AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon has firmly dismissed rugby league commissioner Peter V'landys' recent assertions that the NRL stands as Australia's premier sporting code. Dillon's rebuttal came as he disclosed that Australian rules football authorities are actively pursuing a prominent role for the sport at the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
NRL's Las Vegas Launch Sparks Rivalry Remarks
The National Rugby League commenced its 2025 season with a high-profile opening weekend in Las Vegas, an event that Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys has hailed as a tremendous success. The venture attracted record viewership and generated substantial financial returns, bolstering V'landys' confidence in the code's dominance.
While celebrating in Las Vegas, V'landys directed several pointed comments toward the Australian Football League, noting that rugby league had introduced its own State of Origin match this season. He provocatively claimed that the NRL leads the AFL "like you lead a horse," suggesting the Australian rules competition consistently follows rugby league's innovations.
Dillon's Confident Response and Olympic Ambitions
Andrew Dillon maintains an unwavering belief that Australian rules football represents Australia's finest and most popular sport. However, he acknowledged admiration for the NRL's execution of its Las Vegas spectacle, stating he watched portions of the broadcast and recognized their organizational proficiency.
"I saw a little bit of the NRL's Vegas games on television yesterday, and as they've demonstrated in recent years, they executed it very well," Dillon remarked. "It's an effective method for them to launch their season. We approach things differently."
Dillon confirmed that AFL officials have engaged in preliminary discussions with Brisbane Olympics organizing committee president Andrew Liveris regarding the inclusion of Australian rules football as an exhibition sport during the 2032 Games. This initiative follows a historical precedent set during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where an AFL exhibition match drew 30,000 spectators to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"We've discussed this at a high level with Andrew Liveris," Dillon revealed. "The reality is there's established precedent for this. Back in 1956 in Melbourne, Australian rules football served as the exhibition sport. I believe our sport deserves that platform, and we'll collaborate closely with the Olympic Committee to determine the appropriate format."
Olympic Committee Open to Both Codes
Andrew Liveris expressed enthusiasm earlier this week for potential collaboration with both the NRL and AFL to arrange exhibition matches during the Olympic tournament. He emphasized the opportunity to showcase Australia's distinctive sporting culture to a global audience.
"The highly visible sports like NRL and AFL, along with others that possess their own unique appeal, present numerous opportunities for display," Liveris stated. "Exhibition games offer a way to genuinely showcase our national identity in a manner that aligns with their schedules."
Meanwhile, Peter V'landys has previously suggested that a State of Origin match could be staged during the 2032 Olympics, indicating both codes see the event as a valuable platform for international exposure.
Defending AFL's Strategic Approaches
Andrew Dillon also addressed criticisms regarding the AFL's Opening Round structure, where not all teams participate on the first weekend. He defended the strategy, highlighting its success in expanding the game's presence in New South Wales and Queensland while maintaining strong attendance figures.
"Our focus on NSW and Queensland through Opening Round has enhanced awareness in those regions without diminishing our round one attendance," Dillon explained. "The past two Round Ones have been our highest attended ever, with over 400,000 spectators each year, including a record 451,000 last year."
Dillon emphasized the importance of New South Wales for the AFL's continued growth, noting that Opening Round plays a crucial role in increasing awareness, participation, attendance, and viewership across both New South Wales and Queensland.
State of Origin Evolution and Player Feedback
Regarding the AFL's State of Origin match between Western Australia and Victoria, Dillon reported positive feedback from participating players, though they expressed a desire for extended preparation time. He indicated the concept would continue developing over the next three to five years, without confirming whether an Allies team featuring Queensland and New South Wales players would definitely participate.
"The players indicated they would have preferred more time in camp," Dillon noted. "They accomplished significant objectives in training, team bonding, and community engagements like school visits. We'll refine these aspects, but State of Origin is certainly here to stay in some form. I've observed that both the All Stars last year and Origin this year function well during the pre-season period."
As both sporting codes pursue innovative strategies for growth and global recognition, the rivalry between the AFL and NRL continues to intensify, with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics emerging as a potential showcase for Australia's unique football traditions.
