So Tassie has an AFL team, who should get the 20th licence?

[@davidr3037]

I live in The Canary Islands and i want a team here. Only a 30 hour flight (one way) , soccer has a bit of a stranglehold on the potential market, locals have no idea what Australian Rules is but promise I'll buy a membership every year. I'll get started on the jumper design now.

[@BDub2024]

We don't want it Canary Island Canaries. No yellow. too obvious and you won't sell enough merchandise.

[@WhyForWhatNow]

​@@BDub2024 shut up dork

[@erichoberg3502]

@@BDub2024 Siem Reap Cobras?

[@BDub2024]

@@erichoberg3502 I suggested Tassie Boondocks as a reference to Boon and the Tassie Wilderness. Never heard of the term. Suddenly, at work people are referring to being in the boondocks in separate conversation. Perhaps a silly comment by me is gaining legs!

[@BDub2024]

@@erichoberg3502 I reckon keep having the feelers out for NZ and international locations. Even Singapore for practice games. We've never been able to piggy back onto cricket and win an audience in the sub continent. Rugby Union in Hong Kong and Singapore are missed opportunities.

[@ForzaDeMullet]

Kazakhstan deserves a team. Their club song can be adapted to the Borat movie closing credits or the V.B. advertisement.

[@rohandisley]

Wild idea here, how about a rotating 20th team in the AFL dependent on a competition involving all non-affiliated state league sides to find the best state league side. For example West Perth wins the WAFL, Norwood Wins SANFL, and the 2 best non-affiliated VFL teams after their respective finals campaign play a knockout series to enter the AFL for that year. They would receive a funding boost, the state leagues will matter a whole lot more and attract more attention. Maybe it could be set up so that the previous years winner could also compete to hold their place in thee knockout tournament. There could be issues with the quality of the team lifting to AFL standard, but with the intro of the Tassie team and mediocrity of West Coast, North Melbourne, GWS and Hawks - I'm sure an evenly skilled competition is a while off until somewhere suitable comes up for a permanent 20th team.

[@kossend1]

If you watch West Coast play right now, that's effectively a WAFL side, albeit not one of the better ones. There's a massive gulf in ability from state leagues to the AFL, so I'm not sure if it would work.

[@rohandisley]

@@kossend1 as a west coast fan, they are worse than a WAFL side. Even when they get AFL listed players in the WAFL, they loose by 90 plus.

[@kossend1]

@@rohandisley That's a fair call. I think that the better WAFL sides right now would be more competitive than West Coast are but the point stands that the jump is massive.

[@BDub2024]

West Perth!!!... the "garlic munchers" or "market gardeners". A good jumper but they sold their sole going to Joondalup and changing from Cardinals to Falcons.

[@BDub2024]

We saw WAFL vs Hawthorn last week. Hawks beat a WAFL side (Eagles with the best 10 players out) thrashed. Its not feasible. We don;t even know if Tassie will happen now.

[@sefyaa]

fun fact: there was originally meant to be a canberra team, however, afl and canberra couldnt meet ends and so they relocated to brisbane, turning the canberra bears into the brisbane bears. we couldve had the canberra lions brisbane suns

[@noidea26]

what are you talking about? none of that is true.

[@Henry-vs6wm]

Canberra makes the most sense if the AFL wants to enter a new market. Darwin or the NT deserves a team the most of everywhere on this list but it's not a realistically sustainable option. Otherwise it has to be a third team out of Perth or Adelaide - Perth makes more sense but my heart is with Norwood as an established club with a great history.

[@CAD390]

People in Canberra who like afl already have a team and there is simply no decent infrastructure for it and besides we already have gws as a half act team anyway

[@paulorocky]

@@CAD390younger Canberrans may fall behind the new team, you also have the Riverina region, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains to draw support from. Sensible fixturing is essential - Saturday twilight or nights during the first two months of the season, Saturday and Sunday afternoons during winter.

[@Joshdyisdifh]

Move Kangaroos to Canberra.

[@debuthunter5389]

I wouldn't establish a new team there. I would keep Canberra as an option to relocate a struggling Victorian team.

[@h4tchetman]

Feck yeah The Norwood Redlegs makes sense for South Australia's 3rd Team

[@michaelfink64]

I think it should be the NT, mainly in Darwin, with some games in Alice. I prefer the nickname the Crocodiles over the Dingoes. NT is a traditional Aussie rules region, has produced many champions of the game and it is a large segment of the country (at least in area) that is not currently represented in the AFL.

[@custarddragon9349]

thats what i was thinking, Darwin does have the GC Suns play there, but the Suns are a Queensland team, if we get an actual Darwin team than every state in Australia will have an AFL team. I was kinda thinking the Darwin Dingoes

[@Nitrotoast1]

Agree, NT is the final piece of the puzzle for the AFL to be a truly national competition!

[@thomasbarca9297]

NT Thunder

[@Nitrotoast1]

@@nutellauno7286 what’s a Canberra?

[@jackhudson2237]

But the NT is a craphole, how do they keep young men up there? It's no Melbounre or Sydney. NT will just be another failed club with young draftees dreaming if the day they finally get traded back to a big city.

[@geoffgambell9370]

A Riverina team based in Albury, Wagga & Narrandera. It has a population base of 350k. Lavington Sports Ground has been recently renovated and could be renovated further to easy to over 20000. The record for the ground is 20000 for an Afl regional game. Narrandera has a capacity of 12,000, and can easily be inreased to 15000. Wagga is due for future Reno's to increase capacity. It is a strong AFL region.

[@BDub2024]

Giants and Sydney needs to service Canberra and riverina area. Basically, Giants can play home and away matches against Bulldog, Melbourne and Saints in Canberra. Straight away that means six matches in Canberra per year. Giants would then play 8 home matches in West Sydney. Sydney Swans could also play North Melb home and away in Canberra. Suddenly that's 8 matches in Canberra. Also, because its home and away it means both are neutral matches and Melb sides aren't disadvantaged. North missed out on the Canberroos team.

[@BDub2024]

I don't know anything about NSW. but I think they need to bed down Canberra with more consistent matches involving GWS and Sydney. Certainly Wagga can be used for a Gatherround or festival of footy. Or practice matches.

[@jamescashman1110]

Why would the Dogs play a home game in Canberra? Ridiculous idea.

[@MyUrbanExplorationOnline]

Personally this is why having a Canberra based team s a good idea. Not only it would serve the ACT, but also serve Queenbyen, and also areas to the south, like Albury-Wodonga, and area to the west like the Riverina area.

[@MyUrbanExplorationOnline]

Personally having a 20th team team based in Canberra good idea. Not only it would serve the ACT, but also serve Queenbyen, and also areas to the south, like Albury-Wodonga, and area to the west like the Riverina area. All of the areas I named gotta have a better part of 65,000 living there. Also it would help the GWS in living up to it name by only serving western Sidney. After all, the club name is Greater Western Sidney, not the Greater Blue Mountains.

[@savageduck4487]

Cannot go to obscure withe the place. Issue becomes that the side will end up as a testing ground for AFL rookies to have a go and if they are any good they get contracted away. Gold coast has always suffered this and GWS to a lesser degree. Norwood makes sense from rivalry with Port, though is the rivalry with Port and every other team in Adelaide still exist. Does Norwood have a rivalry the Crows? Since Norwood and Sturt tried to put in a bid to be the second team to join the AFL against Port?

[@Aclifty]

Crows supporters would go to Norwood games as well as crows games because they are just stubborn. The Port Norwood rivalry is still huge so having four games that are like showdowns a year would be huge for the state

[@newsgetsold]

Three teams in one city would be 6 "showdowns" a year if they each play the other two teams twice.

[@gregrobins5615]

It would be a massive boost for Australian football if Norwood and Port continued their 140 year history on the national stage. Port can still have their Showdown game with the Crows. Imagine the 3 way rivalry with Norwood sitting in the middle of the Crows and Port.

[@ExampleName-j2n]

Yeah but imagine if the old wafl rivalries were in the afl- crazy stuff.

[@canberrapear7219]

Canberra's population is always under-represented too. That was the ACT's population. Everything about 1-hour within Manuka is about 550k.

[@gregrobins5615]

Given that Norwood is the best club outside the AFL ,it makes real sense that they be given the 20th licence. The bonus with Norwood is that they are an established club, hugely successful, financially strong and still have a strong following. You mentioned the Gather Round experience, Norwood hosting 2 games were such a huge success, Hawthorn is keen to get more games at Norwood with the future Adelaide event. Bear in mind too that Adelaide fans always support big events in SA and Norwood have a huge rivalry with Port stretching over 140 years so the support will be there. The AFL knows that they don't want another composite side because of the unknown cost factor, support and an available oval and set up costs. If you know the surrounding suburbs around Norwood, you'll know that it's predominantly an affluent area and wealthy, so sponsors will want to be involved, especially the huge shopping precinct on The Parade. It really is a simple choice and the logical one.

[@liamjenkins244]

The unfortunate side of that is that Norwood would need to rebrand themselves because they share colours with Adelaide & Melbourne.

[@rerooar]

I'm all for this, but the league is too big, at least 3 teams need to go from Melbourne first and that looks like never happening. I'm all for Norwood and clubs like Subicaco in WA or even southport sharks being brought up instead of new franchises. BUT and its a BIG BUT.... Port have done a great job of making everyone in the AFL regret ever letting an existing team into the AFL. All the Bullshit about 37 premierships etc. I'm all for Norwood coming in but only if they %100 ditched their colours and any thoughts of making idiots of themselves like port.

[@gregrobins5615]

@@rerooar I'm not sure about Port making idiots of themselves, but most non Port supporters have issues on how they chased their licence. Norwood doesn't polarise supporters anywhere near the way Port do so that is a win already.

[@thescoutn2967]

Very true. 31 Premierships, and still draws the largest crowds outside the AFL. As a lifelong Norwood supporter it would be really difficult to come to terms with leaving the SANFL. I’d like to surpass the now defunct ‘magpies’ 36 premierships, and then go, but needless to say, whatever is to the largest benefit of our club is what matters.

[@chrish4469]

@@liamjenkins244 So? That's what Port Adelaide had to do.

[@MagpieR6]

last weekend i drove down to wollongong/nowra from sydney to fill in for a friends 2nds team, i was surprised they could even have multiple competitive divisions, granted it is a big area for the comp because wollongong and nowra are an hour apart

[@MusiCatsKing]

It's gotta be either NT or Canberra. I hadn't heard Geraldton, but i have heard Kalgoorlie mentioned. What about Broome, or is that too small? What about Encounter Bay, or Mt Gambier? Pt Lincoln?

[@gregrobins5615]

You're about to find out who are the businesses behind a Norwood bid. One important factor you've forgotten is the AFL clubs aren't in favour of more composite sides and who will follow them anyway ? Norwood answers that problem, are based in the wealthy eastern suburbs and still can pull large crowds on any given SANFL grand final. South Australians have proven time and time again that they will support sports and events that are held in Adelaide. Norwood are ready.

[@gregrobins5615]

Any further proof needed ? The Matildas have sold out their game in Adelaide in just 1 hour. Build it and they will come !

[@gregrobins5615]

The local news has mentioned that Norwood ARE looking at joining the AFL and they also believe that they are the best club outside the AFL to be in a position to do so.

[@Barto0482]

I would love to see a Newcastle team. We are the biggest city in Australia with no AFL club. Newcastle will get behind any sports club that represents the city. Would be an awesome “Our Town, Our Team” fanbase like the Knights and Jets

[@trent3727]

They could convert that AFL field down near the number 2 sports ground. It would be a great spot to watch the footy.

[@robforan7876]

Has to be Canberra or a Coastal NSW city, but one that hasn't been considered is a Gippsland team. Moe, Morwell and Traralgon make up 200k people and are within 30mins or so. Yes, it's in a saturated market and but an as good or better option than Albury or Ballarat imo.

[@CAD390]

Don't know where you got this idea from as FYI gippsland in fact did have an 18-28yo side in the vfl in the mid to late 90s only won 3 games over its two seasons. The problem with this however was they were branded as a splitting image of the Traralgon maroons in the local competition. In the local comp if you don't live on the Traralgon cbd you can't stand the club - much like the local Collingwood. Therefore, they really should have thought of a name and colours outside the box as if so perhaps the explanation club in vfl could have lasted for longer

[@timdixo]

If Norwood do get the guernsey they'll make the step up to national stage with ease. A Port-Norwood showdown would rapidly brush the Crows-Port contest aside.

[@stanley8869]

Canberra is the obvious choice: the Giants should be here rather than Western Sydney. There is a lot of AFL interest in CBR, which is separate from the NRL / Brumbies clans (I would not overestimate how much support either has - they struggle to get big crowds). Manuka Oval is a lovely, scenic venue; games are well attended. However, please no night games in winter - it is cold in CBR.

[@afbocc]

And some snow in Canberra?

[@mootheconqueror1965]

We don't want it. Give it to Ballarat

[@BryanLikesCandy]

It has to be Canberra. It's the only realistic choice that features an existing ground, a large population (the largest south of the barassi line without a team), and great growth potential. Agree on the night games though!

[@mdjcsmith]

Greater Swan Districts - a region starting from Bayswater-Morley, with a home-ground and heartland already in Bassendean, out through Guildford, Midland, Middle Swan, Swan View, northwards through Caversham, Brabham and the Swan Valley, up to the Ellenbrook expansion area and Upper Swan. Population just under 240,000 with a pre-existing club and culture in the area

[@zooman_AFL8984]

Great video! Great analysis on every aspect! You gained a sub!

[@FootballSirens]

This is a really good video! Just dropped a sub!

[@ComeatMEOW]

A 3rd wa team beside darwin or NT makes the most sense, and as you put it, it would help ease the travel burden on freo and west coast. If so what colours should it adopt? However norwood does deserve a go...also they wouldnt be happy about chnaging colours either, so what could they do is incorporate a white into the jersey

[@Caty242]

If you add a new WA team it will probably go 50/50 because West coast has one of the highest amount of members and are still getting them even though there 18th. But I do agree that there is no where to put it because there’s no other big city apart from Perth.

[@newsgetsold]

A new Perth team surely makes the most sense. Could even call them the Perth Bogans and they would succeed. Or copy the NRL Dolphins and don't even give them any exact place name. With 3 x teams in one city you will get 6 x derby games each year. Go the Bogans!!! 💪

[@gregrobins5615]

@@newsgetsold Another composite side from WA ? An established club like Norwood is the only option that makes sense. Given that they're established, hugely successful, financially stable and have a huge 140 year old rivalry with Port, they have earned the right.

[@debuthunter5389]

Northern Crocs, based in Joondalup (North side of Perth), with direct ties (and named after) the North of WA and NT.

[@gregoryjohn4]

It might surprise you to know that Newcastle Black Diamond AFL League is one of the oldest football leagues in Australia (founded 1886 as the Newcastle Australian Football League). It has 9 senior clubs centred on Newcastle/Hunter and Central Coast region. The combined population of the catchment is approximately 1 million people. Yes, the area is Rugby League dominant, but AFL has always had a healthy presence and the area has a substantial population, far exceeding all other expansion options. The obvious thing lacking is an appropriate stadium. Newcastle No 1 Sportsground would need a substantial upgrade to a 30,000+ stadium of international standard, but otherwise the region is streets ahead of all the other suggestions.

[@gregoryjohn4]

@@nutellauno7286 yes - in terms of population. Newcastle has 1 million+ within about an hour of the city. Double that of Canberra. Perth is not a comparison. It’s a capital city with 2 million people and an AFL stronghold. If the AFL want a 3rd team in Perth then all good. But compared to the regional centres mentioned? None come close to the Hunter/Central Coast. All that is lacking is a major stadium. Prove me wrong.

[@gregoryjohn4]

@@nutellauno7286 years ago there were pre season AFL games held in Newcastle that drew about 10,000 people. Not bad for an exhibition game in a rugby league stronghold. There has never been a competition game in Newcastle because there isn’t a ground up to standard. That is the impediment. NSW won’t spend the money on a stadium outside of Sydney. AFL won’t play a competition game to test the market without an appropriate venue. So it’s all academic as to whether Canberra or Newcastle has better potential for expansion, unless and until an appropriate stadium is built in Newcastle. I won’t hold my breath waiting for NSW government to invest any money into facilities. An appropriate venue is the only obvious area where Canberra is a better option. Otherwise the Hunter/Central Coast with the largest regional population and a long established local AFL league would be the obvious contender.

[@gregoryjohn4]

@@nutellauno7286 because the Giants would never be embraced and could not grow the potential of the area. If you’re talking expansion and growth then you have to fish where the fish are, or in this case where there is a substantial population centre. I agree that relocation of a club could work. Swans went to Sydney. Fitzroy to Brisbane. Maybe a club like the Kangaroos which has always been a struggler in Melbourne might consider a move to the Hunter if there was an incentive? 🤷‍♂️ ACT and NT are both much smaller markets and don’t really offer anything new to the AFL in terms of expanding the game in a sizable new market. But that’s not to say that a presence in those markets might not be desirable. But as a rugby league follower who has seen the interest in AFL surging in recent years, I know which market I would be targeting heavily - the sixth largest population centre in the country - Hunter and Central Coast.

[@gregoryjohn4]

@@nutellauno7286 well Newcastle simply can’t happen without a stadium anyway and NSW government has no interest in building one there. So it’s academic really. If the AFL wants a 20th expansion club it almost certainly won’t be in Newcastle.

[@gregoryjohn4]

@@nutellauno7286 easy, if it was a relocation of say North Melbourne then “Northern Kangaroos” has a nice ring to it. Both for traditional Kangaroos supporters and as an allusion to Northern NSW. Drawing on the wide support for the Newcastle Knights which is strong from south around Wyong on the Central Coast, north to the Manning District on the Mid North Coast and up the Hunter Valley, it is entirely reasonable to expect that a “Northern Kangaroos” based in Newcastle would attract wide ranging support in the Northern NSW sporting community. The Newcastle RL has teams from Wyong and the Entrance as well as Nelson Bay. The Newcastle RU has Singleton. The Black Diamond AFL has teams from Killarney Vale and Terrigal Avoca as well as Singleton. So the wider the wider region also identifies strongly with the Newcastle area.

[@craigslater8227]

Geraldton is growing rapidly with a lot of work and infrastructure happening. I live north in Karratha and have had family recently move to Geraldton. I support Freo and that wouldn't change but I'd still go and watch a team in Gerro

[@beebeenyneeee7692]

Perth 3 easily makes the most sense. The eagles are too big. There are year long waiting lists. Something needs to break them up a bit. They would be a cheap and easy expansion option and give a 3rd game a week in thr AFLs 2nd biggest market.

[@newsgetsold]

Yeah a new Perth team surely makes the most sense. Could even call them the Perth Bogans and they would succeed. Or copy the NRL Dolphins and don't even give them any exact place name. With 3 x teams in one city you will get 6 x derby games each year. Go the Bogans!!! 💪

[@beebeenyneeee7692]

@@newsgetsold calling them the dolphins was stupid. All their fans want them to be called Redcliffe or Moreton Bay.

[@gregrobins5615]

So who's going to follow a third composite side in WA ? An established, successful, financially strong club like Norwood is the most logical choice because the AFL know that they won't have to throw millions of dollars in to get them started. Their huge success in hosting 2 Gather Round games have them firmly in the sight of the AFL.

[@beebeenyneeee7692]

@@gregrobins5615 Adelaide has a much smaller market than WA. There also enough room for crows and port. Eagles are way too large. A 3rd WA club could easily be created cheaply. They have almost everything set up already. Norwood doesn't have the financials to fund a full time AFL team. They are rich in the state leagues, not at the AFL level.

[@gregrobins5615]

@@beebeenyneeee7692 Actually no, Norwood have a huge shopping precinct right at their front door and big names like Penfolds, Coopers, Wolff Blass to lean on. Norwood is a very affluent area and The Parade cafes and restaurants recently turned over more than 2 million dollars in revenue from the 2 Gather Round games held at Norwood. Even the AFL spent $700,000 on upgrades to the oval etc.They also have other revenues of income and millions in assets. They are ready to go.

[@brendanhartzer5712]

My idea for the 20th team should be the Northern Bulls, Representing the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland. WA is Excluded because the whole state follows Eagles and Dockers. They will play 7 games in Darwin 1 in Alice Springs for a total of 8 Games in the NT. The three North QLD Games will be in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.

[@gregrobins5615]

Everyone here is talking about areas of population that would influence a decision on where the next club should be stationed. Participation is the key, not population and that certainly narrows the field down.

[@tomw4637]

What I think might and maybe should happen is North Melbourne moving to Canberra Giants can stay in Western Sydney and try to get a supporter base Northern Perth (maybe boorloo) gets a team. Then I’d cap it at 20 and not touch it much more. There’d be 19 matches playing each other, then 2 gather rounds and 1 rivalry round?

[@ChrisRaleigh1971]

Canberra kangaroos would be perfect but north has already tried it before & they failed

[@BDub2024]

Giants needs to service Canberra and riverina area. Sydney needs to be involved too. North missed out on the Canberroos dream. Basically, Giants can play home and away matches against Bulldog, Melbourne and Saints in Canberra. Straight away that means six matches in Canberra per year. Giants would then play 8 home matches in West Sydney. Sydney Swans could also play North Melb home and away in Canberra. Suddenly that's 8 matches in Canberra. Also, because its home and away it means both are neutral matches and Melb sides aren't disadvantaged.

[@BDub2024]

Boorloo, Nobody knows what that is even.

[@BDub2024]

North missed Canberra and Gold coast 10 years ago. Joondalup is an option. But only if it means more money for the WAFC, who use Eagle and Dorker dividends to fund WA footy development. WAFC has said that its not a priority.

[@newsgetsold]

Given the NRL's success of the Dolphins in Brisbane/Redcliffe, the AFL should follow suit and put a third team in Perth or Adelaide. Or both! I live in Sunshine Coast and there would not be a big enough following for a new AFL team here. But a lot of people here jumped on the Dolphins including the huge population of interstate migrants from NSW. The dolphins don't even officially have any exact location within SEQ despite being affiliated with Redcliffe and receiving support and money from the Moreton Bay Council. The Council thought they would be called the Moreton Bay Dolphins but failed to enforce this in their funding agreement.

[@vortecorvus3398]

Based on my observations there also seems to be a fair number of supporters down south in Adelaide who barrack for Carlton. I think a team based down south would work if it had a new nickname but had the gold and blue of say Glenelg and Souths. As opposed to the West and North, when walking around areas down south I've noticed not as much AFL merch. Definitely huge potential for a side based within the south of Adelaide.

[@BDub2024]

Adelaide is not a big enough population and its stagnant.

[@newsgetsold]

Gold and blue wouldn't encroach on the Eagles colours?

[@BDub2024]

@@newsgetsold If Joondalup Football Club gets the 20th licence they'd be red with a blue sash. Mind you, by the time it happens all the old WP/Joondalup fans will be in their 70s. But Joondalup or Peel would get in before a team from Adelaide. But ultimately it will be AFL decision with input from WAFC.

[@BDub2024]

@@newsgetsold biggest stupidity is gold coast and brisbane being the same colours.

[@gregrobins5615]

@@BDub2024 Adelaide is big enough, especially for Norwood to join the AFL. You're forgetting the support big events attract to South Australian fans.

[@timnicholls19]

To be nice Darwin as 20th and Canberra as a relocation team would be the best option. Nt thunder already plays from nt and could be used as the reserved side and play out of Alice and Darwin the like. Mean while as a relocation club Canberra would be actually not as bad given someone from Albury Wodonga would spend same length of time travelling to Canberra as Melbourne and likewise many southern nsw towns also play Aussie rules so when you look at distances they would need to travel it could be more beneficial for them to go to there afl clubs away games in Canberra then their home games in Melbourne Geelong Sydney Adelaide for example. This also would have the Sydney swans and Fitzroy affect with a interstate team having support in Melbourne

[@samoak123]

please not Canberra

[@JustSomeAussieGamer]

If they could amalgamate with the nearby Riverina Region, playing games at Manuka & Lavington, with a game at Narrandera & at Wagga (or a couple per year), the combine population of 850,000+ would work.

[@BDub2024]

GWS needs to step up in Canberra. I suggest that they have home and away matches against Melb, Saints and Bulldogs. Suddenly that gives Canberra six games a year. Throw in some Sydney too. That's how you service a developing market. Keeps the matches neutral. A third of the clubs are heavily subsidised from AFL and other clubs now. Tassie is really stretching it. So really needs the 20th team to be financial.

[@gregarroinalidadavich9220]

100% agree

[@BDub2024]

@Nutellauno North Qld won't happen for a team and neither will Darwin. Gold Coast can play home and away matches at those venues. For example, Melb, Bulldogs and Saints play home and away in Cairns and Darwin. That's 3 games in both cities each. Let Brisbane play a home and away match in Cairns too. Another 2 matches. That's how it will happen. Tassie might never happen it looks like.

[@whitepinkofficials]

The NTFL isn’t played in the southern summer due to hard grounds. They have higher rainfall than Melbourne. It is due to the fact that cricket can’t be played in wet season so ground availability is an issue

[@debuthunter5389]

OK... This is the way it should likely go... and this is giving it a fair amount of thought. The 20th AFL team will be the NORTHERN CROCS, based in the North of Perth (Joondalup area). This is why: Northern Territory, Northern QLD and Northern WA do not have enough population or general feasibility for an AFL team. Perth is a massive footy state, with a much larger population than SA. WCE and Freo are both very successful (financially, membership etc), and WA continues to grow. This team can be based in the expanding North of the city (Freo are already South, WCE are Central). This team however takes it's name after, and will have direct ties with the North of Australia. It would be the team to have a presence up there, and be a place to foster indigenous talent (Perth being more indigenous suitable than places like Melb or Sydney). Additional note: I do not see any other viable options, apart from a rebrand of GWS to make it more NSW General (compared to Sydney who are very main city focused), and Gold Coast to be more general QLD, and strengthen ties with the north of QLD too. For Canberra or anywhere else, the existing expansion teams MUST gain further traction before further diluting their markets. In which case, and further expansion of the national competition would need to be via the relocation of an existing struggling side (ie, Kangaroos).

[@alexpedlar6438]

Northern Australia Crocs Canberra Kangaroos NMFC

[@Pothole2004]

To be honest ballarat might work but the deference from othe locations r ballarat already has the western bulldogs so it would be more likely for the bulldogs to relocate to ballarat that get a licence for their own team.

[@eggman903]

The NT and it might be cool to have them called Darwin but I think the NT Thunder sounds pretty cool in my opinion

[@buckets4518]

My heart says Darwin or the NT as a team, but my head tells me that can’t happen with low population and lack of top tier facilities. I think a more probable option would be Norwood, or a third Perth team

[@newsgetsold]

A new Perth team surely makes the most sense. Could even call them the Perth Bogans and they would succeed. Or copy the NRL Dolphins and don't even give them any exact place name. With 3 x teams in one city you will get 6 x derby games each year. Go the Bogans!!! 💪

[@gregrobins5615]

Norwood is the best club outside the AFL and is established so the AFL don't need to prop them up with finances like they would with another unknown composite side.

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

An Adelaide Hills team would be fantastic. Stunning part of the world, a unique culture that has nothing to do with Adelaide and a growing population to sustain it.

[@richardbehan8118]

Yeah the last thing we want is a 3 useless SA team

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

@@richardbehan8118 Okay mate.

[@richardbehan8118]

@@keynesianeconomics4113 "ok mate" lol. The last time a SA side was relevant in the AFL was back in '97 and '98. Yeh, Port choked in the early 2000's then eventually beat a lack luster Brisbane side, but other than that SA sides have been irrelevant. (Well other than being two of the biggest losing margins in Grand Finals AFL/VFL history). Now this is your time to make your case for the two pathetic excuses of football clubs.

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

@@richardbehan8118 Really couldn't care less, pal. I like the Adelaide Hills, the culture and people are great, they love footy and they'd completely back a Hills team.

[@richardbehan8118]

@@keynesianeconomics4113 of course you don't care. You made a vague dumbarse comment then couldn't back it up other than "I feels like the Hills would embrace it" 😂 If anything WA will get a third team as that's where the money is. Sit down and let the adults talk.

[@bman3074]

the only real viable place is a 3rd team in perth. Footy state and has the population. Then down the road in 20 years if the demand is there in NSW or ACT then a victorian team can relocate. I agree that Norwood is the heart of the crows supporter base so i think it should be WA #3

[@thebob3712]

eagles should relocate to Tassie

[@gregrobins5615]

Norwood is the next cab off the rank. Massive 140 year rivalry with Port which needs to go to the national level. But it's their 31 premierships, strong following, strong finances and history that easily gets them over the line.

[@debuthunter5389]

100% agree. 3rd WA team, and any other expansions can be a relocation of a struggling Vic team.

[@samwansbone2790]

Would love a NZ team so I can get into the AFL but it'll never happen sadly. Don't really follow the AFL too much so can't say a lot on expansion but seems Canberra is the best bet.

[@michaelcampbell8112]

I am a kiwi who loves afl. Auckland is trying to convert western springs stadium into a cricket ground. If the afl offered to help fund it then they would set up an afl stadium in a city of a million people. Then as the team get popular they can play games in wellington at the cake tin and christchurch at Hagley oval which you can can plaster with temporary seats. I would love a game in my city of Hamilton but I dont think Seddon park would be big enough as in the oval itself. Dunedin would be a good place too because it has an aussie rules tradition due to the gold rush but university oval would be too small like seddon park

[@KingGSultan]

Too far of a commute for western australia

[@samwansbone2790]

@@KingGSultan It's fine for the A-League but yeah lot of travel.

[@michaelcampbell8112]

@@KingGSultan How does the National Basketball League and A-League do it? Plus NRL does it too, Granted they are one-off games. If the sport wants to grow without having to go too far NZ is the way population of 5 million plus this will be the final nail in the Brassi line where the AFL has ground in every territory the NRL has. But then again the AFL is like the NFL which has not expanded internationally.

[@KingGSultan]

@@samwansbone2790 Perth glory have to travel 8-10hrs to get to NZ. Thats absurd. No sporting competition in the world has that kind of commute on the regular

[@masenko4519]

I'd like to see a regional Vic team that isn't Geelong

[@traviswillis62]

The most commercial sense (cheapest) would have to be a 3rd Perth team playing in the new stadium. Personally I think representing the outer northern areas of Wanneroo, Joondalup and Swan would be better than Mandurah et al in the south. The area already has a population of about 500k and is projected to be pushing 900k by 2051. Norwood would be nice for the traditionalists, but Adelaide just doesn't have the same population growth potential as Perth. If you really want it to be in a new city, then it would have to be Canberra based and look to connect with the Wagga and Albury regions. That would also leave GWS to focus on growing their support in western Sydney.

[@alec6377]

There are too many Victorian based teams. Would be nice to have an even split around the country.

[@aaron6963]

I’ve always thought it would good to have a new team in TAS, a new team in the NT and for North Melbourne to relocate to Canberra so that every state and territory is involved in the league. If any state is going to have a third team the first one should be WA and when SA is popular enough it can get a third team, as for QLD and NSW I wouldn’t look at them ever having a third team unless AFL starts becoming almost as popular as NRL.

[@ClassyRatedPG]

I only seem 3 options, Canberra but its so NRL driven, then Mildura or Ballarat. you talked about population, but over 100k people and nothing else to do, half the town would turn up as they are both AFL supportive, as long as its to too expensive.

[@AndyViant]

Western Bulldogs should move to Ballarat.

[@HazzaBeaso]

Norwood

[@bkhunter8438]

NT would be nice but couldn’t see it being successful. There’s not much appeal to living there full time and would struggle to get stars there. Tbh I thing if any team is going to relocate to Canberra it should be the Giants. They fill that stadium more than they do their own. North Perth I think is the best option

[@matted781]

I reckon have a competition of existing clubs compete for the 20th spot.

[@Shaun-ws5kt]

I disagree that you can’t add a 3rd WA team West Coast is the strongest and largest AFL team with a 4 year waiting list to even become a member North Perth would be an ideal location as population is growing rapidly If teams in Victoria are able to have multiple derby rivalries, why do people dismiss the idea interstate Also so believe with WA being a footy mad state, people will actually read about them in the media and crowds/supporters will surely come quicker than they have with the current expansion teams

[@debuthunter5389]

Northern Crocs, based in Joondalup (north of river) with ties to Northern WA/NT.

[@Edwardburgess-ro4mh]

There should be a new AFL team at the thriving metropolis of Booborowie. They could be called the Booborowie Waterholes.

[@benjaminrowley]

Seems like it’ll probably the NT or a combined NT and Canberra

[@sinister2509]

Having lived in Geraldton for a bit, an AFL club there sounds like a terrible idea, as the infrastructure and funding for a stadium just wouldn't be there. I have seen rumours suggesting Bunbury are planning to put in a bid for a team, which sounds like a somewhat better idea for a non-Perth WA team.

[@DinkemDolph]

WA3 with its time zone difference is perfect for TV audiences with the extra game and untapped northern population of mostly new immigrants would definitely make it the AFLs first choice. ACT should have got a relocated Vic club in the 90s

[@BDub2024]

ACT is GWS really. Just needs more matches. Joondalup is full of Brits and Sprngboks. But is the sensible choice. But it will be WAFC's decision who owns Eagles and Dorkers. If it means more money paid to WAFC then they may consider it. Otherwise it has no chance. AFL won't agree to another random club starting from WA without WAFC agreeemnt.

[@debuthunter5389]

@@BDub2024 - They should really rebrand to make GWS more Regional NSW and ACT inclusive.

[@BDub2024]

@@debuthunter5389 firstly. get rid of the GWS (its quicker to say west sydney). secondly, I agree it could have had NSW/ACT name, like Rugby union super 14s. Try to get the NSW support. But they wanted Western Sydney to embrace them. Thirdly, if you drop West Sydney now then its a snub to the people of western sydney. So that can't happen now. So they're stuck with a poor naming decision. I'd recommend dropping Greater straight up plus out with GWS. Then you decide West Sydney Canberra or not and hope that works.

[@jecos1966]

Northern Tasmania in Launceston and has a 20000 stadium and at present the biggest in Tasmania

[@fishjj76]

I'd love to see the Territory Deadlies in the future. I just can't see a quarter of the NT population attending weekly home and away games.

[@VADER4GAMING]

Movie giants to Canberra and I guess if the NT can’t have it then SA or WA

[@debuthunter5389]

@@nutellauno7286 - Imagine being a player that literally has to travel every single week coz their homes games are in different cities and states, and then their away games are on the other side of the country. Haha. Fuck that!

[@frasergibson5763]

NT. They would still win a flag before Carlton

[@stupendous1068]

And St Kilda.

[@richardbehan8118]

And my boys the Bombers.

[@frasergibson5763]

@@richardbehan8118 Bombers will still win their next one before Carlton

[@frasergibson5763]

@@stupendous1068 Saints will still do it before Carlton

[@stupendous1068]

@@frasergibson5763 But not before a new Northern Territory team.

[@BDub2024]

Geraldton was just a made up story. There is nothing there and no neighbouring centres. Interestingly Joondalup is sometimes nicknames "South Geraldton" as its a centre in the metro area in the far north of Perth (in other words so far that its south of geraldton). Joondalup is more likely, so I can only assume that someone said a team in South Geraldton and there was a confusion with the Victorian press.

[@ChrispygamerYT]

I don’t think you have put enough effort into researching the Sunshine Coast. It has seen massive growth in AFL participation and viewership and could be a great option for a team. With the population boom in SEQ due to people moving interstate AFL is getting a stronger grip than the NRL, with club memberships dominating those of the NRL teams.

[@BrisbaneBroncosfan67]

The Sunshine Coast has a population of 120k and all the afl fans there are just people from Melbourne who already have an afl club. And nrl has a strong grip there with the Dolphins nearby.

[@PiesGuy35]

ballarat bushrangers?

[@jaykoblue172]

I’d say Darwin is the most logical choice. The name Darwin Dingoes is very catchy and really rolls off the tongue.

[@XavierB-hx7sc]

Depends what you want out of expansion: 1. Take more of the game to areas that already follow AFL Or 2. Expand the following of the game into potential growth areas If you want to expand the game and grow revenues you need to take the game to areas that don’t already follow the game or a club, otherwise you would be essentially just redistributing fans from one club to another. This leaves: - Cairns - Canberra - Newcastle As the only real possibilities Out of those 3, Cairns (Nth Queensland) makes the most sense as it has the population 500k+, AFL participation rates already showing strong growth, ticks the box of national coverage to the top end of Australia (could share a couple of games in Darwin), liveability for players is the best of the 3, meaning less “go home factor” making it easier to build on-field success.

[@lachlangray9701]

A full time afl team could work in Canberra because Manuka oval is a prime location but to be honest as a Canberran the afl team would have to preform better then the raiders and brumbies to get the crowds and brumbies have made semis 5 years in a row and very successful

[@RickA17]

a third wa team would make the most sense from a business standpoint

[@GalaxyWolfBoy]

3 teams is too many for Adelaide? Yet there are 10 teams located in/next to Melbourne?

[@TimothyFouracre]

9 teams in Melbourne and it has nearly 4 times the population of Adelaide so that is pretty much in proportion

[@itsglen9646]

AFL is the greatest game and needs to be better known outside of Oz. New Zealand, and ???? I'm not familiar with the finances the AFL is faced with or how revenues are distributed. I do hope a new team is added outside of Australia, and if so, it is successful.

[@SSJIsucc]

I think the 20th team should be Canberra and for Darwin, maybe do something like how North and Hawks play some games in Tassie and represent them. Maybe rename north to Northern Kangaroos and just move some of their home games to NT like Gold Coast?

[@timrozitis961]

ACT is expected to almost double in size over the next 40 years - so on one hand it seems ideal. If you coupled it to the Riverina and the South Coast you'd think there's definitely enough interest to sustain a supporter base. BUT the bit that's often overlooked is that its population is largely transient - especially through Defence. So while there's definitely an Aussie Rules interest most people already have their own loyalties - because the footy supporters come from Vic, WA, SA. Part of the issue with GWS is that the "Western" is mainly in the name. It's training centre is in Blacktown (about 70km West of Syd(, but they play in the heart of Sydney (I get some of the politics in that, but....). I would've thought they'd be more Penrith (and further), but.... I think a 3rd SA or WA side is sustainable (AFL is uusual because what other professional league in the world has 10 sides in 1 state - 9 of them in 1 city?). I don't knkow much about Perth, but I know in Adleaide the population growth seems to be deep South (Aldinga) and East in the Adelaide Hills (Mt Barker) - and while Port is traditionally not in the city, their heartland is closer to Adelaide than GWS's Blacktown training centre is to Sydney. I think instead of a Darwin side, pushing Gold Coast to have more games there to begin with makes more sense (So Darwin becomes to Gold Coast what Canberra is to GWS)..... But TBH I think the AFL needs to strategise *reducing* the number of teams - even if they continue to spread....

[@democracymanifest8256]

It’s about 20km from Blacktown to Homebush. There simply isn’t anywhere suitable for GWS to play in Penrith.

[@samoak123]

no dont want afl in canberra

[@BDub2024]

Giants needs to service Canberra and riverina area. Sydney needs to be involved too. North missed out on the Canberroos dream. Basically, Giants can play home and away matches against Bulldog, Melbourne and Saints in Canberra. Straight away that means six matches in Canberra per year. Giants would then play 8 home matches in West Sydney. Sydney Swans could also play North Melb home and away in Canberra. Suddenly that's 8 matches in Canberra. Also, because its home and away it means both are neutral matches and Melb sides aren't disadvantaged.

[@BDub2024]

Canberra public servants. Great nickname. Better than the pretentious Senators and Governors.

[@BDub2024]

"I don't know much about Perth"... Its fantastic place. Love their sport. Footy and cricket in particular. Rugby tries to make inroads but their governing bodies do the best to kill themselves off. West Coast and Fremantle works well. Both owned by WAFC and pay dividends to WAFC to allow junior development and footy in state. AFL don't do much. A third clubs would need to increase wealth and dividends for it to be considered. It would be WAFC owned.

[@sharkattack6610]

Melbourne is the heartland of the AFL, and every area of this great city has a team except one. SE suburbs have St Kilda, eastern suburbs have Hawthorn, north east have Collingwood, north have Carlton and North Melbourne, north west have Essendon, the west has Footscray / Western Bulldogs and the city has Melbourne and Richmond. The south western suburbs - Williamstown, Newport, Altona, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Tarneit and Truganina now have a soccer team BUT no AFL team. Most people here support Collingwood, Essendon and Geelong - it is NOT a Western Bulldogs area - I live in Point Cook and the south western suburbs are a massive area that continues to grow - we need our own AFL team. My proposal - either promote the Williamstown Seagulls from the VFL (should have happened in 1897) or form a new team called the Point Cook Sharks.

[@WhyForWhatNow]

I would love to see a northern WA\Pilbra team

[@AndyViant]

Not viable based on population. If Darwin can't get one there's no chance for another team in WA unless it's yet another Perth team.

[@WhyForWhatNow]

@@AndyViant 100% population is too low, but I was talking from the perspective of how many prospects come from the NT\Pilbara. And if there was a 3rd WA team it would have to either be a south west\Albany, or maybe north Perth - Falcons Idk

[@debuthunter5389]

Northern Crocs, based in North of Perth (Joondalup) but with direct ties to Northern WA/NT.

[@djcat64]

The 20th team will be the 2nd Tasmanian team. One of those 2 teams will be named the Turbo Chooks.

[@samadkins843]

team 20 should be called the northern territory thunder or cyclones or drovers.

[@hamishhunt555]

papua new guinea has almost as many registered players as Queensland and 3x tasmania's registered players so once it develops as a country socio-economically it would viable as a neighbouring, english speaking country

[@ajdynon]

FWIW, the name of the sport is Aussie Rules, not AFL (just a pet peeve of mine). I personally think Canberra (possibly also covering southern NSW and the Murray region) is the best option, although some workmates were putting forth a strong argument for a third WA team. And just for something a bit stranger that you didn't mention, how about Jakarta or Bali?

[@lucys5752]

As someone in Adelaide - we don't have the population to support a third team, if they're gonna give one of the non-melb states a third team it should be in WA. I really don't think anywhere makes sense for a 20th though and could see the AFL using a rolling fixture with more Thursday night & Monday night games, though there would need to be way more 5 day turnarounds for that to happen and I could imagine the AFLPA not being down for that...

[@BDub2024]

Needs Thursday and Friday... Fixturing gets more complex but possible. Won't be Adel due to pop. Perth is possible but only if WAFC agrees and sees the financial benefit. WAFC owns Eagles and Dockers and receive a dividend from each club. Adding an extra team would need to show that the dividend to WA footy was going to be increased and not decreased.

[@gregrobins5615]

You don't think Norwood will be an ideal candidate given their history, success, finances and location ?

[@BDub2024]

@@gregrobins5615 I think Perth can host 3 clubs before Adelaide. If Melb and Gee has $5.5m for 10 teams. Then a big Vic country population. Perth has 2m and Adelaide 1.3m.

[@BDub2024]

@@gregrobins5615 East Perth is known to be the most traditional club in WA. West Perth has a fanatical base and relocated up in Joondalup about 30 years ago. Also, got one of the best jumpers in the country. Problem to be fair, is that WAFL popularity has dropped over time. Add another 10 years and there will be barely anyone with a link to EP or WP. Only boomers! If a club in WA then it would be owned by WAFC anyway. It would also have to be shown that 3 clubs in Perth could be more profitable to WAFC than the current 2 clubs. Eagles pump money into WAFL and WA junior development, so if a new club came in, then it couldn't hurt Eagles or Dockers dividends to WA footy.

[@debuthunter5389]

Thank you for saying this! There is no way to justify SA ahead of WA. WA has a much larger population and continues to grow at a faster rate. It has a better stadium and better sponsorship opportunities.

[@tousenoart]

NT for all the same reasons as Tassie's forecast transformation of finance & amplification of indigenous & healthy sporting culture

[@StuAus]

Not happening for so many reasons. People need to think logically. NT isn't growing either look at the population stats. It's barely moved in several years. People don't want to live there.

[@debuthunter5389]

Tasmania is still double the size of NT in population, and the 2 main cities are much closer to each other.

[@alexjays9414]

If I were to go back in time I would have made a 2nd tier to the sport to make it more National seeing all the proposal are country

[@rajivmurkejee7498]

Perth is the obvious choice Adelaide and SA were once pretty equal to WA in population economy and production of footballers, but WA and Perth have shot far ahead. Adelaide is not a rich place. Where else? Canberra? Canberra is really a NSW regional city (It wasn't once) Do any schools in the ACT have Aussie Rules as their first sport?

[@rajivmurkejee7498]

Darwin and Cairns are just too small and would need lots of other people's money to run a team. Yep, Melbourne has too many teams according to non-Victorians but that's just the way it is.

[@debuthunter5389]

Canberra can be a good "break glass" option. If a Victorian team or other one really struggles or becomes on the verge of failing, you can shift them there to give it some life. I wouldn't move to ACT yet unless GWS continues to grow in regional NSW.

[@shaundgb7367]

I think a Murray River region team, playing out of Lavington is more realistic and sensible than Darwin team in terms of population and central to more actual footy fans in regional areas on both sides of border. This could attract people from Murray River towns and all the way from Wagga Wagga to Shepparton to want to travel to matches there. If the AFL want to fast track a 20th licence that makes the most sense to me. A team in Canberra would make sense too, IF, the Giants actually were a true Western Sydney based team and left Canberra for a brand new club. Giants themselves could relocate to Canberra but that is not a 20th licence. I think a third based team out of Perth is the next most realistic option after the Murray River region team for a 20th licence and would probably fit more in AFL timeline as they will probably bed down the 19 clubs we have now and not rush to 20. So if 20th licence is closer to 2040 I think it will come from Perth. If it in early 2030's then Murray River region team is the go. Most of the ones in the video are not realistic. But I think it most likely we could be with 19 clubs for a couple of decades. Thursday night footy every round is easier to fixture with the automatic bye a club will need each round with 19 clubs. That club would play the following Thursday and just play one of the Friday night or Thursday night teams from previous rounds.

[@brendenmcmillan8937]

Perth makes more sense to me than any other. Least financial risk, other than that Canberra probably best shout. Did hear people talking about an Irish core team based out of Sydney. That is an intriguing idea as it would get the full Irish immigrant population and if they make the shirt green and white hoops they will sell a boatload of shirts. Captures the full GAA crowd.

[@nevilleburley8760]

Don't just discount Townsville as a Rugby Legue city, there is a huge military presence in Townsville that means many from Vic, SA and WA and Tassie too. A side there could also draw from the Torres Strait Island community as well. Port Moresby could also be considered having around 400,000 people.

[@gregoryjohn4]

Same could be said about Newcastle with the RAAF base at Williamtown, so there are people from all over Australia stationed there. Also the broader region has a population of about 1 million, so there is the population base that the AFL would be looking for in an expansion team.

[@6Thouxaan]

American Teams move cities all the time ie; Las Vegas Raiders even the Lakers. I wouldnt be against a couple melbourne clubs moving to Ballarat and Bendigo. I think it would be mad

[@tbitm]

Darwin. I dont think it will be the most financially successful. But it would make it a true national competition and would be good for the people. Would need to be heavily subsidised by the rest of the clubs.

[@debuthunter5389]

Shouldn't have charity cases as clubs... They should each be able to stand on their own...

[@stevenwebb3634]

You don't want to spread the talent pool too thinly

[@TimmyTickle]

I was opposed to GWS entering the comp for that reason

[@trevorlewis847]

Northern territory dont worry bout 3rd team in syd adel perth or brissy, NT a footy state,love to see a team of rioli, i would pay to see them play😊

[@AndyViant]

NT can't draw more than about a 20,000 crowd maximum. It doesn't make economic sense, sadly. Tassie is honestly gonna struggle financially.

[@SamuelAdkins-j1h]

Northern Territory.

[@lynxraide]

Canberra would be the best bet. Looking at the population of Canberra ignores the surrounding population. If people arw willing to spend an hour or more travelling to see a Crows or Power game in SA, they would travel from Wagga, Albury and even just next door in Queanbeyan to support a Canberra team, and those areas have a greater population than SA's regional cities. At this point I'd say no to a 3rd SA or WA team, and unless it was a relocating Melbourne team a hard no for a Victorian team as there is already 10 (much like I dont want a Central Coast NRL team for the same reasons) Don't rule out a Newcastle team so easily, as there is the support from the Black Diamond comp that they could draw upon, and there are quite a few in the Newcastle/Central Coast region that will support both AFL and NRL

[@jordyn3563]

A 20th club won’t happen this side of the century. Quite likely see one of the bottom four Vic team relocating or even merging with a GWS/GCS within the next 20 years.

[@ashtongriffiths8879]

The south west of wa like bunbury or margret river or bussleton

[@darrynaustin6379]

Some Victorian teams need to go to make the AFL credible

[@DeadManDownunder]

What if the 19th team was Hobart and the 20th was Launceston. That would forever end the debate of where the team should be based, with nearly 200,000 foundation members for the devils you cant argue there's not enough support and with 90,000, Tasmanians currently a paid member of an existing club why couldn't there be 2 Tassie sides?🤷‍♂️

[@SuperAnimeking100]

Its gotta be Canberra, right? Theres AFL support theres and 455k ppl

[@mariodimarzo1920]

could just promote the NT thunder to the AFL or have the 20th license be granted to the best of the state champions

[@BigBadAds9]

NT is split between Rugby League and Aussie Rules. Don't give me this Barrasi line BS.

[@LiamP589]

It will be in Perth. With the population and 50 thousand poeple on wce member waiting list. West perth Falcons will come in and change their name to joondalup falcons. Revamp joondalup arena as a boutique stadium and split games between there and optus stadium

[@gregrobins5615]

Norwood is the best option as the best club outside the AFL. The AFL don't want to be handing out composite licenses like McDonald's franchises. An established club ready to go is their preferred choice.

[@LiamP589]

@@gregrobins5615 what makes Norwood better than west Perth?

[@gregrobins5615]

@@LiamP589 31 premierships for starters. Strong following, finances, history and the best club outside the AFL. The Parade is one of Australia's top shopping precincts and the surrounding suburbs are very affluent. Throw in huge sponsors like Coopers Brewery, Penfolds, Wolff Blast etc and Norwood certainly has the resources needed.

[@debuthunter5389]

Northern Crocs (based in Joondalup). New team, just like WCE and Freo were.

[@SuperRoo_22]

Northern Territory. Call them the Darwin Bulls, Cowboys or Thunder. Colours Black, Red & Yellow. Yes, the colours might be close to Adelaide's, but they can just make a jumper design that doesn't clash.

[@BDub2024]

not enough people. too many clubs are already unprofitable and being subsidised. Have Gold coast playing home and away matches there. That will increase the number of matches.

[@SuperRoo_22]

@@BDub2024 Fair point. But it will only be a truly national comp if the NT has a team.

[@BDub2024]

@@SuperRoo_22 National Soccer Team existed for many years with no Perth team. NRL has no Perth Adelaide Tassie teams. Same as Super 14s. In both forms of rugby WA actually had their teams cancelled. So AFL is doing quite well in comparison to other sports at the moment.

[@debuthunter5389]

@@SuperRoo_22 - All the American sports are deemed national competitions, but I don't see Hawaii or Alaska represented in there... Unfeasible is unfeasible. It's just reality.

[@garrywallah4966]

I'd like to see an American team, Perhaps the San Diego sizzlers

[@newsgetsold]

When SpaceX starts flying its Starship for human transportation it will only be a 30 minute flight across the Pacific.

[@benjaminrowley]

@@TheOldFossilwe’d destroy the yanks

[@leighreganarblaster9852]

To me we nee the AFL needs 22 teams and have needs two division of 11 teams. The teams a bye in each division will play each other. End each all from SA, WA, QLD and NSW teams will each other. The Flans top four in each division

[@andrewandy137]

Northern territory - lots of talented players have come from Tiwi islands, Darwin,Alice Springs.Not sure about Canberra as you have 2 sides from NSW already. A NT side I think would attract more members than Gold Coast and Giants fans. Actually I wouldn't mind if North Melbourne was offered a relocation to Northern Territory. Call them the Northern Territory Kangaroos and keep the traditional North Melbourne blue and white horizontal stripes as the Guernsey.

[@MitchMasters147]

You gotta remember players aren’t gonna want to move from the city they were drafted in to live in Darwin. If I got drafted there I’d leave straight away I ain’t living there.

[@andrewandy137]

@@MitchMasters147 A potential NT time might be still a fair way off but who knows what the AFL draft landscape might be in the next 10 years and any potential lucrative $$$ offers made to players who might consider the move playing in that state. Changing the subject slightly, I reckon Harley Reid could be a good chance to end up at North Melbourne as he is Victorian & West Coast might be mindful of that if they were in the first box seat to draft him. I think this year's AFL draft is going to be a fascinating one to say the least and who ends up where

[@BDub2024]

North refuse to cooperate and rely on handouts from AFL clubs and govt. Its upsetting that they don't even work harder into the immigrant areas of Melbourne to grow the game, considering the handouts they get.

[@jackhudson2237]

Has to be WA north perth, can't split up Fremantles fan base as you said but Eagles are the biggest club in the League. I'd say West Perth Falcons who are based in Joondalup is the most logical decision for the 20th team. My reason is because our stadium is too small for the Eagles size. WA's oldest club deserves to play professionally.

[@thebob3712]

As I am in Perth and over the years have had to put up with eagle wankers saying the Roos should be kicked out of Melbourne and join up with another team, suns,gws etc I think the eagles should be made to join the tassie team, crowds are down at optus so atm the stadium looks 1/2 empty, it is 1/2 empty. You want west perth to play in the AFL, eagles should be playing wafl and only in the wafl.

[@jackhudson2237]

@the bob yeah tell that to the 100,000 people that still buy the Eagles membership despite how bad they are you absolute tool.

[@BDub2024]

West Perth Garlic Munchers or Market Gardeners. If anything should be the East Perth Royals. Joondalup is an option despite all the poms and springboks up there. But can't be the Falcons. I reckon Joondalup Royals is half acceptable. Of course it would be stadium. Mandurah people are too sleepy and not committed to Peel Thunder let alone an AFL side. They have no chance. Then you have Swan Valley which is fast growing. Swan Districts. Black and white stripes... I love it.

[@BDub2024]

@@thebob3712 North stuffed up not going to Canberra GoldCoast or Tassie. I was at footy yesterday 40k for Eagles. Pretty good crowd. Its just that the EAgles fans are drowning their sorrows. Its packed in the bars and the concourse areas. Its a bit misleading on tv.

[@gregrobins5615]

Has to be Norwood, the best club outside the AFL.