luci, from a financial point of view i can't see any gain from sending a vic club up north to merge with either gws or gcs. these locations just don't generate their own funds and rely on massive afl handouts. I can't see that getting any better post c19, in fact it would probably get worse, so where would be the gain. I vic clubs merge it would be with other vic clubs to retain supporters and build income. gws and gcs could merge with sydney and brisbane.
of course afl will try to avoid mergers as this dilutes games played hence media rights $s, but it just might be too hard
whatever, salary caps and soft caps will be slashed as will wages across the board, staff numbers etc etc in the big footy rebuild