and why do the AFL get those crowds?
Sure, they arent the exact same market. One is Sydney, the other is Melbourne. But they are similar in terms of being the lone team in a market saturated with the rival code.
you're confusing external conditions with the ability of the two clubs and their respective game's level of success in exploiting their internal strategic capabilities to deliver sustainable competitive advantage. The AFL has done a great job at using their internal capabilities over the years to get to the point they are with their crowds. Memberships, exploiting their multi-network rights deal with added promotion, grass roots programs, etc. Dont forget, their game in VIC was in a shambles in the 80s with dwindling crowds and many clubs in danger of going under. They've turned it around.
in contrast, the NRL has had the opportunity here in Sydney to do likewise but the self-serving morons who run the game, the general bogan working-class aggressive image of it, poor FTA coverage, etc has held it back. This is not a factor of the external environment, but it's internal ability to give it an advantage. The NRL can control these things. The NRL arent competing, but around here, it's the same old we dont get a fair go and other BS excuses to try and justify why the game lags behind the AFL's in certain areas. I admit, there's some acceptance at times, but once those letters 'A-F-L' turn up in a post, it;s like a red-rag to bull and people crap on with the biggest BS or deflect with Victorian, boggerball, AFL, etc. FMD! Theyre the ones with the bigger crowds every week. theyre ones with a $1.25b rights deal. What are the NRL doing to get rugby league to this level?
