Here is a summary of the debate so far.
The AFL is set to introduce a 20th team to the competition in the near future. With Tasmania’s entry into the AFL being almost completed, the AFL will have 19 teams by 2027/2028, which will force the league to begin the process of selecting the location for the 20th team to avoid prolonged bye rounds while also increasing the number of weekly matches to 10 per round. The discussion on the bigfooty.com AFL forum revolves around which location would be best suited for the 20th team.
Canberra is suggested as a favorite to gain the 20th license in the AFL, given its close proximity to Sydney and Melbourne, its current population of 467k (expected to grow to 700k+ by 2063), and ideal weather compared to the other Northern states or territories. However, the fact that GWS Giants have a 10-year deal to play 3 home games per year in Canberra, making it highly unlikely that Canberra will get that license now. Additionally, places like Queanbeyan (37,000), Yass (17,000) super close, then places like Wagga Wagga, Holbrook, Murrumbateman, Golburn, Gundagai, Albury, etc. within a few hours drive that can be used as a catchment area. It would also be beneficial to GWS because they can finally focus entirely on being an actual Western Sydney team.
Suggestions were also made for a third team in Perth, which was not supported by many due to the lack of a population center outside of Perth that would be big enough to justify a team. Others suggested that a Northern Territory team would be fun to watch, but the infrastructure and cost of hosting an AFL license full-time over there would be too much, let alone the hot and humid weather for other AFL teams. Some suggested that a joint-venture option from a Victorian club like North Melbourne could occur to split their home games between Victoria and the Northern Territory, keeping the amount of teams to 20.
Other suggestions included Cairns, Darwin, and a Cairns/Darwin hybrid Northern Australia team, but these suggestions were seen as too risky due to small populations, lack of infrastructure, and distance from other AFL teams.
The 20th side is not needed yet, according to some forum users. They suggested that it should be located in a place like Darwin, Cairns, or Canberra, where games are already being played, as this would remove the bye round and roll all year. The Gather Round could be a game vs. the host state league combined team, which would be a trial for Midseason draft.
In conclusion, the discussion on the bigfooty.com AFL forum suggests that Canberra would be the ideal location for the 20th team, given its proximity to Sydney and Melbourne, current population, and ideal weather conditions. However, due to GWS Giants’ 10-year deal to play 3 home games per year in Canberra, it is unlikely that the city will get that license. Suggestions for other locations were made, including Perth, Cairns, Darwin, and a Cairns/Darwin hybrid Northern Australia team, but these were seen as too risky due to small populations, lack of infrastructure, and distance from other AFL teams. Ultimately, the decision on the location for the 20th team will be made by the AFL in the future.
