Which team will be the first?

[dimelb]

Off topic a bit, but following the argument: does anyone know how many schools play AFL, and is there a viable competition at that level? I haven't lived in Sydney for a while, but even twenty years ago there were rumblings about big-bodied Islanders and others who were simply not a fair match-up for other kids. One huge advantage of AFL is that there is something for all body types, and it's the grass roots level the AFL should be aiming at as well as importing another top level team. Or has soccer got in first at that level?
I hope GWS thrives. A local rivalry will be good for us in the end, and in the long run good for AFL. But the AFL administration has to be in it for the long haul. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Fitzroy situation develop with the Kangaroos, with a similar outcome, the new teams to be the beneficiaries.

[Yuri H]

I hope GWS thrives. A local rivalry will be good for us in the end, and in the long run good for AFL. But the AFL administration has to be in it for the long haul. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Fitzroy situation develop with the Kangaroos, with a similar outcome, the new teams to be the beneficiaries.

I agree. And as for a Fitzroyish scenario, if it winds up as a GWS/Kangaroos merger and it means that stupid "Giants" name goes bye-bye, I'm all for it.

[jono2707]

[QUOTE=Big Al;519187]There is already a perception (i don't agree with it but it's certainly there) that the AFL and GWS are targeting and want to hurt the NRL.QUOTE]

I share that perception - I think there's little doubt that the AFL are trying to take on the NRL squarely in their own backyard and its being seen by many as an attempt at a hostile takeover of sorts. That's going to annoy a lot of NRL supporters to the point that they'd turn off AFL. I think its already doing harm in Sydney to a certain extent.

[Big Al]

[I share that perception - I think there's little doubt that the AFL are trying to take on the NRL squarely in their own backyard and its being seen by many as an attempt at a hostile takeover of sorts. That's going to annoy a lot of NRL supporters to the point that they'd turn off AFL. I think its already doing harm in Sydney to a certain extent.

I don't think thats what the AFL are trying to do. (They only have to look at the history of RL to know that's a foolish thing to do - RL thrives on adversity and comes out stronger each time) However the fact that the perception is there means they have a heck of a lot of work to do.

[beameup]

Off topic a bit, but following the argument: does anyone know how many schools play AFL, and is there a viable competition at that level? I haven't lived in Sydney for a while, but even twenty years ago there were rumblings about big-bodied Islanders and others who were simply not a fair match-up for other kids. One huge advantage of AFL is that there is something for all body types, and it's the grass roots level the AFL should be aiming at as well as importing another top level team. Or has soccer got in first at that level?
I hope GWS thrives. A local rivalry will be good for us in the end, and in the long run good for AFL. But the AFL administration has to be in it for the long haul. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Fitzroy situation develop with the Kangaroos, with a similar outcome, the new teams to be the beneficiaries.

Cannot tell you the numbers of schools that play but it is substantial in a lesser sort of way. Paul Kelly Cup for Year 5 and 6 is very popular. Also selections to go to regional events. The Swans Cup is an u15 school based comp and also an open comp. a fair few play it and brings teams form outside Sydney. Nepean High did pretty well a few years ago.

I know teachers, parents and kids in primary school absolutely love the development days and training sessions as well as games. It is far from a lost cause but it will take a generation for kids to take to it athen bring their kids into it. Best game by far in terms of everyone can play. Just give it time.

One of the reasons GWS will work is that there are a million AFL supporters but only 100K Swans supporters. If you live in W Sydney Swans are interesting but have never shown any interest in the west. Live and play in the eastern suburbs with a brave few veturing to north side and Cronulla. Have to use Navman to get to Homebush as do many of the welded on fans. This is a team for the west and I think the level of support will eventually surprise a few. Imageine if the first team to lose to Giants was a big white bird. More likely to be a striped cat though.

Sheedy is right and the second team will be the making of AFL in Sydney as it will grow the fan base