When the AFL starts asking for state league name changes and for a share in the licenses of the Eagles and Dockers then I've got serious problems with the AFL controlling the game.
In WA the WAFC controls the sport, is resposible with the WAFL for the development of top line talent within a completely separate system to AFL. Auskick or not.
The licenses that Westcoast and Fremantle hold are essential to the sports standing in the community but they belong to the people of this state and are run as such. Now if the AFL want supreme control over all clubs and competitions then they need to be governed by a separate power. Period.
Have the WAFC considered looking to introduce (perhaps in 5-6-8 years) a team from South Africa?
Perhaps the South African team (At least initially) could play half its games in Cape Town and half in Port Elizabeth. (To reduce costs for the team). And the WAFL teams could fly over to play them - paid for by the WAFC (Or AFL?).
Now that would be some real innovation on the part of the WAFC wouldn't it? Growing the game and potentially opening up a new market.
Perhaps the WAFC and Freo/WCE could do a deal with the AFL that they get priority over any potential South African recruits for a period - 10 years perhaps?
It would eliminate the bye in the WAFL for one thing wouldn't it?
When the South African team started becoming more competitive (hopefully after 2-3 years) they could start flying over to Perth to play a few away games. And then perhaps you open up the possibilty of 2 South African teams - one in Cape Town & one in Port Elizabeth - depending of course on how the team has been received in each of these cities.