Quote Originally Posted by Boddo View Post
The small advantages the northern clubs had to help them compete with Victorian clubs have virtually gone.

The academies have become heavily screwed in Victorian clubs favour now with even WA/SA having put in a submission to try to change their academy rules to atleast have a semblance of what the Vic clubs have.

COLA is virtually gone.

Non Victorian clubs do not have nowhere near the prime time games the Vic clubs have. You get to see great blockbusters like Carlton v St Kilda instead of the Showdown.

All the controls that kept non Vic clubs quiet are gone.

I don’t think it’ll go away I think it’s the start.
Thats a very good point. You cant be held to ransom if you have nothing to lose.

Its falling into line now. The big powerful non-vic clubs (Swans, WC and Adelaide) are aligned, and all have recent experience of the disadvantages.
The Mid-tier will probably follow soon (Port, Brisbane, Freo).
Be very interesting to see what the minnows do (GC and GWS). The AFL still have significant leverage against them in their fledgling state. But better to die on your feet, than live on your knees.