20th AFL Team

[threenewpadlocks]

But I think we're a long way from team 20 regardless. Maybe the talk will pick up more once Tassie's entry is confirmed.

I think that's an inevitability once people are actually confronted with the reality of awkward by scheduling. There'll be a year that a clear premiership favourite has a final-round bye, then the pre-finals bye, and lose their first final with two weeks off or something and people will say "we need 20 teams".

 

[Canberra Pear]

Yeah probably less likely now. Canberra seems to be a bit more organised now than it was a couple of years ago too.

But I think we're a long way from team 20 regardless. Maybe the talk will pick up more once Tassie's entry is confirmed.

It probably wasn't big on most people's radar, but the moment the ACT Government announced it wanted to upgrade Manuka "for cricket" was the the big turning point for me.

I think we're closer to Team 20 than we think, but the AFL doesn't want to even look like it's close while Tasmania isn't a certainty. If the AFL officially started the ball rolling on the 20th team, it'd mean they couldn't back out of the 19th team, and then the AFL wouldn't have any leverage with Tasmania and the stadium.

Once Tasmania hits a point of no return, then I think talks around the 20th team will suddenly happen very quickly.

 

[Giant YoYo]

It probably wasn't big on most people's radar, but the moment the ACT Government announced it wanted to upgrade Manuka "for cricket" was the the big turning point for me.

I think we're closer to Team 20 than we think, but the AFL doesn't want to even look like it's close while Tasmania isn't a certainty. If the AFL officially started the ball rolling on the 20th team, it'd mean they couldn't back out of the 19th team, and then the AFL wouldn't have any leverage with Tasmania and the stadium.

Once Tasmania hits a point of no return, then I think talks around the 20th team will suddenly happen very quickly.

The AFL won't ever come close to writing the wrong on a Canberra team but this will come some way to doing so.

 

[GC2015]

Understandable logic, but I still think the necessary number was too high to be likely.

Do you still think that's the case? The NT Govt seems focused on bigger issues now.

We're probably far more likely to see an NT team compete in a future State of Origin competition than we are to a full blown AFL team based in the Top End. I'm sure the NT could have an awesome battle with the likes of Tasmania in a future state game and it'd be great exposure for some of the state league players based in the NT as they'd get to play alongside the likes of Dan Rioli, Ben Long, Zac Bailey etc and give themselves a chance to get signed by AFL teams.

There's just so many logistical issues with basing an AFL team in the NT on a full-time basis. Maybe a Northern Australia team based mainly in Cairns could service the NT markets, but even that isn't really ideal. I still think the three frontrunners for the 20th team expansion will be WA3, QLD3 & Canberra by the time the next broadcasting rights deal rolls around,

 

[Canberra Pear]

We're probably far more likely to see an NT team compete in a future State of Origin competition than we are to a full blown AFL team based in the Top End. I'm sure the NT could have an awesome battle with the likes of Tasmania in a future state game and it'd be great exposure for some of the state league players based in the NT as they'd get to play alongside the likes of Dan Rioli, Ben Long, Zac Bailey etc and give themselves a chance to get signed by AFL teams.

I would love to see the "smaller" states playing their own state of origin. It would be a great way to see an NT team without having to commit to 11 home games.

It'd also be great for the other unrepresented states. How cool would it be to see the Queensland v NSW rivalry played out at the SCG or Gabba?!

I still think the three frontrunners for the 20th team expansion will be WA3, QLD3 & Canberra by the time the next broadcasting rights deal rolls around,

I just don't think the timing works for Qld3.

There's no adequate population outside of SEQ. Gold Coast obviously can't sustain a second team. Sunshine Coast won't quite be there yet (smaller population; no plans for a suitable stadium).

And, to sound like a broken record, you just wouldn't add a second Brisbane team the same time you're increasing the Lions' capacity by so much. You'd be doing a disservice to both the Lions and the new team.

If the Lions are selling out the new stadium after a decade, that would put Qld3 in the box seat for any 21/22 expansion.

But for me, Team 20 is a two-horse race. Canberra and WA3.

 

[RedV3x]

First step

Hobart stadium secures enough support — as it happened

A stadium on Hobart's waterfront has gained enough support to pass parliament, after key independents declared they would support the contentious project — as it happened.

www.abc.net.au

 

[speedpeck23]

I would love to see the "smaller" states playing their own state of origin. It would be a great way to see an NT team without having to commit to 11 home games.

It'd also be great for the other unrepresented states. How cool would it be to see the Queensland v NSW rivalry played out at the SCG or Gabba?!



I just don't think the timing works for Qld3.

There's no adequate population outside of SEQ. Gold Coast obviously can't sustain a second team. Sunshine Coast won't quite be there yet (smaller population; no plans for a suitable stadium).

And, to sound like a broken record, you just wouldn't add a second Brisbane team the same time you're increasing the Lions' capacity by so much. You'd be doing a disservice to both the Lions and the new team.

If the Lions are selling out the new stadium after a decade, that would put Qld3 in the box seat for any 21/22 expansion.

But for me, Team 20 is a two-horse race. Canberra and WA3.

Wouldn't write off Southport Sharks.....old established club......big matches at Victoria Stadium , Smaller venue Gold Coast stadium, natural rival to GC and Lions...Direct train line between Southport + Brisbane.

 

[Canberra Pear]

Wouldn't write off Southport Sharks.....old established club......big matches at Victoria Stadium , Smaller venue Gold Coast stadium, natural rival to GC and Lions...Direct train line between Southport + Brisbane.

The boat has sailed on Southport. The only way they get in is with a Suns merger.

The Suns still have the second lowest crowds in the league. Southport would bring down the Suns' crowds and they would both have lower crowds than GWS.

I am absolutely writing off a second team on the Gold Coast and time in the next 50 years.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

The boat has sailed on Southport. The only way they get in is with a Suns merger.

The Suns still have the second lowest crowds in the league. Southport would bring down the Suns' crowds and they would both have lower crowds than GWS.

I am absolutely writing off a second team on the Gold Coast and time in the next 50 years.

They are essentially "merged" at AFL level - accepting that Southport seniors plays GC reserves at VFL level - with Southport members on the GC board.

 

[Supercoach Bargain]

The games "sold" are probably an indication of where the league wants to go.

Cairns, Darwin, Alice Springs and Bunbury.

Ultimately there will be a 22 team league with 22 rounds. One home and the next year away. There would likely be two rivalry rounds ie derby/showdowns etc.

Can't see 2 teams in the NT, so

20 Darwin based and some games in Alice.

21 Bunbury/S.W. WA

22 Cairns.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

With Tassie behind us, now we move on to the next pursuit.

 

[Badja]

The games "sold" are probably an indication of where the league wants to go.

Cairns, Darwin, Alice Springs and Bunbury.

Ultimately there will be a 22 team league with 22 rounds. One home and the next year away. There would likely be two rivalry rounds ie derby/showdowns etc.

Can't see 2 teams in the NT, so

20 Darwin based and some games in Alice.

21 Bunbury/S.W. WA

22 Cairns.

What are you talking about, they've been "selling" games to Canberra for longer than any of those locations.

 

[Canberra Pear]

What are you talking about, they've been "selling" games to Canberra for longer than any of those locations.

And more of them. 16 seasons of three games (and one of four).

Other than Covid, Darwin is the only on of those other grounds that had held more than one game in a season. And even then, Darwin's only ever hosted two in a season.

 

[champagnesanni]

If the nt gets up as team 20 now that Tassie seems locked in I’d actually feel that bad for the Canberrans. I swear gws get more fans in the house at Manuka than they do at engie.

 

[Supercoach Bargain]

What are you talking about, they've been "selling" games to Canberra for longer than any of those locations.

If you can crowbar GWS out, I agree.

I can't see it happening in the near term.

The "S" is for Sydney, so they should be there.

Having said that they don't have access to the Showgrounds all season and the Swans will never let them on the SCG.


IF (big IF) this happens:

‘A truly national AFL’: $735m Darwin stadium plan unveiled as NT bids to land 20th club

‘A truly national AFL’: $735m Darwin stadium plan unveiled as NT bids to land 20th club

www.foxsports.com.au

Who knows?

 

[Canberra Pear]

If you can crowbar GWS out, I agree.

I can't see it happening in the near term.

The "S" is for Sydney, so they should be there.

Having said that they don't have access to the Showgrounds all season and the Swans will never let them on the SCG.

The ACT Chief Minister has said the Giants are "no roadblock".

If a 20th team is on offer, he'll have no issue kicking them out.

 

[Badja]

IF (big IF) this happens:

‘A truly national AFL’: $735m Darwin stadium plan unveiled as NT bids to land 20th club

‘A truly national AFL’: $735m Darwin stadium plan unveiled as NT bids to land 20th club

www.foxsports.com.au

Who knows?

Look at how hard it was getting the money for the Hobart stadium, now try it with a place with half the tax base and half the population. A massive new Darwin stadium is never going to happen.

 

[Walshawk]

Look at how hard it was getting the money for the Hobart stadium, now try it with a place with half the tax base and half the population. A massive new Darwin stadium is never going to happen.

You also couldn’t play more than one token games in Alice Springs - a small 25k town with massive problems, and a ground who’s main grandstand seats 220. NT is not a serious contender for an AFL team.

 

[speedpeck23]

The boat has sailed on Southport. The only way they get in is with a Suns merger.

The Suns still have the second lowest crowds in the league. Southport would bring down the Suns' crowds and they would both have lower crowds than GWS.

I am absolutely writing off a second team on the Gold Coast and time in the next 50 years.

The AFL themselves put a second Brisbane team on the agenda.

? Why would they even suggest that.....SEQ population (3rd biggest urban population in Australia) with large growth potential.... AFL already has significant profile in SEQ (AFL and AFLW ) .

The Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park is a massive boost to AFL in Qld ....and opens the door for another club to play out of Brisbane /SEQ.

A 3rd club which could play out of Brisbane and/or GC would create massive opportunities to bring the high profile ,large supporter base Vic clubs to SEQ 3 times a year....and grow their own supporter base in SEQ.

In other words there is a real opportunity create a profile for AFL in SEQ which mimics (albeit on a smaller scale) the situation in Melbourne multiple club rivalries in the same location.

Clearly this heavily depends on the growth of the population in SEQ and the growth of GC Suns over the next few years to 2032.

I'm not saying the 3rd SEQ team has to be Southport but it has to be in the mix for consideration.....it is a local Queensland club with significant history, profile and assets and currently competes in the VFL comp. Runners up this year.

The Sharks are in effect the AFL's version of the NRL Dolphins.....except the Sharks already have the potential to access a local elite stadium and could also play bigger matches out of Victoria Park. ....a natural rival for both the Suns and the Lions.

 

[Fire]

There is no argument to be made that NT would make the AFL any more 'national' than a Canberran team would.

 

[Fire]

The AFL themselves put a second Brisbane team on the agenda.

I see your misunderstanding.

Southport is on the Gold Coast, not Brisbane. There is no way a southport team would be playing out of Victoria Park, and there is no way a Southport team would be any more attractive to the Brisbane market than the Gold Coast already is.

 

[hampton]

The whole ‘making the comp national’ idea is such a flawed and stupid argument. The nfl don’t have teams in most states, are they not national? If the afl put a team in NT AND Canberra, does that make it national… what about other larger urban areas like North Queensland and Newcastle? That probably have bigger populations than the former anyway. Why does it make the comp more national by putting a team in a population area of 250k, but only one team in Brisbane of 3m and 2 teams in Sydney of 5m… are these populations served with just 1 or 2 teams?

The whole national thing is simply a map ticking exercise to feel good that there are some dots spread across the land mass. Nothing to do with making the comp or the game national.

 

[Walshawk]

The AFL themselves put a second Brisbane team on the agenda.

? Why would they even suggest that.....SEQ population (3rd biggest urban population in Australia) with large growth potential.... AFL already has significant profile in SEQ (AFL and AFLW ) .

The Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park is a massive boost to AFL in Qld ....and opens the door for another club to play out of Brisbane /SEQ.

A 3rd club which could play out of Brisbane and/or GC would create massive opportunities to bring the high profile ,large supporter base Vic clubs to SEQ 3 times a year....and grow their own supporter base in SEQ.

In other words there is a real opportunity create a profile for AFL in SEQ which mimics (albeit on a smaller scale) the situation in Melbourne multiple club rivalries in the same location.

Clearly this heavily depends on the growth of the population in SEQ and the growth of GC Suns over the next few years to 2032.

I'm not saying the 3rd SEQ team has to be Southport but it has to be in the mix for consideration.....it is a local Queensland club with significant history, profile and assets and currently competes in the VFL comp. Runners up this year.

The Sharks are in effect the AFL's version of the NRL Dolphins.....except the Sharks already have the potential to access a local elite stadium and could also play bigger matches out of Victoria Park. ....a natural rival for both the Suns and the Lions.

Southport is not in the mix. Two teams on the Gold Coast when the incumbent is averaging 15k crowds? Even if they can average 20k in 2032, Southport crowds would be less than 5k.

 

[The_Wookie]

The AFL themselves put a second Brisbane team on the agenda.

? Why would they even suggest that.....SEQ population (3rd biggest urban population in Australia) with large growth potential.... AFL already has significant profile in SEQ (AFL and AFLW ) .

The Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park is a massive boost to AFL in Qld ....and opens the door for another club to play out of Brisbane /SEQ.

A 3rd club which could play out of Brisbane and/or GC would create massive opportunities to bring the high profile ,large supporter base Vic clubs to SEQ 3 times a year....and grow their own supporter base in SEQ.

In other words there is a real opportunity create a profile for AFL in SEQ which mimics (albeit on a smaller scale) the situation in Melbourne multiple club rivalries in the same location.

Clearly this heavily depends on the growth of the population in SEQ and the growth of GC Suns over the next few years to 2032.

I'm not saying the 3rd SEQ team has to be Southport but it has to be in the mix for consideration.....it is a local Queensland club with significant history, profile and assets and currently competes in the VFL comp. Runners up this year.

The Sharks are in effect the AFL's version of the NRL Dolphins.....except the Sharks already have the potential to access a local elite stadium and could also play bigger matches out of Victoria Park. ....a natural rival for both the Suns and the Lions.

There wont be another club in Queensland while the Lions and Suns take 30m a year off the AFL to stay afloat - about double the average.

 

[The_Wookie]

The whole ‘making the comp national’ idea is such a flawed and stupid argument. The nfl don’t have teams in most states, are they not national? If the afl put a team in NT AND Canberra, does that make it national… what about other larger urban areas like North Queensland and Newcastle? That probably have bigger populations than the former anyway. Why does it make the comp more national by putting a team in a population area of 250k, but only one team in Brisbane of 3m and 2 teams in Sydney of 5m… are these populations served with just 1 or 2 teams?

The whole national thing is simply a map ticking exercise to feel good that there are some dots spread across the land mass. Nothing to do with making the comp or the game national.

Its always been a ridiculous part of the footy discussion - whatever league you follow.