Footy is doing ok on the Central Coast, probably more popular there and in Newcastle compared to western Sydney (certainly more active Auskick centres). Agree any action there needs to be in Newcastle. It is insane that such a large population centre has never hosted a game.
Not quite the same, but Newcastle has held a few preseason matches. Managed to get 5k to one.
Not bad for a preseason. And that was 20 years ago. Interest and population would now both be higher if they held more.
I think AFLW would be another great way to bring high level footy to Newcastle.