Sydney launch for 2012 AFL Premiership

As the GWS Giants' approach their inaugural match against Sydney Swans on Saturday, the AFL held its season launch in Sydney last night (Thursday).
Speaking at the launch at the Sydney Town Hall, a concilliatory AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou spoke of his belief that all football codes can flourish in Sydney, seeking to reassure rival codes that AFL's expansion was "not an invasion".
Demetriou stated "the greater Sydney region is a melting pot of great cultures ... those who have come to this city from all parts of Australia, and those who have come from other lands.
"And it is also a melting pot of great sporting codes - Australian football, rugby league, rugby and soccer.
"Tonight's launch is not an invasion, putting Australian football ahead of those codes; of course we believe we are the greatest sport on the planet, but so, too, do those in this room who love the rugby codes, and those who love the round-ball game.
"We have always believed we cannot only co-exist in Sydney and Brisbane - as can the other sporting codes in Melbourne and Adelaide and Perth and Darwin - but that we can all flourish, presenting our codes to those who love the way we play our games."
Demetriou added "the Sydney Swans have forged a place in the Sydney sporting landscape, as a respected team, and a great club with great leadership and perspective.
"I know the Giants will gain a similar foothold in the west of this city, no doubt creating a character and somewhat larrikin relationship with their fans based on the remarkable character of their coach and great trumpeter Kevin Sheedy."
Earlier, in an open letter to AFL supporters published on the AFL website, Demetriou wrote "on behalf of our 18 AFL clubs, the AFL would like to thank the more than seven million Australians whose support, passion, volunteerism and participation help make our game great.
"We hope you share our pride in what Australian Rules football has been able to achieve since its humble origins in Melbourne over 154 years ago.
"Your game has now become Australia's Game.
"As we pause to remember the wonderful contribution of the late Jim Stynes, who lost his courageous battle with cancer earlier this week after a stellar career as a player and then as a community leader, we also look forward to a year which represents a coming of age as we welcome our 18th club, the Greater West Sydney Giants, to the AFL family.
"The Toyota AFL Premiership season kicks off this Saturday night with the much anticipated Opening Round clash between the Giants and their cross-town rivals, the Sydney Swans.
"Over the course of the year, Toyota AFL Premiership season matches will be played in every state and territory, from Cairns to Hobart, Gold Coast to Perth, Adelaide to Darwin, Launceston to Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Our game is now truly Australia-wide.
"Australia's Game continues to provide opportunities for kids from all backgrounds to engage in healthy and active lifestyles. Across the country, community football clubs, schools and NAB AFL Auskick centres are preparing for the season ahead, nurturing and developing the future stars of our game.
"In 2011, 7.48 million people attended Toyota AFL Premiership season matches and about the same number attended matches involving the more than 2,500 community clubs which field more than 12,300 teams each week of the season in 273 leagues around Australia.
"Of course, Australia's Game continues to face challenges.
"We need to build 18 strong AFL clubs, bed down expansion, and strengthen the community base whilst keeping the game spectacular, affordable and accessible for all. We also need to protect the integrity of the game and make the necessary decisions for the long term.
"But we can tackle these challenges with confidence."