The inclusion of The Gold Coast Suns

[Anthony Morasca]

How has the inclusion of the Gold Coast Suns into the AFL competition been positive or negative for the game?

[Hondo]

I think it is too early to say. I'll be interested to see what impact on the competition comes from the two new teams stockpiling most of the new talent in the current era. I wonder if we will see some of the other teams completely bottom out with no quick fix available. I was up at the Gold Coast recently and we stayed near to Metricon Stadium so it was interesting to have a first hand look at it. Apart from the stadium I wouldn't have known that the Suns existed up there however it was after the end of the season.

Personally I like seeing new teams come in so I am hoping this and GWS are successful.

[the joker]

Of course its a positive. More teams equals more games..... And now they have a bigger market share in the north Eastern states. Therefore more money for the afl, what will help development of the game in the long run

[Rik E Boy]

Of course it's a negative. Bullshit 'club' inserted into the competition that makes the talent pool too thin and compromises at least three drafts. More does not necessarily mean better. Even worse is the inclusion of the GWS Giants as a struggling club has now just lost a number one draft pick. It's all about Vlad. The expansion clubs will lead to the Australian Premier League with some clubs never ever seeing an open premiership window again.

Then again, the too early to tell call is a fair one.

regards,

REB

[cripple]

positive so far. those that stand still will eventually go backwards. good by the AFL and both the Suns an Giants seem to have smart, responsible football people at the helm. Only positives ATM

[Hondo]

The set up and start of the Suns are poles apart in a positive way from the ill-fated Bears at Carrara in 1987.

[dedja]

depends whether the question refers to:

a) the balance sheet of the AFL, or;
b) from a football point of view.

Answer
a) yes
b) no

[Barto]

Round 5 was a positive thing.

[Wedgie]

Best thing to ever happen as every year Gold Coast play in the AFL Geelong win the flag!

[Sojourner]

Clearly the AFL want to be national and on that basis so far GC have been successfull, their home match attendances often get more than rival sides, they are in an area of Qld where a number of Aussie Rules fans now live, so have plenty of support to tap into and there is a strong showing of local footy sides in the area. In their particular instance I feel that they are more likely to be successful by being a new side as opposed to being a relocated side.

Premier League styled competition is coming to the AFL though as posted above, I suspect its not a matter of if but when? Maybe sooner than people think if the TV rights look to be going to make a retraction in value.

[Dog_ger]

For the AFL to thrive, more teams have to play in finals.

Either a top 10 or a div 1 and 2.

I don't think australian fans are ready or will follow their team in div 2 throughout the year.

Possibly winner of div1 to play winner of div2

Is it time for a Kiwi AFL team....?

[Psyber]

For the AFL to thrive, more teams have to play in finals.
Either a top 10 or a div 1 and 2.
I don't think australian fans are ready or will follow their team in div 2 throughout the year.
Possibly winner of div1 to play winner of div2
Is it time for a Kiwi AFL team....?

I think those developments would encourage me to lose interest and stick with SANFL.

[Rik E Boy]

For the AFL to thrive, more teams have to play in finals.

Either a top 10 or a div 1 and 2.

I don't think australian fans are ready or will follow their team in div 2 throughout the year.

Possibly winner of div1 to play winner of div2

Is it time for a Kiwi AFL team....?

If you think there isn't a second division already you haven't been paying attention this season.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

For the AFL to thrive, more teams have to play in finals.
Either a top 10 or a div 1 and 2.
I don't think australian fans are ready or will follow their team in div 2 throughout the year.
Possibly winner of div1 to play winner of div2
Is it time for a Kiwi AFL team....?

I think those developments would encourage me to lose interest and stick with SANFL.

If they bring in that many teams to the AFL you might as well use Doc Emmett's Time Machine and watch the SANFL reserves in the eighties. It will be about the same.

regards,

REB

[Psyber]

Fair comment, REB, I'm just a bit sick of the dominance of TV commercialism over football.
If SANFL gets too weak, too, I may forget it entirely.

I wouldn't be interested in a Division with no SA teams in it, as I'm not that excited about any sport just for itself.
(I never bothered to follow VFL results.)

[Lightning McQueen]

It was a positive, it meant Port didn't finish bottom.