Figures reveal AFL is failing to win over western Sydney and is massively underestimating the NRL

New statistics reveal the AFL’s massive push into the western suburbs has been a categoric failure with soccer and NRL-sanctioned sports smashing the GWS Giants in nearly every area.

Figures revealed by The Weekend Australian have revealed that just one per cent of participants in sport in the important Parramatta heartland are playing Aussie Rules, compared to a staggering 47 per cent participation rate in soccer and 24 per cent in rugby league when touch football and Oztag are included.

Of 11 sports covered in the participation rates, Aussie Rules sits dead last. 

It’s a hugely disappointing finding considering the AFL has tipped an estimated $200million into the region over the last decade in a bid to gain ground on sports like rugby league and soccer.