What countries should the AFL focus on in for expanding the game internationally?
Sth Africa
The AFL are focusing on Sth Africa which makes some sense given it's existing infrastructure (cricket grounds) and large population. Strong competition though from Rugby and Soccer (next Soccer world cup to be held there may destroy any advances made).
PNG
PNG also has a pretty good set up and AFL following and is the strongest league outside Australia. Strong competition from RL.
USA/Canada
Whilst Sth Africa and PNG may be able to provide players in future they will not add many dollars to AFL TV rights.
The US grew for a while but appears to have faltered, but would provide the best market outside Australia given the huge market where even a small niche in the US sporting scene could have huge financial benefits for the AFL.
It probably would take a few years of grass roots development but you would probably see quite rapid growth there after a while. The latent interest for AFL is actually quite high. According to Roy Morgan Polls 7,496,000 North Americans watch Australian Rules Football at least occasionally on television. Thats quite significant given that AFL is not shown that much on pay tv over there.
Canada has a small but well run local league and a small juniors program.
AFL could easily find a niche in the US market. Pay TV channels would love it. I read somewhere that one pay TV station already has a deal with a local AFL league over there to showcase some of their games.
West Indies/Jamaica
In terms of athletic talent though - hard to go past the West Indies/Jamaica where cricket grounds are also aplenty. Imagine Usain Bolt type players in the AFL - 195cm and running the 100m in 9.69s!
China
Too difficult due to the lack of space/fields. Soccer is very strong. A friend who has been helping some of the AFL clubs in their China marketing strategies says that it will be very hard.
India
Maybe India, with it's many cricket grounds again.
Despite the AFL's focus on Sth Africa, which seems to be driven by our communist leader (Demetriou's) social ideals, the USA should be the AFL's focus for growth internationally.
Less competition from other sports. Soccer is not big in India and they love all things Australian.
Pacific Islands
Already a presence on some of the islands and some good local comps, but a small market which won't add much to the AFL.
Europe
Some small local leagues for expats and locals. Denmark is probably the strongest and has a small junior league I believe. Maybe Princess Mary can give it a kick along. Potential for a niche. Soccer dominates.
Sth Africa
The AFL are focusing on Sth Africa which makes some sense given it's existing infrastructure (cricket grounds) and large population. Strong competition though from Rugby and Soccer (next Soccer world cup to be held there may destroy any advances made).
PNG
PNG also has a pretty good set up and AFL following and is the strongest league outside Australia. Strong competition from RL.
USA/Canada
Whilst Sth Africa and PNG may be able to provide players in future they will not add many dollars to AFL TV rights.
The US grew for a while but appears to have faltered, but would provide the best market outside Australia given the huge market where even a small niche in the US sporting scene could have huge financial benefits for the AFL.
It probably would take a few years of grass roots development but you would probably see quite rapid growth there after a while. The latent interest for AFL is actually quite high. According to Roy Morgan Polls 7,496,000 North Americans watch Australian Rules Football at least occasionally on television. Thats quite significant given that AFL is not shown that much on pay tv over there.
Canada has a small but well run local league and a small juniors program.
AFL could easily find a niche in the US market. Pay TV channels would love it. I read somewhere that one pay TV station already has a deal with a local AFL league over there to showcase some of their games.
West Indies/Jamaica
In terms of athletic talent though - hard to go past the West Indies/Jamaica where cricket grounds are also aplenty. Imagine Usain Bolt type players in the AFL - 195cm and running the 100m in 9.69s!
China
Too difficult due to the lack of space/fields. Soccer is very strong. A friend who has been helping some of the AFL clubs in their China marketing strategies says that it will be very hard.
India
Maybe India, with it's many cricket grounds again.
Despite the AFL's focus on Sth Africa, which seems to be driven by our communist leader (Demetriou's) social ideals, the USA should be the AFL's focus for growth internationally.
Less competition from other sports. Soccer is not big in India and they love all things Australian.
Pacific Islands
Already a presence on some of the islands and some good local comps, but a small market which won't add much to the AFL.
Europe
Some small local leagues for expats and locals. Denmark is probably the strongest and has a small junior league I believe. Maybe Princess Mary can give it a kick along. Potential for a niche. Soccer dominates.