Football wars continue

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Authored by: Brett Northey
on Tuesday, November 18 2008 @ 11:44 am ACDT

That is sad. There are people that push the "wars" hard and those that ignore it. I'm told that in Ireland it is difficult for Aussie Rules to secure grounds and players due to GAA resistance. On the flipside, Gaelic and Aussie Rules clubs all around the world often play International Rules against each other, or borrow players from each other - they help each other survive.

And in Australia a sport like soccer would not have made it very far if the stronger football codes had fervently used their political power to deny funding or space to soccer. I'm not claiming they were particularly accommodating, but they didn't try to snuff it out, nor should they have.

And many of the recruits to Aussie Rules internationally are players from Rugby or soccer or other sporting backgrounds. By no means should they have to abandon those sports and declare their undying love for Australian football.

In terms of PNG geting an NRL side, which I think would still be highly unlikely in the next 15 years, part of me would be disappointed due to the impact it could have on Australian football there. But part would be pleased for them. It's a developing country that faces some big issues, and the more development and outside interest the better.

It's the same with South Africa. If the AFL program is very successful then excellent. If it results in soccer or Rugby throwing more resources in to counteract it, then at least a population in need of more support will have had a win.

You can't feel smug that you're helping a group in need if deep down your 100% motivation is to spread your sport. Sounds like the people Chris refers to are in need of a reminder of that.

Make no mistake, I'd like to see Australian football "win" the so-called wars, but not at any cost and it shouldn't cause any more than good natured competition between codes and supporters.

---
Brett Northey - Co-founder and Chief Editor of WFN

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