22 Predictions: What will the AFL look like in 2022?

[stmookeyj]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? 70% chance they would have

2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? 50% chance they would have

3. Will GWS have won a premiership? 30% chance they would have

4. Will GWS exist? The AFL's policies and financial clout will ensure they will

5. Will North Melbourne exist? The AFL's policies and financial clout will ensure they will

6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? The AFL's policies and financial clout will ensure they will

7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? The AFL's policies and financial clout will ensure they will

8. Will Port Adelaide exist? The AFL's policies and financial clout will ensure they will

9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? Not in the senior competition, however I believe they will have a place in an elite Under 18 competition

10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? Not in the senior competition, however I believe they will have a place in an elite Under 18 competition

11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? Not in the senior competition, however I believe they will have a place in an elite Under 18 competition

12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? Not only will they be playing games in New Zealand, there will be a national league with subscription TV coverage gaining a niche market

13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? Looking and actually doing are seperate things, I'm sure planning and discussions will take place but it will take more time before any upgrades take place. It is harder after all to upgrade a stadium with a roof as opposed to a stadium that does not.

14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? They will be fortunate to do so given the financial situations that the Governments (Federal and State) would have you believe. Realistically they should be but.....

15. Will the COLA still exist? Coke and Pepsi will have another competitor.......

16. How high will the salary cap be? $8Million for the top 30 players, with another $2 million set aside for lower listees and supplementary listed players (no such thing as a rookie list now let alone in 2022)

17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 4 teams that adapt to the rule changes best!

18. Will there be a national reserves competition? It won't be a reserves competition as such, but it will be an elite Under 23 league.

19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? No but much like New Zealand there will be a proper AFL league in Ireland with a niche market with proper international fixtures at the end of the season.

20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? STATE OF ORIGIN

21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? It will NEVER be the dominant code in those states, and there is a chance Australian Rules football will not be the dominant code anywhere.

22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Not as a player, but more as an ambassador to ensure Cap irregularities are ignored.

 

[shotgun_blues]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? n
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? n
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? y
4. Will GWS exist? y
5. Will North Melbourne exist? y
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? y
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? y
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? y
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? n - possibly North pt
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? n
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? never
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? y
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? n
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? y
15. Will the COLA still exist? in a disguised form
16. How high will the salary cap be? for which club?
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022. Sydney & 3 other fillers
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? y
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? n
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? Sydney v the rest
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? n
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? who?

 

[Mitchell Madness]

"]1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? no
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? No
4. Will GWS exist? Not in its current form
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Probably
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? No
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? Part of a national 2nd tier comp (like AHL is to NHL)
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? As above
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? no
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? yes
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? no
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? No
15. Will the COLA still exist? No, but NSW based players will be AFL board members
16. How high will the salary cap be? Relative to the economic climate
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022. Sydney, Western Sydney, Gold Coast, hawthorn
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? 2nd tier, not reserves
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? No chance
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? No
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? Never, not as long as news ltd control the NRL
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Nope

 

[Matchu]

Interesting observations from this thread. Trends seem to be:

• Gold Coast WILL win a premiership before 2022.
• GWS WON'T win a premiership before 2022.
• There WILL be more AFL presence in Tasmania and Canberra.
• Aussie rules WON'T be the number 1 sport in QLD and/or NSW.
• Buddy definitely WON'T be playing in 2022.

 

[Freomaniac]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? Yes I see them at least win 1
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes I see them winning 2 by 2022
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? No But they will make a grand final.
4. Will GWS exist? yes
5. Will North Melbourne exist? yes
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? yes
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? yes
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? yes, they have been revived this season.
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? not yet
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? yes
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? no
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? no
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? No 55,000 seats is enough for now
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? No Both will play in a 60-70,000 seat arena by 2019
15. Will the COLA still exist? no
16. How high will the salary cap be? Salary grows by around 5-7% a year so im guessing around 16-18 million with the 95% minimum use.
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 Hmm.... Richmond, Carlton, Port and Suns.
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? no
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? yes
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? No Sadly... Maybe a one off Victoria vs All Stars game?
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? No but I expect the Suns and Lions to get home crowd averages of 20,000. Giants to average 15,000.
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? No. Buddy will last 7 years and retire with a knee or back injury.






I stated that Canberra will get an AFL side by 2020. Considering Canberras population will be around 400,000 in 10 years time its possible. If it happens, the 20th AFL side will be...... A 3rd WA side.

 

[Colonial]

"]
4. Will GWS exist? Not in its current form

Interesting, in what form?

 

[FootyJunkie]

Interesting, in what form?

Canberra Giants?

 

[Colonial]

Canberra Giants?

No disrespect to our capital brothers, but they wont ditch an area of 3 million for a few hundred k.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Interesting, in what form?

Either a name change from giants to rams, wolves or similar
And a drop of "greater"

 

[new bomber]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? YES
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? YES
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? YES
4. Will GWS exist? YES
5. Will North Melbourne exist? TASSIE KANGAROOS
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? YES
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? YES
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? YES
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? TASSIE KANGAROOS
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? NO
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? NO
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? YES
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? NO
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? YES
15. Will the COLA still exist? NO
16. How high will the salary cap be? 100% use of the cap will be implemented
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 Essendon, Gold Coast, Adelaide, St Kilda
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? YES
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? YES
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? NO
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? NO (MAYBE QLD)
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? NO ​

 

[Colonial]

Either a name change from giants to rams, wolves or similar
And a drop of "greater"

Dropping the greater I see in about 8 years (funny that its the same time our Canberra sponsorship runs out) but we wont drop Giants. Please stop with the wolves love. Despite what everyone south of the border thinks. No one here likes it. We already have the Giants and we are happy with it. Just need a few more wins

 

[Milang_Panthers]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? yes
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? yes
4. Will GWS exist? of course they will
5. Will North Melbourne exist? yes
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? yes but as Footscray
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist?yes
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? yes
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? no
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? would be great if they did but no
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? yes
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? no
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? at the rate they're going probably not
15. Will the COLA still exist? no
16. How high will the salary cap be? no idea
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 GWS, west Coast, Tassie, Carlton
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? yes
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? no
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? yes, an all star sort of game
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? no
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans?yes

 

[Gigantor]

17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 GWS, Gold Coast, Cairns, Ballarat

 

[Borry]

Answer questions below. Feel free to add your own in if you like.

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? 70-30 chance
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? 50-50 chance
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? 50-50 chance
4. Will GWS exist? yes, AFL will ensure they will not fail
5. Will North Melbourne exist? yes
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? yes, may go back to their old name Footscray
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? yes, either as Melbourne or a relocated club.
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? yes in it's current location and form.
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? unlikely
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? unlikely
Tasmania and Canberra only possible if they give a good carrot to a struggling Victorian club to relocate.
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? definitely not
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? yes, may be up to 3-4 games in the H&A season played there
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? yes
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? no but in a 60,000 stadium yes.
15. Will the COLA still exist? yes but the LA Ice brand may go, while Coles and Woolies may have a more marketable generic brand.
16. How high will the salary cap be? $20 million plus.
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022? Hawthorn, Fremantle, Geelong, Sydney
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? 50-50, possible due to problems with the WAFL etc.
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? yes
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? Victoria v All Stars rubbish and the Indigenous All Stars pre season fluff.
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? Not in at least a generation, and possibly not ever, expecially with the growth of soccer in NSW.
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Might have had enough of Sydney or vice versa before the end of the contract, so 50-50

 

[Dylan8]

Strange seeing a few people put us in their top 4, i think if we have a rise up the ladder we will probably be declining by then unless we have some perfect drafting and development.

 

[Sydneyfan]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? Yes
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? Yes
4. Will GWS exist? Yes
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Yes, however will play majority of their games in Hobart
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes, with four home games a year in Darwin
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? Yes, but play three games a year in Wellington, NZ - Known as the 'Melbourne Football Club NZ'
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? Yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? Yes and No, Hawks play four home games a year in Launceston, Roos play seven in Hobart. No independent Tassie team however
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? Yes and No, GWS play four games a year there, no independent team however
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? Yes and No, Western Bulldogs play four home games a year in Darwin, no independent team however
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? Yes, Melbourne FC NZ playing three home matches a year in Wellington
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? Modernise it, no change in capacity. New stadium afoot in northwestern Melbourne with 45,000 capacity.
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? No, 70,000 with scope to increase to 85,000
15. Will the COLA still exist? No, however some wealthy clubs will intentionally exceed the salary cap and willingly pay the fines much to the AFL and less wealthy clubs' chagrin
16. How high will the salary cap be? 22 million (some clubs exceed by 3 million to 25 million however)
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 - Melbourne FC NZ, North Melbourne, Essendon, West Coast
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? Yes, AFL keen to get a 'B-League' afloat with aims to include Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Wellington along with less affluent clubs. Facing strong opposition from many quarters however.
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? No, only at junior and school levels as a novelty/friendship building exercise
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? No, plans every and then come up to re-boot State of Origin as non-traditional States become stronger however clubs don't want a bar of it.
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? No, though holding their own more and more as the years go on, soccer looming more and more as a threat.
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? In the fourth year of his contract he'll retire to become Swans forwards coach, a role he'll take for 18 months before seeking an opt out of his contract and living out his days in the WA wheat belt coaching a local team.

 

[PavLike]

"]1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? no
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? No
4. Will GWS exist? Not in its current form
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Probably
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? No
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? Part of a national 2nd tier comp (like AHL is to NHL)
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? As above
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? no
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? yes
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? no
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? No
15. Will the COLA still exist? No, but NSW based players will be AFL board members
16. How high will the salary cap be? Relative to the economic climate
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022. Sydney, Western Sydney, Gold Coast, hawthorn
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? 2nd tier, not reserves
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? No chance
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? No
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? Never, not as long as news ltd control the NRL
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Nope

Sad to say this is the most accurate that I can agree with... Except with the top 4 - Unless Hawks start sliding to get some decent picks.

 

[LachyH]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? Yes
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? Yes, but they will have at least played off in a Grand Final
4. Will GWS exist? Yes
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Yes
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? Yes
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? Yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? No, but more likely than Canberra or NT
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? No
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? No
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? Most likely, yes, an ANZAC Day game
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? No
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? Not 80,000
15. Will the COLA still exist? No
16. How high will the salary cap be? Bigger, partly to eliminate need for COLA
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 Richmond, GWS, Gold Coast, Port Adelaide
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? No
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? No, I doubt it
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? No
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? It already is, isn't it
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Yes

 

[dylan93]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? Yes (Somewhere between 2014 and 2016)
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes (Somewhere between 2017 and 2022)
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? 35% chance (Possibly pushing for a flag around 2019-2022)
4. Will GWS exist? As the Canberra Giants.
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Not 100% sure. Cairns Kangaroos? Launceston Kangaroos?
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes, rebranded as Footscray again.
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? Yes! Been around since 1859, made the game and aint going nowhere.
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? More than likely.
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? This is a must in any form. (Hobart Hawks and Launceston Kangaroos would be perfect)
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? Canberra Giants. (Formerly GWS Giants)
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? I would like to see this within my lifetime. Probably happen but after 2022.
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? Saints to continue playing there and eventually relocate to Wellington by 2030.
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? Probably.
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? Probably not.
15. Will the COLA still exist? Do not care, the AFL never do what we want anyway.
16. How high will the salary cap be? TOO DAMN HIGH! hahaha
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 Melbourne Gold Coast Brisbane Footscray
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? At the rate these reserves sides are coming in... yes.
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? Leaning towards no.
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? I think so. (better than NAB Cup)
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? No Chance!
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Willing to wager a grand on NO!

 

[blaze036]

Western Bulldogs won't exist but Footscray will return.

Plot Twist: They are the same team

 

[38Rockliff38]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? No
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? Yes
4. Will GWS exist? Yes
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Yes
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? No, they will become the Hobart Demons
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? Yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? Yes
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? No
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? No
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? Yes
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? No
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? No
15. Will the COLA still exist? Yes
16. How high will the salary cap be? No idea
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022: Saints/GWS/GC/Collingwood
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? No
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? Yes
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? No
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? No
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Hell no, bad move by Sydney

 

[rjslcM]

Answer questions below. Feel free to add your own in if you like.

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership?
No
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership?
Yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership?
No
4. Will GWS exist?
Yes
5. Will North Melbourne exist?
Yes
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist?
Either the Roos or Dogs relocated, but ill say Dogs as they are less likely to have character like Don Scott (see Hawthorn proposed merger) step in)
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist?
Yes
8. Will Port Adelaide exist?
Yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL?
Yes
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL?
No
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL?
No
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand?
Dont think it will ever be more than one game a year if anything. No.
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership?
Not yet.
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth?
70,000, yes.
15. Will the COLA still exist?
Under a new format
16. How high will the salary cap be?
14.8m
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022
WCE/STK/CARL/GWS
18. Will there be a national reserves competition?
No
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist?
Yes
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind?
No
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD?
QLD will have a period of being the dominant code once both teams are up the top end of the ladder at the same time 2016-2020
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans?
No

 

[Borussia Teeth]

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? Most likely
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Most likely
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? Should do
4. Will GWS exist? Yes.
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Yes.
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes, but may change name back to Footscray.
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? Yes.
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? Yes.
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? Yes, but if not, a significantly increased profile (hosting more matches or a Tasmanian VFL side in preparation for future AFL entry).
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? Probably not, but hosting more AFL matches.
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? No, but if TIO stadium improves and clubs manage humidity/heat issues better, may host 2-3 games per season.
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? No.
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? Yes.
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? Not sure about 80k, but definitely a new and improved stadium.
15. Will the COLA still exist? Yes, but not in its current format, and will be more strictly policed.
16. How high will the salary cap be? Over $10 million, maybe $12 million.
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022: Ha ha, no point.
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? I hope clubs eventually develop under 18 academies, but probably not by 2022.
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? No
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? May trial an all-star concept, as per NFL or NBA, but won't be successful long-term once novelty wears off.
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? Not dominant, but a much stronger presence than now. Soccer will be the dominant code in NSW.
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? He'll be retired and paid out, but the contract will still be on Sydney's salary cap.

Bonus question: How many clubs will be in the AFL in 2022, and what format will the season have (e.g. how many rounds, divisions or conferences, finals system)???

 

[Jack Stevens]

Hooray, wild speculation!!

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? No
2. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes
3. Will GWS have won a premiership? Yes
4. Will GWS exist? Yes
5. Will North Melbourne exist? Yes
6. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes
7. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? Yes
8. Will Port Adelaide exist? Yes
9. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? No, but it will be on the cards
10. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? No, but GWS will continue to have a presence
11. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? No
12. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? Yes
13. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? Hopefully
14. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? Maybe just on 80K
15. Will the COLA still exist? No
16. How high will the salary cap be? Just under 15 million
17. Predict the top 4 in 2022 Don't know about the 4, but St Kilda will be winning their 4th flag on the trot
18. Will there be a national reserves competition? Hopefully
19. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? If yes, greatly revamped
20. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? Realistically, no
21. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? No, but it will continue to grow
22. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? Yes, but not as a player

 

[HappyChappy35]

Added a few questions of my own:

1. Will Fremantle have won a premiership? Yes, tipping them for next year's flag as a matter of fact

2. Will the Western Bulldogs have won a premiership? Yes, will finally break the drought in another 5-6 years when their current crop of youngsters are in their prime

3. Will St Kilda have won a premiership? No, can't see them experiencing much on-field success in the near future

4. Will Melbourne have won a premiership? No, think they'll improve considerably but are miles off any silverware at this point

5. Will Gold Coast have won a premiership? Yes, their line-up should possess enough star quality in 4-5 years to win a flag

6. Will GWS have won a premiership? 50/50

7. Will GWS exist? Yes, and will remain based in western Sydney, but possibly under a different name/identity

8. Will North Melbourne exist? Yes, but will relocate or merge in the decade following 2022. Don't think they have enough opportunities to expand their supporter base compared to other Melbourne-based clubs.

9. Will the Western Bulldogs exist? Yes, the western suburbs are a rapidly growing market the Dogs could really tap into, particularly if some on-field success (silverware) heads their way within the next decade. Hopefully this is accompanied by a name change back to Footscray.

10. Will the Melbourne Demons exist? Yes, have enough clout and history behind them to remain viable

11. Will Port Adelaide exist? Yes, an interstate club will never disappear under the AFL's watch

12. Will St Kilda exist? Yes, but will relocate or merge in the decade following 2022. Don't see much hope for them on and off the field in the short-mid term future unfortunately.

13. Will Tasmania have a team in the AFL? Yes, $$$ and strong local interest will make it happen

14. Will Canberra have a team in the AFL? No,simply not enough local interest there for a full-time AFL team to be viable

15. Will Northern Territory have a team in the AFL? No, population isn't large enough

16. Will the AFL still be playing games in New Zealand? No, insufficient local interest means the NZ experiment won't work in the long run

17. Will the AFL look to upgrade Docklands Stadium after just taking over ownership? Yes, probably to a 70K seater or thereabouts

18. Will Fremantle and West Coast be playing out of a 80,000 seat stadium in Perth? Not quite 80K, but will definitely be playing out of a larger stadium

19. Will the COLA still exist? In it's current form no, in some alternative form yes

20. How high will the salary cap be? $16-18 million

21. Predict the top 4 in 2022
Bulldogs- Have a talented crop of young players whose potential flag window should be open around 2018-22. Think they'll finally break their premiership drought as well.
West Coast- Have been pretty successful in the past few decades due to being such a wealthy and well-resourced club. Expect that to continue.
Hawthorn- Will be gradually re-emerging from a major rebuild in the second half of this decade
GWS- Have plenty of quality youngsters on their list who should mostly be in their prime come 2018-22

22. Will there be a national reserves competition? No, reserves competitions will remain state-based

23. Will the International Rules series with Ireland still exist? No, will probably disappear in the next few years as a matter of fact. Few players/supporters care about or like it enough for the concept to continue.

24. Will the AFL have a form of rep football? If so, what kind? No, can't see it garnering enough support

25. Will Aussie rules be the dominant code in NSW and/or QLD? Little chance of that occurring, particularly in NSW where rugby has such a big stronghold

26. Will Buddy be completing the ninth year of his contract with the Swans? More chance of me winning Tattslotto than Buddy (let alone any player in a decades' time) playing through to the age of 36/37, so a resounding no