have reserved bays at both ends on Level 1 of Telstra Dome to establish a presence, as seen at Victory’s last home game against Wellington Phoenix.
• Musical instruments, including drums and trumpets, will be allowed in the areas on Level 1 behind the goals through a registration process with the club.
• Oversized flags will be permitted within the areas on Level 1 behind the goals through a registration process with the club.
• Approved supporter banners can be displayed in the areas on Level 1 behind the goals, and if commercial signage allows, along the perimeter fence. Other banners will be considered, providing they don’t obstruct commercial signage or impede spectator viewing.
• Supporter groups at both ends will have the use of one megaphone in order to assist nominated leaders with chants and directions.
• Supporter groups can organise choreographed displays of support within the areas on Level 1 behind the goals, as approved by Victory and Telstra Dome.
• The away team supporter area will be situated on the Harbour Esplanade side of Telstra Dome at the La Trobe St end (adjacent to Gate 8).”

What do you think of the changes? Are they enough? I would love to hear from some of you Northern Terrace supporters about this issue.

Source: Changes at Telstra Dome ahead of AFC Champions League 2008