Spot on Brendan. I asked a similar question myself. The AFL does a lot to promote a slob culture among the fans. I find it disturbing how much alcohol and gambling advertising children are exposed to when they go to the footy or watch it on TV. The lack of healthy food at the footy is also a concern. For anyone who's on a diet or just on a healthy diet the AFL doesn't offer much to eat aside from fat, salt and sugar drenched swill. And given the high levels of obesity among children these days I think it’s counterproductive for AFL clubs to run footy clinics for kids that are sponsored by fast food chains like McDonalds. It sends the wrong message.

Brendan, you have nailed it. This is a very important issue for all sporting codes. True fans don't love AFL for how much they might be able to win by betting on a game, they love it for the game itself - the skill of the players, the excitement, being part of the atmosphere at the ground. If AFL becomes a facilitator of gambling, the soul of the game will be lost. If that happens, fans will leave in droves.....

betting and booze + advertising = direct and narrow revenue Vs indirect and deep/broad costs. As we aim for a better balance in this equation, the challenge stems from it being an essentially destructive rather than creative tension that the AFL needs to deal with.

Brilliant question- I am completely gobb-smacked by the commercials presented during the footy- drinking, gambling, junk food and advertisments that objectifiy women (particularly that ad for Brut deoderant). The AFL has something to answer for this.

Prime Example: Collingwood's Heath Shaw is suspended for 8 weeks for betting on a game.Collingwood's major sponsors is TAB Sportsbet.

I agree completely Brendan, particularly gambling - I have specifically noticed the big increase over the past few years, promoting betting with odds far more prominently displayed. This, I feel, shifts and changes the culture and the focus of interest in the game. 'Beer pies and football' have always gone together as a part of its culture, however the AFL could work certainly work harder at counteracting irresponsible drinking (within its own as well!) to balance somehow their income derived from alcohol. You have my vote!