Can the AFL's Gather Round reconnect with suburban and country footy more successfully than previous attempts?

The AFL is a long way from its country roots these days. (Getty Images: Michael Dodge)

Footy has always had an intrinsic relationship with space. The origins of the game, right to the first game, have foundations in paddocks and parklands.

Of all the codes of modern football, the Australian game requires the most real estate to play.