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Australians everywhere like to pride themselves on the idea that we are a very sporty country. This is an idea that we take and hold close to our heart. Australia, the nation that bred many a sporting champion.
I have one problem, however, with our sporting attitude.
Enough with the childish games, and insults thrown between different sports, and more embracing of each, the skills, talents and the legends of the respective games.
Now, of course, I am not saying the cross code rivalry needs to be eliminated. Most of these are actually beneficial for the sports.
They increase growth, and often create good tension on and off the field. Rugby League and AFL are both targeting large regions with new teams in order to combat the other code. This growth pattern is what is known as beneficial rivalry.
We need this, but it’s the next type that we don’t.
I must stress at this point, these views are a matter of opinion and are not a hatred attack.
I have much respect for the AFL’s organisation. However, this took a massive hit after the recent events regarding the FIFA World Cup bid for 2022.
It is a fair point that the AFL should be able to defend their rights to their competition, yet the way this was conducted just lets me down. The AFL (and in extension the VFL) have built up a strong and wonderful administration over a hundred years, and have taken the sport to huge heights.
Yet sometimes their views are completely tunnel vision.
Once again, the AFL has every right to challenge any threat to their competition. But there are limits.
This also, by extension, applies to the media who support the game. The attack on the FFA’s organisation by The Age newspaper (featuring alleged bribery claims) is a very low attack by the newspaper. This may or may not have been orchestrated by the AFL, but nevertheless, it reflects directly on the sport.
If the AFL hadn’t withdrawn Etihad Stadium’s availability there would have been no problems with the AFL’s claims that there would be no bonuses for the league after the competition. The discussions that the AFL held with the FFA should have been conducted similar to the NRL.
With some support, and even sympathy, as both codes would benefit.
The Australian Government were also willing to provide substantial compensation to the AFL to make up for lost funds due to the displacement of the league.
All these steps can provide a smoother transition of the problem from solution to benefit. When will sporting codes decide to unite?
The organisations can be a blessing if they all make amends and sort out differences. Is it too much a dream to ask for?
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