Hi Cam, fair comment re Finland but I think the more correct term is "re-developing" having had national competition drop away significantly a few years back until the Heatseekers were close to being the only viable club. But credit to those running the game to get competition back, promote development of the teams in Turku and Vaasa and at the same time feed the Icebreakers. They have worked to promote 'friendlies' against St Petersburg and have worked hard to be back at Euro for first time since 2013 I think. But agree, they really aren't on of the developing nations. Also think it was great to see Switzerland and Poland, but most impressed with Russia's performance - great work having been done in St Petersburg and Moscow in the past few years.

Organic development is mis-understood to some degree. Many people asume linear development to be the norm whereas in reality it is a series of quantum leaps based upon critical mass. That is why 9-a-side football is popular overseas with 18-a-side reserved for representitive football.

Overseas development is the direct opposite to that of Australia. An overseas country starts with a national side, then a national league and then develops into city leagues. The development of a country is not neccessarily shown as the strength of the national side but the depth of the competition.

When numbers are small then any changes in numbers will have a dramatic effect. Australian football overseas is getting progressively less affected by the movements of expats.

It's unfortunate that Australian Football has been able to maintain all the good starts but overall it's a very plaeasin scenario for "organic growth". The Euro Cup is showing the way to showcase and promote growth. AFL Asia has been another surprising development. Looking towards 2020 International Cup we have to look at maximise the effect of this event. Having the greatest participation would go a long way but I can think of many angles in this respect.