A new Knockout Cup for the AFL?

AFL in NZ had puttered along nicely the past 20 years - but in last 2 years has taken off like a rocket. See www.nzafl.co.nz

I'd like to see Aussie Rules 9's promoted and RecFooty promoted by AFL clubs playing lightening carnivals of these small versions of the code. The small versions fit onto Soccer/Rugby pitches and allow for expansion of the game in new areas and continuation in areas of declining population like some rural communities, as well as schools - and for RecFooty in the social sports scene.

futbol fans >>>>>>>> everyone else. That's a pretty extreme clip by any standard, though.

My main point is the gerneral population is equally non fussed about AFL. If the AFL by spending 200m can build the game in West sydney and it works then NZ (or anywhere) is possible. There is a club in auckland that has been around since 1974.So Western suburbs is older by 12 years (balmain is not in West Sydney) not a huge difference

Yes, but I'm talking about well beyond 20 years ago: Balmain est 1903 Western Suburbs 1962 Cambelltown est 1975 Pennant Hills est 1977 Penrith 1981

AFL players aren't going to move to NZ, they might however move to Sydney.

there is AFL clubs in NZ too at least there were 20 years ago.

There are a few aussie rules clubs in the area that are decades old.

The origins and traditions of the game are barely a blip on the radar in both areas. As someone who has lived in both I think the attitudes to AFL are similar in both markets. The only advatage that West Sydney has is that they get a bit more exposure because of the swans and that the Hills district isn't that far and is a good AFL demographic.

No, NZ is a country. West Sydney is part of Australia where AFL was invented and played.

i dont understand why the need for a cup comp. it wouldnt work because of the obvious gap between AFL and state league clubs. if we're going to have any extra games, it should be a state of origin comp every 3rd year.

ah well, new fixtures out. Now to work out the injustices.

Why invest so much in something so little as NZ - they do not hold a candle to the on tap talent this country currently offers. While Vic and Australia are growing extremely rapidly with Aust's projected pop being 30 mill in a couple of decades, that the game needs to go offshore at all on a talent scouting crusade defy's all logic. You should not compare GWS with NZ since one is Australian and quite familiar and accessible to the game despite not being a heartland wheras NZ is a foreign country and culturally very different to Oz despite it's shared Brittish veneer. NZ is so culturally steeped in Union that Aust Footy is simply a novelty that is entertained in any off season for amusememnt and fitness. Most Kiwis simply see our game as a joke! NZ has managed to expediently muscle in on our varied national leagues at the expense of local demos however this should never be considered as an option in respect of the National Game. It's all very well to make light of Canberras cred in being a non contender for an AFL licence on a population basis while talking up the NT and Tassie who are actually smaller in population last time I looked at the stats and growth projections. Crickey, NZ's population is going one way only, and that's across the ditch to Oz so what criteria in fact does this footy backwater fulfil? One should also remember the ACT region will be significant to GWS recruitment, something NZ would struggle to replicate so to tout NZ as a preferred future base for an AFL licence is ludicrous and quite frankly an insult to those who support our game around this country. I invisage a campaign that will work extremely vigiantly to ensure that this expediently corporate top down driven agenda, never transpires in disenfranchising generations of loyal devotees to our game. I have no problem with countries taking up Aust Footy off their own bat and recognise some support from the governing body is required, however I do not want to EVER see a situation where the AFL plonks a team of Aussies in a city of Aucklands corporate potential at the expense of ANY worthy Australian demographic and I hardly see this as an unreasonable concern.

Saw that this morning. Good to see the AFL open up an international pathway. Smart move finally. Football codes need mechanisms to make development happen, playing exhibtion games in London for boozed up Aussies doesnt cut it. A logical step in the right direction. Redb

If the AFL team works in West Sydney I think NZ is a possibility. Very similar market.

ACT will become a big part of WS .... is Canberra a suburb of Sydney yet. Maybe one day Ainslie could run a team but seriously do they have the money in Canberra. Apparently now they will have a world 18 in division 2 of the under 16 Australian champs. Players from SA, NZ, PNG, Ire etc, will form a team. International development is really starting to snowball, its all good. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-to-add-world-xviii-to-national-under-16-championships/story-e6frf9ix-1225792251882

Why in heavens name NZ continues to be put forward as any sort of AFL proposition defy's all logic. That this is in preferance to palces i.e. the ACT is the epitome of ignorance surley. The talent pool in NZ is not worth the effort compared to say PNG and quite frankly would be a slap in the face to Australian demos far more worthy of consideration. I have just heard that the VAFA U18's defeated the 'NATIONAL NZ' squad in a two game series held across the ditch last weekend. They managed this feat with consumate ease despite a decided home ground and size advantage to the Kiwis who were all 20yrs and more. The ammos apparently took their foot of the pedal in respective last quarters to ensure the game did not blow out to a cricket score, although AFLNZ seem to be wanting to talk their results up predictably.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Paul Medhurst recruited from the WAFL by the Dockers?

That doesn't surprise me. Of course, kids, please do not do this at home - we are in no way condoning the use of alcohol in dulling the pain of bruised, sore muscles.

things are still much the same