Expansion Tasmania, Gold Coast or West Sydney?

[The Teflon Dean]

Which entity do you deem most worthy of AFL inclusion?

 

[littleduck]

It depends on the criteria.

If its a demonstrated ability to embrace AFL, then Tasmania.

 

[Masten2McKinley]

I think it is Tasmania

1. Tassie
2. Gold Coast
3. West Sydney

we already have a team in each of the other states why not put one in a different state?? and truly make it a national Competion?

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

In terms of eventual finances, clearly Western Sydney. GC start out better, but even with their much vaunted growth will only have around a third of the WS population; and WS is the 2nd biggest economy in the nation - behind Sydney. Remember, most of the GC growth is going to be from Sydney, meaning the AFL has to win over Sydney people either at home or once they've moved on, and would only need around 30-35% of the per capita interest in WS in comparison to GC.

I have some doubts over GC's ability to keep a side operational, even though they would be better prepared initally, and no doubt that Tasmania can not.

In terms of already following the game, Tassie, but financially it starts out like WS and never gets any better - indeed it gets worse as it becomes more expensive to run a club and Tasmania's population and economy are expected to remain pretty much stagnant.

 

[genghiskhan]

In terms of eventual finances, clearly Western Sydney. GC start out better, but even with their much vaunted growth will only have around a third of the WS population; and WS is the 2nd biggest economy in the nation - behind Sydney. Remember, most of the GC growth is going to be from Sydney, meaning the AFL has to win over Sydney people either at home or once they've moved on, and would only need around 30-35% of the per capita interest in WS in comparison to GC.

I have some doubts over GC's ability to keep a side operational, even though they would be better prepared initally, and no doubt that Tasmania can not.

In terms of already following the game, Tassie, but financially it starts out like WS and never gets any better - indeed it gets worse as it becomes more expensive to run a club and Tasmania's population and economy are expected to remain pretty much stagnant.

Good post. Ultimately, decisions are made on potential and West Sydney offers the most potential even though it is the market where Aussie rules is weakest. Not only would a viable team in Sydney bring more revenue, it would also weaken the threat posed by competing sports.


I'd say you would have to focus on West Sydney but be mindful of the difficulty of the task at hand so do it well and in a wisely thought out manner. In the past, the AFL's strategies in Sydney haven't been thought out at all.

 

[GrassKat]

All 3. One Melbourne team should still be encouraged to move.

Imagine the Rivalry Round?

Sydney Vs West Sydney
Brisbane V Gold Coast
West Coast V Fremantle
Adelaide V Port Adelaide

It will get people thinking footy every weekend in QLD and NSW.

The Tassie team is probably one that comes from the heart but not the head. Is what Hawthorn doing enough for the Apple Isle? Population of 1/2 million?

 

[cos789]

In the past, the AFL's strategies in Sydney haven't been thought out at all.

What about rl strategy of having an aparthied rl competition
in country NSW . Does that sound like the way to go .
I'd be interested to here whether you think is a good idea
and good for rl ?

 

[Mickdog]

All this poll proves is that Vics still are jealous of being the second best state in Australia right behind NSW.

Don't worry little brother, we'll look after you

 

[Gibbke]

The fact that Tasmania is even considered in this debate proves that pure numbers and demographics are not the indicator of viability some would have them to be...a case can be made for all 3, based upon either "historical deservedness" (Tassie), current junior quality and market potential (GC), and pure demographic numbers (NSW)...

But the one that will win out is the one that will enable the AFL to sell the next round of tv rights for the magical billion dollars. Ten wants regular Saturday night footy in Brisbane that won't get outrated by Scooby Doo, and they are pushing hardest for it. But they've also done the work...Qld has jumped Tassie on the field...

West Sydney is only on the table because 17 teams create a bye, it's a "well, now that we're thinking about it, why don't we also add..." situation. 18 teams, let's double up on Sydney Saturday nighters as well, and then we have a 9-game package which the networks most certainly will jump on...

Tassie can offer nothing except legitimacy! But unfortunately, integrity rarely pays the bills.

So Queensland.