Vlandy is like that little Chihuahua dog that loves to bark at the disinterested bulldog, as it casually walks by. My guess is he did it for the die hard, elderly League Lovers who enjoy deluding themselves about the state of their code. Now he has realised that it was doing nothing but allowing the cracks to widen and the sport to fade further into obscurity without addressing it. At least now, he has published the participation numbers. That's a far cry from the past.
When the league bosses can finally reveal the financial state of each club, its reliability on gambling, its diminishing sponsorship numbers and ratings, then compare them to the other sports - their supporters may actually understand the depth of their issues and try and do something about it. Unfortunately, I think its all too little and too late.
All the numbers, trends and statistics point to a steady decline for the NRL. The onfield success of the Lions and failure of the Bronco's has only highlighted the shrinking gap that has been dwindling for decades. As more and more of the younger generation Queenslanders, throw off the stigma of being passionate about AFL, the swell will only turn into a tidal wave. The AFL really do deserve praise for their work with grassroots football because these kids are now becoming generational supporters.
Next it'll be NSW. When it all comes down to it, its all about the money the AFL continues to invest in Auskick, school visits and grassroot leagues, that League just can't match.
When the league bosses can finally reveal the financial state of each club, its reliability on gambling, its diminishing sponsorship numbers and ratings, then compare them to the other sports - their supporters may actually understand the depth of their issues and try and do something about it. Unfortunately, I think its all too little and too late.
All the numbers, trends and statistics point to a steady decline for the NRL. The onfield success of the Lions and failure of the Bronco's has only highlighted the shrinking gap that has been dwindling for decades. As more and more of the younger generation Queenslanders, throw off the stigma of being passionate about AFL, the swell will only turn into a tidal wave. The AFL really do deserve praise for their work with grassroots football because these kids are now becoming generational supporters.
Next it'll be NSW. When it all comes down to it, its all about the money the AFL continues to invest in Auskick, school visits and grassroot leagues, that League just can't match.
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