Hi all, 
 
As a result of the World Cup, and the Socceroos heavy participation in this most recent 
tournament, there has been much debate over the validity of all football codes, and the 
level of superiority these may have over their competitors, so I feel a tad obliged to 
comment myself. 
 
I personally feel this viscous segregation between football codes (specifically AFL from 
its counterparts) is a pointless exercise, that is entirely unreasonable. The Australian 
Football League (Aussie Rules Football) has continually dismissed that it is void from the 
'threat of soccer', and feels that it is entirely superior to the other football codes of the 
nation; however, why should the AFL see Soccer as a threat? or Rugby for that matter? 
 
Each football code is unique, with its own set of rules, structure, ground specifications, 
ball shape, and therefore are barely threats to eachother at all. While it can be seen that 
they are different sports, fighting for the same spectators, this isn't entirely accurate - 
After all, I enjoy all three main football codes in Australian Sport - I enjoy (and used to 
play) Soccer, I enjoy Rugby alot (both NRL and NRU), and until now, have thorroughly 
enjoyed Australian Rules Football. However; this competitive nature the AFL has 
focussed towards its fellow codes, is only damaging its own integrity and reputation. 
 
All businesses, whether they be in sport, or any other booming industry, are required to 
evaluate their 'SWOT' (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats); so it seems 
logical that they treat fellow sporting codes as 'threats' under this definition. However, 
each of these codes should be showing support for one another; especially when one code 
is on the worldwide stage, representing the very country fostering the other codes. Soccer 
is a worldwide language many people say; so for members of the AFL to badger soccer 
(and the Socceroos in the world cup) and its importance to Australia, only ensures that 
the AFL will lose credibility, integrity, and most of all - supporters. 
 
I recall hearing Andrew Demetriou, John Worsfold, and Kevin Sheedy at various points, 
stating that Soccer is pretty much a lacklustre game, with no attraction, that will not 
threaten AFL. To me, these defensive measures show the contrary; and in light of this 
new Soccer craze sweeping the nation since the World Cup, it is entirely unethical for the 
AFL to continue this badgering approach towards Soccer; and rather, it should take a leaf 
out of both Rugby codes, who support and encourage its local teams in the AFL 
competition (inclusive of the Rugby Football Show). 
 
With the insurgence of the Western Force in Perth, and the new focus on the Perth Glory 
(and Hyundai A League); this will certainly provide a threat for the AFL in this industry. 
Melbourne is under no illusion either; with a heavy soccer following, and with a 
dwindling AFL turn-out to many of their games (due to a breadth of clubs in one state); 
and Sydney is still a volatile market for the AFL, competing with a heavy Rugby based 
state, and with a Soccer market at its tail - Surely the AFL are kidding themselves if they 
feel they're superior and safe!. 
 
In other words; AFL should support other football codes, encourage their success, and 
foster a better sporting environment for everyone; as this bitter rivalry between the AFL 
and Soccer, will ensure that Aussie Rules Football loses out. In other words, Andrew 
Demetriou & Co... Stop stroking your own ego's... and buy a reality check with your new 
found television rights. 
 
Regards, 
Nicolas Hart.
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BaBus (Accounting + Finance)
Masters (Sports Administration)
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