Yea interesting. I think there’s probably useful/indicative information in there but probably also a fair bit of noise in that data.
For example I doubt those Avondale viewership numbers are a good indicator of interest in Avondale, they certainly don’t garner more interest than Sydney united. Maybe you could argue just the beneficiaries there of general league viewership. You’d imagine gambling might also have a part to play in some of these views.
Have touched on it before though, putting aside the sickos and passionate fans which exist everywhere, no doubt general sports viewership overall is higher in vic than elsewhere. Have always felt that without wanting to offend anyone..given it’s probably the least “naturally gifted” part of Australia re outdoor recreational activities, weather etc you really have to have a hobby to dive into in Melbourne, especially to get through the winter months/the colder half of the year. For many blokes that’s latching onto sports/ sports clubs, usually afl. Especially back in the day when these cultures were developing. Wtf else were you gonna do. For other people they latch on to politics or food or whatever.
Your average Sydneysider is more likely to see sport as one of many potential entertainment options available to them and will often choose to do something else like go to the beach etc if it’s a nice day, and less likely to attach their core identity to a sports club etc. again, that natural setting is probably part why many justify paying the increased housing costs, they’re gonna make the most of it. they’ll go to/watch a game when it’s a big match and it suits rather than locking it in as essential weekly viewing.
Again, this is averages across a population level, there’s plenty of passionate sport people everywhere
but I also see the obvious good in the league too. When it's only one-eyed vitriol coming out then the credibility of the rants vaporises and it loses meaning, I can't remember a positive thing that's been said about A-League. Yeah "performative" would be accurate. Other posts are very often informative and I enjoy, I repost them here quite a bit.
