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International Rules set to expand
- Thread starter cos789
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Just remember though it wasn't too long ago that the series was dead. They don't want to overreach and ruin it again.
Care to explain what you mean? What I was trying to say is that having a one off match this year was good because that way that particular match was more likely to capture the attention of the public. Often the longer things go, the less special they are, and the novelty factor wears off.
The series faltered because it is not in either leagues interest for it to succeed to much. The Irish want it because for them, the games in Ireland were a bit of a cash cow. They do not want it to be any more than this, a couple of games to generate interest, publicity and dollars, and thats it.
The Australians want it (a little bit, and even then the interest waxes and wanes) because it gives a bit of meaning to all Australian, and gives an `international` competitive flavour.
The moment (highly unlikely to ever occur) that it would look like becoming more than that, it will get dropped so quick.
At anything more than a couple of showcase games a year, it stops being a showcase, and starts being a rival sport, one the AFL does not have complete control over. You are correct that the leagues fell out, they will always fall out, because their interests are different, and neither is used to not being in control. They can cooperate enough to keep it alive, but no more.
The Australians want it (a little bit, and even then the interest waxes and wanes) because it gives a bit of meaning to all Australian, and gives an `international` competitive flavour.
The moment (highly unlikely to ever occur) that it would look like becoming more than that, it will get dropped so quick.
At anything more than a couple of showcase games a year, it stops being a showcase, and starts being a rival sport, one the AFL does not have complete control over. You are correct that the leagues fell out, they will always fall out, because their interests are different, and neither is used to not being in control. They can cooperate enough to keep it alive, but no more.
And haven't now, and never will.
Aside from the feelgood factor of having an international game, the main benefit to AFL is in getting exposure of AFL to people who would not otherwise get much. Hence the desire to play in the US. GAA are perfectly aware that the AFL sees the international rules concept as a marketing exercise to followers of their game, hence the US idea getting shot down.
That the disincentives to the concept for both sides are not obvious does not mean they are not important and will at various times drive the decision making.
