You are missing the key here - the AFL has an unprecedented amount of money.....and it can keep spending it on expansion ad infinity. It is as big as it can get in the southern states because it is near saturation without a hint of that ever changing. It's long term growth in the northern states is undeniable... as big a punch in the guts as that is to some.
Soccer is back to where it was when the A League started without the novelty. Participation is as irrelevant as ever. Devastating.
has eh!
Yes, sport generally: Participation is as irrelevant as ever.