Americanpies
Club Legend
- May 16, 2016
- 2,502
- 3,022
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
I think state identity is still pretty important. We're a federal system, so states are pretty autonomous, and remember we were separate colonies that came together to federate. NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA were basically separate countries.
In WA it's more a 'west vs the rest' or the west and the eastern states. When the Eagles entered and won their first GF in 92 they were seen as the WA state side in the VFL basically (and the nascent AFL). Taking the club from Victoria to WA was akin to us pinching the America's Cup before that.
To add to this.. I think the rivalry with Sydney/Melbourne revolves around their similarities and size. Both cities want to brag about being the biggest and the best. And the AFL Vs NRL battle is real too. Sydney just want to take stuff from Melbourne, like The Tennis, Grand Prix, etc.. they are always trying to poach events, but can't. They see winning the AFL Premiership as some sort of victory, but Melbournians don't really care. We just laugh when the Storm keeps kicking their ass in the NRL, and watch them cry when their precious NRL Premiership comes down to a city that nobody gives a hoot about their sport lol.