As Taciturn Demon asked... what is the right number of teams in Melbourne?

But perhaps you need to ask two questions first.

1. How many teams do you need in the competition. (I think most would say at least 16 and an even number avoiding rolling byes.)

2. Assuming you need say 16 teams where are any extra interstate teams best located. (A much harder question. Sydney or Brisbane... no pressing need but perhaps FNQ and/or Albury. Adelaide and Perth .. Maybe)

So assuming one more team in Qld/NSW and one more team in Perth or Adelaide (plus the Tasmanian team) you have 11 interstate teams. Putting Geelong to one side (arguably not Melbourne based) that gives you four teams in Melbourne. For those favouring an 18 team comp you have 6 teams in Melbourne.

The above is purely an economic assessment and assumes that additional teams (GCS and GWS especially) "pay" their own way in increased television rights.

It won't happen but it's interesting to theorize.

Edited November 4, 2024Nov 4 by Diamond_Jim

We’re at 18 now and it’s working just, it’s the right number for the population to grow into, plus there’s no chance the AFL will go backwards. No one ideally wants to see an older club fold but I’d rather that than a 19 or 20 team competition. Two teams is enough for NSW, WA, NSW & QLD, I didn’t initially agree with the Suns & Giants but I could see what the AFL were trying to do plus they’re in place and nothing will change that. Yes Tasmania deserves a team but they will not be without their problems, player retention being the big one, you cant argue for cost of living. Folding a Melbourne based team for Tasmania rounds out the competition nicely. I live in Sydney but don’t follow the NRL in any capacity, my friends that do hate the rolling bye, it’s a stupid idea and doesn’t work on any level. The NRL are looking to bring in an 18th team in coming years to even up the competition, how long would we be stuck on 19 for? We only have to look at the AFLW to see what happens when you’ve expanded too quickly. 19 teams and a bye every week or 20 teams with the talent pool diluted even further, wow what a choice for the fans of the game. There’s enough blow out games at the moment without adding to that. What are the benefits of a 19th & 20th team?

20 hours ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

What are the benefits of a 19th & 20th team?

19th team? arguably nothing

19 and 20th team? broadcast rights value

On 04/11/2024 at 10:51, BDA said:

If the AFL wanted North gone they would have done it already. Not going to happen.

They tried and failed in 2007.

On 05/11/2024 at 15:13, whatwhat say what said:

19th team? arguably nothing

19 and 20th team? broadcast rights value

The 9 games a week generates enough now for the competition to remain sustainable and at the top. How much of that extra money goes to propping up the two teams, does it effectively cancel each other out?
There are no benefits to the other clubs or their supporters. We will be at 19 clubs for years and the rolling bye that comes with it. The talent pool further diluted with more blow out games. The finals system will eventually change as well. The continual rule changes, it just never ends. The game is slowly being destroyed from the inside. 

On 04/11/2024 at 10:11, Diamond_Jim said:

As Taciturn Demon asked... what is the right number of teams in Melbourne?

But perhaps you need to ask two questions first.

1. How many teams do you need in the competition. (I think most would say at least 16 and an even number avoiding rolling byes.)

2. Assuming you need say 16 teams where are any extra interstate teams best located. (A much harder question. Sydney or Brisbane... no pressing need but perhaps FNQ and/or Albury. Adelaide and Perth .. Maybe)

So assuming one more team in Qld/NSW and one more team in Perth or Adelaide (plus the Tasmanian team) you have 11 interstate teams. Putting Geelong to one side (arguably not Melbourne based) that gives you four teams in Melbourne. For those favouring an 18 team comp you have 6 teams in Melbourne.

The above is purely an economic assessment and assumes that additional teams (GCS and GWS especially) "pay" their own way in increased television rights.

It won't happen but it's interesting to theorize.

Cross off FNQ because Bob reckons they will be succeeding from the rest of Australia.