No AFL team in Canberra?

Question

Having a discussion with a guy in Melbourne and he said that it was only a matter of time that an AFL team was in Canberra. I told him there are a number of reasons why it won't happen.

1 - Established Rugby city with the ACT Brumbies and the Canberra Raiders.

2 - No ground. Despite the AFL and ACT Govt redeveloping Manuka Oval, it doesn't have any parking or transport. It's in an old area and Bruce Stadium has been developed for Rugby and Football.

3 - Lack of support. Rugby dominates, so AFL would be on the back foot. It's fine for guest appearances from Norths etc, but won't gain any popularity with ACT public.

The AFL are best to try for Tasmania and leave the ACT alone, except for guest appearances. They will lose millions otherwise

Your thoughts people

Answer 1

I think you have nailed it.  

From the people I know in Canberra, they are from all over...most would already have their favourite team, and it isn't that far to travel to see the games in Melbourne every month or so if you are a serious fan...

The support would just not be there.  Tasmania seems a more viable target than the Coast...not sure why they have set a course for there over Tassie...which is a ready made market for the game.

Canberra showed poor support for the Comets, the one day cricket side... on paper that would have had more of a show than an AFL side...logistically easier (shorter season, less players), and less costs involved....

Just my opinion...

Answer 2

The Brumbies are certainly popular but they don't have many home games, raiders are well supported even when they aren't doing well and the city has a large enough population to get decent crowds (750,000 I think). I was under the impression that Canberra was more into AFL than the other league dominated areas.

I remember people saying the raiders wouldn't work and they have. I would have thought AFL would do OK but teams have looked into it and then looked on so that says it wouldn't.

I question whether Tasmania would get regular good crowds.

Answer 3

You have pretty much listed all the reasons why they cant have a team in Canberra....excellent points!

I'm pretty certain they WILL introduce a Gold Coast team..

I think Tassie is a very slim chance due to finance.

Answer 4

ok i agree

Answer 5

You make some good points here.   I really think though, AFL cannot survive in states or territories that lack the resource of corporate power for sponsorship.       Tasmania NT and Canberra are without this support .

Answer 6

I can't see a team ever being based in Canberra. They can carry a rugby league team but I doubt an AFL team.