With only 2 Melbourne based clubs making the finals in Richmond and Essendon, (7th) (Geelong and the AFL don't consider themselves Melbourne based) is that cause for concern for the AFL and or welfare/sustainability of Melbourne based clubs?
Surely seasons like this with so many interstate sides making the finals it has to hit the hip pocket and crowd attendances at the mcg etc? Or do crowds go up with interstate finalists making it?
Just some food for thought, especially as I'm an advocate for merging a few Melbourne based teams for long term sustainability and financial independence of all clubs as I don't believe there's a market for so many Melbourne based teams in a national comp, as well as having the benefit of stronger comp after it being weakened with the expansion teams breaking the back of the talent pool so to speak.