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I think there is merit in staging an annual knock-out competition, featuring the top 4 teams in the VFL (but not Tas), the WAFL, SANFL, along with representative sides from Sydney Metro, Brisbane Metro, Tas and the NT. This competition could run alongside the regular comps through the year. Sure would beat the tired Wizard Cup for my money. Other sporting codes provide examples of successful peak competitions featuring community based teams. These competitions serve to complement an ongoing elite competition. In the USA, the NCAA is one of the highest TV rating sports. In England, the FA cup provides a great focus of interest for communities with teams in divisions below the Premier League.
There will be obstacles to staging such a comp. I'm sure. But I think such a comp would heighten community interest in the code, and maintain interest in the Aussie Rules code in areas at times when the local AFL team maybe struggling. Clubs like Port Melb, Sandringham, Claremont, Subiaco, Norwood etc have proud historical traditions and bring something certain AFL teams these days lack - character. They deserve a chance to play on a national stage.
