Interesting overview of how AFL/NRL dominates, but one would suggest, in the past and for the medium term this will change.

On data, Australia is ageing (see third tier in regions...) with nowadays many rusted on legacy media viewers (and common tvs), the AFL has spruiked 'audience' numbers (required for advertising) and blocking moves on competitive threats i.e. football e.g. AFLX (to try occupy rectangular stadia), then WAFL usurping existing women's leagues (in Melbourne) and poaching women from other codes.

One does not bat an eyelid now at primary and/or high school, alternating between codes, thanks to more exposure and interest beyond traditional sports; this may take another generation to really become apparent.

However, for a young woman or man wanting to participate in a well remunerated (outside of elites) global sporting career, football and basketball are the way to go.