The way for me to be accepting of it is to come to the realisation the AFL is a business that is out to make money and achieve growth. Queensland and NSW are expansion growth markets. The AFL will do everything in its power to ensure teams in those states are competitive to keep driving interest and members.You will not be happy with the Gold Coast kids on the way then...
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The AFL only cares about equality for teams in non growth states.
It is the exact same treatment the NRL gives Melbourne storm to ensure the melbourne team stays competitive.
The AFL is terrified of its NSW or queensland teams doing poorly, as its bad for the growth of memberships and interest in those states