Adelaide Rams Bid

[Wb1234]

While Melbourne 2 seems an attractive proposition, the experience of the AFL in creating derbies in "non heartland" metros (Adding GWS & Gold Coast Suns) shows we need to tread VERY carefully when considering that move... and if a derby in a non-heartland city is an option worth taking, it could conceivably be Perth if their juniors/local league really fires - because 2 teams there means a guaranteed game in that timezone every weekend, and it's a far less saturated winter sports market, given they only have 2 AFL teams.

Soccer too

They added Melb United and city’s crowds fell in half

And soccer has way better history in Melb

 

[i0Nic]

While Melbourne 2 seems an attractive proposition, the experience of the AFL in creating derbies in "non heartland" metros (Adding GWS & Gold Coast Suns) shows we need to tread VERY carefully when considering that move... and if a derby in a non-heartland city is an option worth taking, it could conceivably be Perth if their juniors/local league really fires - because 2 teams there means a guaranteed game in that timezone every weekend, and it's a far less saturated winter sports market, given they only have 2 AFL teams.

Yes maybe it will be Perth that can support a second team over Melbourne, however with the large population of Melbourne it would be a shame if we can’t crack a second team there.

I do think the nrl will take precaution with such a move. Look how slowly they are moving on nz2 when it seems such an obvious one to expand into.

 

[AlwaysGreen]

You do realise we're not talking about going to 24 teams TOMORROW, right??

Of course, growing the top level by that much is going to be a years/decades long proposition - but the key thing is that these sort of aspirational goals need to be there, then planning takes place over getting the juniors, coaching, refereeing pathways in place so the pipeline of skilled people is there to support each phase.

I'll let you guys live in fantasy land. Good luck.

 

[Wb1234]

Yes maybe it will be Perth that can support a second team over Melbourne, however with the large population of Melbourne it would be a shame if we can’t crack a second team there.

I do think the nrl will take precaution with such a move. Look how slowly they are moving on nz2 when it seems such an obvious one to expand into.

They aren’t being that cautious Perth bears had a lot of hiccups along the way and threw the expansion time line back six months

Once Perth is locked in they want to lock down the tv deal so team 20 is certainly on the back burner

But the nz rights expire in 2027 too so that will impact an nz2 team timing