AFL has learnt from Eithad, they wont let that happen....at least, not as badly.
Why would there be fewer? Vic has crap stadium deals, and little support for junoir graes but produces the majority of draftees.
The G deal was rescued by the Vic taxpayer.
Draftees: see population. That WA & SA produce more players for the player pool than their clubs use is beyond question, arguably contributing to the shortfall across the rest of Aus (acknowledging the Tas & NT draftees).