- Johns has no doubt the NRL is the main football code in Sydney
- Follow commentary from AFL 360 reporter Mark Robinson
Rugby league legend Matty Johns has scoffed at suggestions that the AFL will eventually become Sydney’s main football code, stating that many Swans fans only attend home games at the SCG “to be seen.”
Fox Sports’ identity was not yet finalized, stating that many fans dressed in red and white often “turn their backs” on the live action.
Johns’ cruel spray comes after veteran football reporter Mark Robinson boldly declared on AFL 360 earlier this week: “Before we die, the AFL will take over rugby league in Sydney.” I’m telling you.’
Robinson’s statement was described as “delusional” by ARLC president Peter V’landys, who noted the AFL’s poor television ratings in Sydney during the finals series which also featured the GWS Giants.
The war of words between Australia’s two major football codes comes as the Swans prepare to take on the Brisbane Lions this Saturday in the grand final.
More than 100,000 fans will pack the MCG for a clash that will feature two interstate teams for the first time since 2006.
It remains to be seen whether Johns, a premiership winner with the Knights in 1997, will sit through the contest, but he made his thoughts known on SEN Radio.
“The stuff in the paper that they (AFL) put out (saying), ‘Look at our crowd, it’s only a matter of time before they take over the NRL’, my God, what a joke,” Johns said.
Rugby league legend Matty Johns has scoffed at suggestions that the AFL will eventually become Sydney’s main sport, declaring that Swans fans only attend home games at the SCG “to be seen.” “.
Johns’ cruel spray comes after veteran football reporter Mark Robinson (pictured) boldly declared on AFL 360 earlier this week: “Before we die, the AFL will take over rugby league in “Sydney.”
Swans fans were in a celebrating mood after beating Port Adelaide in the preliminary final at the SCG on September 20 (pictured) to reach another grand final.
‘Only people who don’t understand the mentality of Sydney people would say that.
‘(They drew) 48,000 Swans fans, good for them… if you counted the faces it would be (only) 10,000.
“Everyone is there to be seen, there are people who turn their backs on the sport.”
Johns noted the fanaticism of NRL fans in western Sydney, referencing the Panthers, Tigers and Bulldogs, who he felt “wouldn’t even know what the AFL is”.
He admitted that he “respects the players in this sport”; his complaint was directed at code administrators and, largely, the Melbourne-based media.
“I find them naive and disrespectful of our city and our culture,” Johns said.
‘(Brownlow Medal winner) Patrick Cripps could turn up at my back door and say, ‘Hey, how are you?… I wouldn’t have a clue who he is.’