We need to focus on expanding into Asia asap!

[Sweet Jesus]

I am all for growing our game but is Asia the right place?

I think South Africa should be number 1. The game is already growing there and they only have a few sports so plenty of room for another.

The Pacific islands are also worth exploring further. Our game is the no 2 sport in PNG and no 1 in Nauru. India can also work but South Africa and the Pacific should be our focus.

The Pacific islands, with a population of 2-3 million and not much money. Why bother?

It's also striking how people continue to talk about Asia like it's one big monolith that's all same same.

When you actually separate it into different countries, the suggestion that 'we should expand into Asia' really doesn't make much sense. Where exactly? Are we talking about Japan or Thailand or Bangladesh? These are very different countries.

 

[Gavin Excell]

The AFL make up the rules as they go, which for a relatively small audience of Australia only, it gets away with it.

If they were to expand internationally, they need to have multiple departments to run each branch of the expansion and they need proper policies put in place.

Exactly

The provincial approach to managing the game and all the laughable "managed outcomes " shouldn't work in the international theatre. Reality afl is fifa 20 years ago. No real rules, corrupt to the core, woefully managed but gets by because of passion of the fans

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Reality afl is fifa 20 years ago. No real rules, corrupt to the core, woefully managed but gets by because of passion of the fans

Isn't that Fifa currently?

 

[Pappagallo]

The Pacific islands, with a population of 2-3 million and not much money. Why bother?

It's also striking how people continue to talk about Asia like it's one big monolith that's all same same.

When you actually separate it into different countries, the suggestion that 'we should expand into Asia' really doesn't make much sense. Where exactly? Are we talking about Japan or Thailand or Bangladesh?

Isn't it obvious that we're all talking about Uzbekistan?!

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Isn't it obvious that we're all talking about Uzbekistan?!

We should expand into the Americas!

Whether that's New York or Caracas, I can't say. Same same.

 

[Pappagallo]

We should expand into the Americas!

Whether that's New York or Caracas, I can't say. Same same.

Just like the Koreas. Practically twins those two.

 

[mikey127]

The Pacific islands, with a population of 2-3 million and not much money. Why bother?

It's also striking how people continue to talk about Asia like it's one big monolith that's all same same.

When you actually separate it into different countries, the suggestion that 'we should expand into Asia' really doesn't make much sense. Where exactly? Are we talking about Japan or Thailand or Bangladesh? These are very different countries.

Take your point. It depends on what your talking about though. Putting a team there no way but all you need to do is look at Mal Michael and Nic Nat to see the talent there. If you could get a home grown player from Fiji it would really grow interest.

 

[NoobPie]

Exactly

The provincial approach to managing the game and all the laughable "managed outcomes " shouldn't work in the international theatre. Reality afl is fifa 20 years ago. No real rules, corrupt to the core, woefully managed but gets by because of passion of the fans

What an absurd comment. The afl has poor governance frameworks and processes but to say it is as "corrupt to the core" as FIFA was either 20 or 2 years ago demonstrates a complete illiteracy of such matters. Cultural cringey mccringeyface

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Take your point. It depends on what your talking about though.

I assume we're all talking about the relative merits of different locations for an overseas expansion side.

Putting a team there no way but all you need to do is look at Mal Michael and Nic Nat to loon at the talent there. If you could get a home grown player from Fiji it would really grow interest.

Huh?

 

[Gibbke]

Soccer, tennis, cricket...you can name a multitude of other British-originated sports - all popular due to the fact that half of the world's countries were ruled by the country that invented them, and also more easily established because at that critical moment other sports, and indeed the notion of organised sport itself, were non-existent in these places. At no stage in their respective histories did anyone say "you guys should follow this sport, because seriously it's the best game, better than what you already play"...

This is the line trotted out by expansionists - our sport is so awesome, it's a mere formality that should we shove it in their faces, they'll all come running and sign up, because they'll then realise they've been doing it wrong all this time...

Despite the very obvious truth to our claims, the rest of the world is not as enlightened as us, and it's damned hard to convince people otherwise when they've been doing the same old other stuff since birth. If it's not already in the culture, or being pushed on them through colonial subjugation, it won't stick...

So exploit Asian tv for all it's worth, but please, don't expect any sudden expansion miracles...if you build it they ain't coming...

 

[Pessimistic]

Soccer, tennis, cricket...you can name a multitude of other British-originated sports - all popular due to the fact that half of the world's countries were ruled by the country that invented them, and also more easily established because at that critical moment other sports, and indeed the notion of organised sport itself, were non-existent in these places. At no stage in their respective histories did anyone say "you guys should follow this sport, because seriously it's the best game, better than what you already play"...

This is the line trotted out by expansionists - our sport is so awesome, it's a mere formality that should we shove it in their faces, they'll all come running and sign up, because they'll then realise they've been doing it wrong all this time...

Despite the very obvious truth to our claims, the rest of the world is not as enlightened as us, and it's damned hard to convince people otherwise when they've been doing the same old other stuff since birth. If it's not already in the culture, or being pushed on them through colonial subjugation, it won't stick...

So exploit Asian tv for all it's worth, but please, don't expect any sudden expansion miracles...if you build it they ain't coming...

Soccer has never been that big in countries which Britain ruled. Cricket Rugby etc were because they were ruling class games.

Soccer came about later due to the working classes getting more lesure time. (same for AFL - we really do owe a lot to the labour movement but thats an aside) By that time Brits had infuence abroad but it was commercial. Best example of this is Argentina, where soccer clubs still have anglo names

 

[Football Tragic]

Soccer, tennis, cricket...you can name a multitude of other British-originated sports - all popular due to the fact that half of the world's countries were ruled by the country that invented them, and also more easily established because at that critical moment other sports, and indeed the notion of organised sport itself, were non-existent in these places. At no stage in their respective histories did anyone say "you guys should follow this sport, because seriously it's the best game, better than what you already play"...

This is the line trotted out by expansionists - our sport is so awesome, it's a mere formality that should we shove it in their faces, they'll all come running and sign up, because they'll then realise they've been doing it wrong all this time...

Despite the very obvious truth to our claims, the rest of the world is not as enlightened as us, and it's damned hard to convince people otherwise when they've been doing the same old other stuff since birth. If it's not already in the culture, or being pushed on them through colonial subjugation, it won't stick...

So exploit Asian tv for all it's worth, but please, don't expect any sudden expansion miracles...if you build it they ain't coming...

I think if the AFLs previous expansion attempts have shown anything it shows that the process is generational rather than immediate. But what it does show to is that the rewards are well and truly worth it in terms of the increased marketability of the game. Pushing into China and India and capturing the interest of even a small proportional of there population, would have far reaching effects of sponsorship, media reach and even potential future talent. Putting it in the too hard basket is merely defeatist imo.

The Sydney expansion is a success. People may point to the fickle nature of their supporters in the city but this years finals tv ratings shows you that interest is growing even if it will ebb and flow depending on the two teams on field fortunes. GWS have a long way to go to match the Swans support but the process will be much quicker because of the work, exposure and media attention (however relatively small compared to League) the Swans have already gained in the Harbor City. I believe the same will occur in countries such as China and India.

It may not be the time given the leagues focus on the two new clubs but I feel it should certainly be on the AFLs radar. It may take 30 years and a great deal of financial heartache for the code, but the rewards for our great game would be immeasurable.

 

[Pessimistic]

I take it that when the AFL said it wants a year round TV presence, that it will look to promote outside the current 18 professional australian teams, and promote some other product.
The womens league is probably the blueprint for this, and the fact its only 8 teams suggests its a format which could be used elsewhere, but maybe without the need for links to AFL clubs.

a short duration league based around areas overseas could easily be a candidate. you wouldnt even need to argue about where is the best place, the AFL could offer franchises which groups could bid for, with some payback via advertising on the TV channel

 

[Herne Hill Hammer]

With expansion into Asia, will umpires have to learn different languages? Or will it all be done via universal hand signals?

Where do you want me to start with how many languages there are? Throw in local dialects too.

Of course someone will say that we use locals to umpire, they will then have to learn English as well as all of the Asian languages from countries other than their own.

Or does the OP suggest we move away from using neutral umpires?

 

[Pessimistic]

With expansion into Asia, will umpires have to learn different languages? Or will it all be done via universal hand signals?

Where do you want me to start with how many languages there are? Throw in local dialects too.

Of course someone will say that we use locals to umpire, they will then have to learn English as well as all of the Asian languages from countries other than their own.

Or does the OP suggest we move away from using neutral umpires?

Soccer has successfully blended teams of players who speak different languages, but theres been a few instances recently where potential AFL players havent been able to grasp the structures, tactics and subtleties of AFL.

If you put this together with the lack of large ovals, it seems a simpler , semi professional version with less players would be the vehicle.

How that works or relates back to AFL is another thing altogether, and how atttractive it would be to TV yet another altogether thing.

Then there is the modern "asian english" which some think is on the way to have more speakers worldwide than what we think of as 'traditional' english

 

[Herne Hill Hammer]

Soccer has successfully blended teams of players who speak different languages, but theres been a few instances recently where potential AFL players havent been able to grasp the structures, tactics and subtleties of AFL.

If you put this together with the lack of large ovals, it seems a simpler , semi professional version with less players would be the vehicle.

How that works or relates back to AFL is another thing altogether, and how atttractive it would be to TV yet another altogether thing

Let's be honest here, top flight soccer players are amazing but in comparison to Aussie rules, it's a pretty basic game rules wise.

 

[Seeds]

With the power vacuum that is about to be created in Asia with the withdrawal of the US I think it's wise if we keep the hell out of there. Going to be dropping nukes soon all over the place like the near 7 foot high school bully with unresolved homosexual tendencies drops wet willies.

 

[NoobPie]

With the power vacuum that is about to be created in Asia with the withdrawal of the US I think it's wise if we keep the hell out of there. Going to be dropping nukes soon all over the place like the near 7 foot high school bully with unresolved homosexual tendencies drops wet willies.

On the other hand we could end up with players with x-men like talents longer term

 

[Leeda]

I guess the point is to start nearby and work outwards.. might be a challenge with language and culture but it doesn't
hurt to get people on the ground and sorting out grounds and other logistics.

Just not asia but where we all infiltrate on holidays and other grand adventures.

 

[MVFC_NMFC]

The provincial approach to managing the game and all the laughable "managed outcomes " shouldn't work in the international theatre. Reality afl is fifa 20 years ago. No real rules, corrupt to the core, woefully managed but gets by because of passion of the fans

There's a big difference in managing the expectations and desires of 200+ national associations and the AFL.

Bureaucratic monsters like FIFA or government or what have you with a million different wants and needs coming from all sides are prone to corruption. Especially when they involve nations which are prone to corruption, as they don't have the institutions in place to combat it.

The AFL is the governing body of a single league in one country that, compared to the rest of the world, has strong institutions in place to prevent corruption. Apples and oranges.

 

[NoobPie]

I take it that when the AFL said it wants a year round TV presence, that it will look to promote outside the current 18 professional australian teams, and promote some other product.
The womens league is probably the blueprint for this, and the fact its only 8 teams suggests its a format which could be used elsewhere, but maybe without the need for links to AFL clubs.

a short duration league based around areas overseas could easily be a candidate. you wouldnt even need to argue about where is the best place, the AFL could offer franchises which groups could bid for, with some payback via advertising on the TV channel

Someone bumped a post from 2000 that may have included your first post!

In terms of your post I suspect you're on the money...potentially even afl x type games in bbl length seasons are the most likey candidates for foreign promotion. What is critical is getting the miniature version right

 

[Hawthorn United]

On the other hand we could end up with players with x-men like talents longer term

You can just wait for the 2012 Essendon players sons in 2030.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[Hawthorn United]

There's a big difference in managing the expectations and desires of 200+ national associations and the AFL.

Bureaucratic monsters like FIFA or government or what have you with a million different wants and needs coming from all sides are prone to corruption. Especially when they involve nations which are prone to corruption, as they don't have the institutions in place to combat it.

The AFL is the governing body of a single league in one country that, compared to the rest of the world, has strong institutions in place to prevent corruption. Apples and oranges.

Yet the AFL have had some perplexing integrity findings in the last 4 years. If they pulled that stunt in a multi-league/ multinational setup, you'll have lots of people crying corruption.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[Football Tragic]

I take it that when the AFL said it wants a year round TV presence, that it will look to promote outside the current 18 professional australian teams, and promote some other product.
The womens league is probably the blueprint for this, and the fact its only 8 teams suggests its a format which could be used elsewhere, but maybe without the need for links to AFL clubs.

a short duration league based around areas overseas could easily be a candidate. you wouldnt even need to argue about where is the best place, the AFL could offer franchises which groups could bid for, with some payback via advertising on the TV channel

I like this option as a starting point. The challenge would be to make it relevant to the Australian market so people feel connected enough to tune in. Perhaps the winning team from this competition initially plays against the AFL teams in the preseason competition? Eventually you could either play include the winner into the league or create a players combining the best players from that league. If we had a Tasmania team as the 19th team and an Asia United team as the 20th it would certainly spark interest.

 

[Pessimistic]

Yet the AFL have had some perplexing integrity findings in the last 4 years. If they pulled that stunt in a multi-league/ multinational setup, you'll have lots of people crying corruption.

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On the other hand, tyey can be much more erm 'agile' than other competitions.

And which pro sport isnt riddled with corruption? they compete agaist each other (other sports) for discerning dollars and cut corners. Sadly their rusted on supporters bemoan the compromises just to get a few feckless princesses on seats or having itr on their TV while tey surf facebook on ipads potting the very entertainment put on. eg Night Grand Final