Inside Sport

Why AFL is the envy of every code


https://forum.insidesport.com.au/Topic1761200.aspx

By Joffa - 28 Jul 2013 11:35 AM

Richard Hinds: Why AFL is the envy of every code
Richard Hinds
The Sunday Telegraph
July 28, 2013 12:00AM

REMEMBER the World Cup bid? That sobering lesson in FIFA economics that revealed $48 million is worth one vote.

Remember how the local socceratti did not train the guns on their own naive and misguided bidders but blamed a rival game? How they claimed this jealous little domestic code had torpedoed their grand vision by refusing to make stadiums available and - the horror - wanting to keep playing while soccer ruled?

Recall last time you were at ANZ Stadium for an NRL or soccer game? How you still can't warm to a ground where the seats are too far from the action because it was configured to accommodate that southern interloper?

Then you ponder the state government money spent to redevelop the nearby Showgrounds, when other codes can barely get enough taxpayer money for a lick of paint? Except the SCG, where that other game is also played.

What did you think when it was revealed footballers from rival codes found to have taken banned substances might be treated differently. Have you wondered why there seems to be one set of rules for one game and a different one for others?

In each case, you don't have to go all CSI Moore Park. The AFL's fingerprints are everywhere. Ruining our World Cup bid. Grabbing Sydney taxpayers' dollars to build stadiums for their fringe-dwelling game. Making back-room deals to ensure their own drug users get parking tickets, while ASADA knocks up a gallows for the NRL. Or so some would have you believe.

Of course, as even the NRL administration - and perhaps the past FFA administration privately admits - the truth is quite different. Rather than cheating the system, the AFL has usually proven far more cunning and professional in going about its business. The AFL has used sophisticated and persistent government lobbying to get what it wants. Name a significant federal, state and even local government sports body, and the AFL will have a paid lobbyist sleeping on a camp bed outside his office door.


http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/richard-hinds-why-afl-is-the-envy-of-every-code/story-fndv2kok-1226686778388
By paladisious - 28 Jul 2013 6:44 PM

afromanGT wrote:
YAY! More small man syndrome.

It's by an NRL journo and seems to be written from a league fan's perspective.