Let me count the ways I hate the Storm

There may be some passionate Melbourne Storm fans, but I agree, they didn't grow up playing and watching the game. Melbourne are too dominant. That's why we hate them so much. As a Knights fan, I'll never forgive Cameron Smith. I can't wait for the day someone clobbers him (fairly) on the field, and the Storm are thrashed.

If they have lost their Sydney base, why is AFL always shown on the low rating 7mate in Sydney while the NRL is shown on Ch 9? Why is the AFL footy show always shown after midnight here? When channel 9 stops showing NRL at prime times in this city, I might actually take your comment seriously lol

It’s discredited as it didn’t include regional data. Several articles this week affirm the nrl had 6 million more viewers than the afl this year and 12 less games. Apropos the finals AFL won the ratings war in September last year and will again this year. Facts my friend. Facts.

It's ironic that an article like this gets so much attention when so many say they don't read the Telegraph because it's crap. Crap gets attention it seems even on the Roar. Maybe it's a bit like when people say they don't like Mcdonalds or watching TV but spend their spare time walking along the beach and playing with shells. Go down to the beach on a perfect Autumns day and you could be alone.

Who discredited it? Why don't you like facts. It's the ABC -are you saying they're part of your conspiracy? Why has the regional data been ignited?

Ignored that should read. Now off you go and find those 11 million viewers!

A totally discredited article by a nuffy which ignited regional data. NRL obliterated your mob this year. Now go and have a good cry!

Perhaps you should read this to be more in touch with reality. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-10/chart-of-the-day-nrl-afl-attendances-tv-ratings/10065254

I was referring to strong results over time, not just this year. The Storm have finished in the top four in 11 of their past 13 seasons. But thanks for trying.

My mistake. It was 11 million. Apologies clump.

So you win one week and you wet your pants? Your mob lost ten million viewers this year. Ten million. Read and weep clump!

No soul? Tell that to all the Storm supporters who turned up week in week out when the Storm were playing for no points for a whole season. It must be truly awful to hate as much as this so called author of this tripe. I appreciate that psychiatrists probably charge quite a bit for a visit but, I'm sure we can have a whip around to help you out financially. What a loser! Out of curiosity, which team do you support & how often do you pay to go and watch them. You might hate our team but you know what champ, or is that chump, we love that you hate us. That's right, we love it. The author of this garbage is so insecure that he has to write about things he hates? I hate curry but I have never felt the urge to write about why I hate it. Heck, I might even detest the Sea Eagles, or the Sharks for beating us in grand finals but, I still grudgingly admire their players. Paul Gallen included.

I agree!! Broncos are gone so now I REALLY WANT Storm gone too. I could care less about who wins the GF as long as it's not STORM..

Don't know what you're on about. What really must hurt you is that the combined FTA and Fox ratings this week have the 2 AFL games almost 1 million viewers ahead of the NRL 2 games - to say nothing of the attendance, and help 7 win yet another ratings week - no wonder you've been exceptionally quite on TV tonight.

Wow, just wow. I dislike the Storm like any sane League fan. In the same way I dislike Manly or the Broncos. But you have taken things to a whole new level. It's fine to dislike teams just because you do, every one does. Hell I follow the Sharks, they're not exactly loved by a lot of the RL community either. But to suggest that their fans are shallow, their existence is not valid and their premierships are not celebrated is just ludicrous. Hang your head in shame. To all the Storm fans - I hate your team, but I love your supporters. Ignore this idiot and pull in the purple with pride. Just don't get too upset when we knock you out in the Semi's this year.

I’ve been to plenty of storm games and agree it’s a very good club. Passionate supporters, growing player base, growth in membership and well administered as well. The author of this article is either flaming or entirely ignorant of the facts.

It’s an interesting perspective but, it’s also not in touch with reality. I grew up in Sydney and rugby league but now have a home in Melbourne. That makes me quite impartial and in my opinion, many Rugby League teams in NSW have long lost their “souls”. It’s so obvious in the pathetic non-binding player contracts, disintegrated player loyalty, embarrassing NRL decisions about stadiums and quality of broadcasts, dropping gate attendance and, the list goes on. The scene with the Melbourne Storm is the opposite and you wonder why they have now easily become the most successful NRL franschise is history? The time has well and truly come for that reality check - stop fooling yourselves.

Thank you, dear Dr. Duncan Smith, but I'm already getting help from space, so don't be too nervous, it's bad for your precious health.

Do you actually have any idea how many junior teams there are in Melbourne? Or any idea of the growth of league there?