Football code wars are silly, let the fans speak with their feet

In contrast, Australians have been relatively free to support any sport they like, just as any organisation is free to promote their sport.

Especially today in this age where newspapers and free-to-air tv have diminished influence, I do not believe the destiny of any sport depends on a core group of businessmen or anyone else in terms of any desire to threaten the long-term survival of another game.

Although Australian soccer was the first sport to have a national league with clubs from different states, the rationalisation of product by the media corporations has helped expose more people in different states to quality matches in all codes.

Now all of the major cities want to host big AFL, soccer and rugby games.  

It is not that the Australian television networks have not had a go with the A-League, albeit many do argue that they did not promote the product well enough.   

The simple truth is that Australian fans will gravitate to the sport of their choice.

If media saturation was to explain a sport’s plight, then why has the immense corporate support of cricket not prevented the demise of crowds for recent Australian test and one day internationals.

It can be argued that the A-league is now the biggest summer sport in Australia in spectator terms with its many weekly matches having an average crowd this season above 9,000, although it remains to be seen whether cricket crowds return to the Big Bash League.  

Whether one likes an outcome or not, the fans will speak with their feet.

Notwithstanding the most popular AFL and NRL club competitions, which averaged 32,600 and 16,600 per match in 2022, big Australians crowds continue to go to soccer matches and rugby union internationals.   

I have no doubt that World Cup matches in 2023 for the women will generate excellent Australian  crowds, especially for the Matildas.  

I have always believed that the more professional sports there are, the better for the economy, the better for spectators, and a better opportunity for young sportspeople to make a living.