The world of Australian Rules football is experiencing a shift, with the SANFL emerging as a refreshing alternative to the AFL's recent controversies.
A Growing Alternative
In a time when the AFL has faced criticism for its broadcasting decisions and rule interpretations, the SANFL has quietly thrived. With a focus on simplicity and tradition, the SANFL has seen a steady rise in attendance and television viewership since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The numbers speak for themselves: a 266,995 crowd in 2024, up from 110,777 in 2020, and a significant increase in viewers for Channel 7's weekly SANFL telecasts. Even the league's streaming service, SANFL Now, hit a record high last weekend.
AFL Fans' Frustrations
Conversely, AFL fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of the game. According to Ron Issko, president of the AFL Fans Association, crowd attendance is down, and fan satisfaction is at an all-time low.
The reasons for this discontent are varied. Fans are frustrated with initiatives like Opening Round and the floating fixture, which they believe prioritize broadcasters over the interests of players and supporters. The AFL Review Centre's lengthy score reviews and controversial interventions have also drawn criticism.
Additionally, the modern interpretation of the 'holding the ball' rule has left fans and players confused and exasperated. As Mr. Issko puts it, 'No one understands it; players don't understand it, fans don't understand it.'
SANFL's Simple Approach
SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler attributes the league's success to its straightforward rules and philosophy. While the SANFL's rules are similar to the AFL's, the key difference lies in their simplicity.
For instance, the SANFL's last possession rule applies to the entire oval, making it easier for umpires to administer. Free kicks are also earned, not easily handed out, reducing questionable moments that can change the game's outcome.
'Our umpires are not the focus of the game; the players are,' Chandler says. 'If our umpires aren't noticed, that's a good thing.'
Tradition vs. Technology
The SANFL's success highlights the power of tradition and simplicity in a sport that is increasingly scrutinized by technology and media. While the AFL faces challenges with score reviews and technological advancements, the SANFL benefits from its semi-professional status, which reduces the pressure and scrutiny on the league and its umpires.
'Running the AFL competition is a very complex operation,' Chandler acknowledges. 'They probably don't have any hope of trying to get away from score reviews because the technology will just keep coming.'
A League with History
The SANFL's history dates back to 1877, making it one of the oldest football leagues in Australia. It enjoyed immense popularity throughout the 1900s, especially in the 60s and 70s, when over a million people attended games in a single season. The league still holds the record for the most significant attendance at Adelaide Oval, with 62,543 fans packing the stadium for the 1965 Port Adelaide vs. Sturt grand final.
A Bright Future
Despite financial challenges in the past, the SANFL is now debt-free, thanks to the sale of its land at the former Football Park site and good financial management. The league's clubs have also made significant strides in reducing their debt.
Looking ahead, the SANFL aims to continue its growth and maintain its focus on providing an attractive match-day experience, particularly for young families.
In conclusion, the SANFL's success story serves as a reminder of the importance of tradition, simplicity, and fan engagement in sports. As the AFL grapples with the complexities of modern broadcasting and technology, the SANFL offers a refreshing alternative, proving that sometimes less is more.
