The Death of AFL is nearing…. You better believe it | Thebigtip

Authors note - This article was written prior to the World Cup. The AFL was making news for its raids on the NRL’s territory and talent and was showing an arrogant disdain for the upcoming tournament in South Africa and the possibility of a future Australian bid.
Now that the ‘Biggest Event in the World’ has been run and won, does this opinion remain valid?

The Death of AFL is nearing…. You better believe it.

Although this is going to shock a lot of people; I think it’s important the public here the truth. The truth lies in those subtle words expressed behind the now chief of the AFL Andrew Demetriou.

"We won’t take a backward step to any code of football"

This statement was made to packed audience at this year’s AFL Season launch held at Crown Casino in March. Could there be more behind these words? I think so.

We can all recall the fan fare that was alight at the thought of the AFL being put on hold for several weeks to accommodate for the Word Cup football – the majority of the population supported the World Cup and believed it was in the ‘National interest’ to host such an event. It has obvious long term benefits, both economically and further positions Australia towards a ‘football’ code country. In football I’m referring to soccer. 

Everyone knows that the sport of soccer is of importance to Australia’s development. We can also appreciate the influx of migrants, Australian-European descendants and the growth of Australian-Asians beginning to populate our country in masses – not minorities. Wouldn’t hosting, and supporting such an event or sporting code benefit the community? And if you further look at the participation of the growing Asian population, they tend to partake in sports they can see potential in. AFL is simply too daunting.

I believe the AFL recognises this. The most surprising was the way in which the AFL ‘heavy weights’ went about putting a stop to this event; publicly blasting the concept as not in the national interest and further exemplifying the detriment it would cause to the millions of fans, communities and volunteers that are the engine room of the great AFL. What were they so afraid off? What did they not want you to see? 

The reality is Soccer is booming in Australia. It’s a fact. You just have to notice the rise of popularity of the A-League and the difference this league has made to our previous national football league. It’s professional, has government/corporate support and the fans are rolling up in sell out crowds. Soccer participation is heading north; whilst the AFL counterpart is dwindling rapidly and losing more participants to soccer. What would you do? 

The AFL has recognised the importance of a national footprint – this even further supported with the launch of both the Gold Cast and Greater Western Sydney teams. Many in those key markets are questioning the validity of such bold decisions; but why wouldn’t they? The bigger issue is why wouldn’t the AFL move to Western Sydney and up north? They must. It’s the only way to stay relevant. The AFL is a Australian sport and looks likely to only remain an Australian played support (despite reports of participation around the globe). Facts show that attendances are down. Participation is down. But still, the AFL takes the baton and expands with an ambitious 20 year plan. 

Agendas can be sometimes misinformed. The AFL is a national sport, it has national coverage, and reaps millions of dollars – it’s a cash cow that must simply be exploited for as long as possible.  Nothing can get in the way. Especially to take a backward step to a sport this on the surface looks to be gaining incredible ground. It’s a David and Goliath battle in which David is getting bigger.

Just think, how will the AFL look in 20 years? Will it still be relevant? Don’t take my word for it, just look for your self.